These Summer League Performances Were INSANE

Joel Piton
Jul 15
6 min read

Updated: Jul 17

The NBA Summer League is heating up, and it's been captivating. From rookies who debuted on the pro-level stage looking like seasoned vets, to overlooked second-rounders and undrafted gems making front offices rethink their decisions—this year’s Las Vegas session has been electric. Sophomores are stepping in to remind everyone what a year of growth can do, creating clear divides in skill and confidence. Meanwhile, some top lottery picks are yet to suit up due to load management and early injuries, leaving fans holding their breath. But make no mistake—Summer League is just getting started. And these are the players who’ve wasted no time showing the world they mean business.

V.J. Edgecombe (PHI) — 28 PTS | 10 REB | 4 AST

Talk about making a statement. In his professional debut—and matched up against fellow standout Ace Bailey—Edgecombe erupted for 28 points and 10 rebounds, turning heads despite the Sixers' narrow four-point loss. He played with confidence well beyond his years, attacking the rim with authority and punishing defenders who gave him space. Edgecombe didn’t just show up—he arrived, and fans are already buzzing about his upside. Unfortunately a thumb injury has kept him sidelined since.

Liam Mcneeley (CHA) — 22 PTS | 12 REB | 6 AST

Coming off the bench in his Summer League debut, the former UConn 3&D specialist wasted no time making an impact. McNeeley poured in 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in a statement win over the Jazz, displaying a clean, trademark shooting stroke with three triples. But it wasn’t just the scoring—his willingness to make the extra pass and stay active on both ends proved he’s more than just a shooter. Not a bad first showing at all.

Nae'Qwan Tomlin (CLE) — 30 PTS | 5 REB | 12-16 FG

In just his second Summer League run, Tomlin looked every bit like a player ready to crack a permanent rotation. The Cleveland forward dropped a smooth 30 points in a narrow loss to Indiana, putting on a clinic with lefty layups, corner threes, and crafty finishes around the rim. With only five regular-season games under his belt, Tomlin played like a man on a mission—and if this performance is any indication, he could be a serious weapon off the Cavs' bench this year.

Ryan Nembhard (DAL) — 21 PTS | 5 AST | 8-14 FG

All eyes were on Cooper Flagg’s debut, but it was Ryan Nembhard who stole the show. The rookie guard wasted no time taking over—knocking down midrange jumpers, finishing tough layups, and hitting threes with confidence. With a game that mirrors his older brother’s poise and pace, Nembhard is already looking like a steal for Dallas. He’s quick, shifty, and makes smart reads—exactly the kind of player you want with the ball in his hands. The Mavs may have found their next floor general.

David Jones-Garcia (SAS) — 18 PTS | 7 REB | 9-10 FTM

From the moment he stepped on the floor, Jones Garcia set the tone—and hasn’t looked back. He poured in 18 points in his debut and it was just the beginning. The Spurs wing has scored 20+ in every Summer League outing since, establishing himself as a lethal 3&D threat with surprising versatility. Whether it’s pick-and-pop, driving the lane, or pulling up from deep, he’s doing it all—and making it look easy. Even better? The Spurs are winning, and Jones is leading the charge as their top scorer. This run feels less like a hot streak and more like a breakout in real time.

Judah Mintz (PHI) — 26 PTS | 3 AST | 3 STL

Training alongside No. 3 pick V.J. Edgecombe this summer is clearly paying dividends. Mintz has delivered multiple 20+ point outings, but it was his clutch performance in a nail-biting 91–90 win over the Grizzlies that truly stood out to Sixers fans. With Edgecombe sidelined, Mintz has been taking over down the stretch—becoming the Sixers’ sole scorer in the closing minutes and sealing the deal. Philly may have struck gold twice, uncovering a dynamic backcourt threat who’s proving he can shine with or without the spotlight.

Tyler Burton (MEM) — 23 PTS | 9 REB | 5-7 3PM

Burton didn’t waste a second making his presence felt in his Summer League debut. The 6’7” forward dropped 23 points and drilled five threes, showing off a smooth shooting stroke and pro-ready confidence. Slated to suit up for the Memphis Hustle in the G League this season, Burton’s performance raised eyebrows—if he continues adapting to the pro level this easily, it’s hard to argue he doesn’t deserve a shot with an NBA roster.

