NBA Summer League 2025 Preview: Top Rookies and Breakout Candidates to Watch

By Edcel Panganiban July 04, 2025 09:40

As the NBA Summer League returns in full force this July, basketball fans and analysts alike are gearing up to witness the next wave of NBA talent showcase their skills. The 2025 NBA Summer League, spanning from July 5 through July 20 across multiple venues including the California Classic in San Francisco, the Salt Lake City Summer League, and culminating with the NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas promises to be a thrilling platform for rookies and young players to make their mark.

Top Rookies to Watch

The 2025 draft class arrives with high expectations, featuring several players expected to make immediate impacts. Among the most anticipated is Jaden Brooks, a versatile guard drafted in the lottery by the Memphis Grizzlies. Known for his explosive athleticism and sharp shooting, Brooks is expected to lead Memphis in the Salt Lake City Summer League, where the Grizzlies face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Utah Jazz, and Philadelphia 76ers from July 5 to 8.

Another rookie drawing attention is Elián Torres, selected by the Golden State Warriors. Torres’s blend of size and playmaking ability makes him a natural fit for the Warriors’ fast-paced offense. He will debut during the California Classic at the Chase Center, where the Warriors will face the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and San Antonio Spurs between July 5 and 8. Warriors fans will be eager to see if Torres can follow in the footsteps of past Summer League standouts like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant.

The Philadelphia 76ers also boast a promising rookie in Malik Jefferson, a dynamic forward with a knack for rebounding and defensive versatility. Jefferson will compete in the Salt Lake City Summer League and later in Las Vegas, providing multiple opportunities to impress the coaching staff and fans.

Breakout Candidates

Summer League isn’t just about rookies; it’s a proving ground for young players seeking to elevate their careers. Keep an eye on Tariq Evans of the Dallas Mavericks, who showed flashes of scoring and defensive potential last season but struggled with consistency. The Mavericks will participate in the Las Vegas Summer League from July 10 to 20, where Evans hopes to solidify his role.

Similarly, Jamal Carter of the Utah Jazz, known for his tenacity and three-point shooting, is poised for a breakout. With the Jazz hosting the Salt Lake City Summer League, Carter’s familiarity with the environment could be a boost as he looks to carve out a larger role.

What to Expect

The 2025 Summer League schedule is packed with exciting matchups. The California Classic kicks off on July 5 with Miami Heat facing the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors battling the Los Angeles Lakers. Meanwhile, the Salt Lake City Summer League features a round-robin tournament among the Jazz, Grizzlies, Thunder, and 76ers.

The marquee NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas runs from July 10 to 20 at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion on the UNLV campus, featuring all 30 NBA teams. This event has historically been a launchpad for future stars like Jaylen Brown, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokić. Fans can expect a showcase of raw talent, competitive spirit, and glimpses of the NBA’s future.

NBA analyst Rachel Nichols recently commented, “Summer League is where potential meets opportunity. It’s a chance for rookies and young players to stake their claim and for teams to evaluate talent in live-game situations. This year’s crop looks especially promising.”

Broadcast and Tickets

Games will be televised on ESPN, NBA TV, and local sports networks, with streaming options available on ESPN+ and NBA League Pass. Tickets for the Las Vegas Summer League are available through NBAEvents.com, offering fans a chance to witness the next generation of NBA stars up close.

The 2025 NBA Summer League promises to be a thrilling showcase of emerging talent. From highly touted rookies like Jaden Brooks and Elián Torres to breakout hopefuls such as Tariq Evans and Jamal Carter, the summer stage will offer plenty of excitement and insight into the league’s future. As the games tip off, fans and scouts alike will be watching closely to see who will seize their moment and make a lasting impression.