Kyle Filipowski (UTA) — 35 PTS | 11 REB | 5-8 3PM

Sophomore forward Kyle Filipowski has been tearing up Summer League, and Monday’s overtime thriller against the Spurs was just the latest chapter. The Jazz big man poured in 35 points, grabbed double-digit boards, and made life miserable for defenders, punishing Diallo from beyond the arc. He drew fouls at will and looked virtually unguardable at times. With multiple 30-point double-doubles under his belt already, Filipowski is making a strong case to be a key piece in Utah’s frontcourt rotation this season.

Cooper Flagg (DAL) — 31 PTS | 4 REB | 8-13 FTM

Two games. That’s all it took for the hype to feel justified. After dropping 31 points in his second Summer League outing, Flagg was promptly shut down—much to the disappointment of fans and analysts who wanted more. But what we did see was enough to turn heads: smooth pull-ups, confident midrange jumpers, high-flying finishes, and a polished three-point stroke. His game feels like a throwback with a modern edge—a rare wrinkle in time. While some argue the sample size was small, Flagg looks more than ready, and the league better be prepared when the lights get real.

Brice Sensabaugh (UTA) — 37 PTS | 4 REB | 13-14 FTM

At this point, Sensabaugh is treating the G League like an open run. Entering his third season, the Jazz forward dropped a scorching 37 points—draining six threes and drawing a parade of free throws—in a narrow 112–111 win over GG Jackson and the Grizzlies. But it wasn’t just buckets; Sensabaugh was a defensive menace, locking in on both ends and playing with the urgency of a guy still fighting for more regular season minutes. Still, after a solid 2024–25 campaign, here’s hoping he brings that same fire he's playing with in the offseason to Utah’s main roster this season—he’s more than earned it.

Devin Carter (SAC) — 30 PTS | 8 REB | 3 STL

After a shoulder injury limited his rookie season in Sacramento, Devin Carter is using Summer League to remind everyone exactly what he’s capable of. In a dominant 17-point win over the Bulls, Carter caught fire—shooting lights out and looking every bit like the offensive weapon Kings fans hoped for. While his athleticism and bounce were no secret at Providence, his shooting touch flew under the radar. Not anymore. Sacramento might have a true sniper emerging off the bench, and Carter’s making his case loud and clear.

Kevin McCullar Jr. (NYK) — 30 PTS | 4 REB | 10-15 FGM

One thing’s clear: Kevin McCullar knows how to put the ball in the basket. The 6’6” Knicks sophomore showed off his scoring instincts in a 30-point outburst against Boston, using his size to get to his spots—whether at the rim or around the free-throw line. He’s still refining his perimeter game, but McCullar already draws fouls with significant ease and consistently finds ways to produce. In a game where he was by far the Knicks’ best option, it’s time New York seriously considers giving him more responsibility off the bench this season. The scoring punch is real.

Drew Timme (BKN) — 30 PTS | 5 REB | 3 AST

The former Gonzaga standout is making the most of his second go-round. After averaging 12 points over nine games with the Nets last season, Timme suited up for Summer League and dropped 30 in a tight loss to the Wizards. He showed off more than just typical post moves and tough finishes inside—he stretched the floor, moved the ball, and flashed a deeper offensive bag than we’ve seen before. With continued growth and consistent production, Timme’s on a clear trajectory toward locking down a permanent role in the league.

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These Summer League performances have been nothing short of lethal—but the real test is still ahead. As the dust settles, the question remains: can these breakout stars carry their momentum into the regular season? For those still grinding without a guaranteed contract, the hope is that their hustle and highlight-worthy play earns them a well-deserved spot on an NBA roster.

The action in Las Vegas is far from over, with more games tipping off throughout the week. Can’t catch them live? Stay locked in with FOSN for full coverage, updates, and highlights. As the championship game draws closer, the intensity is only rising—these young guns are out to prove they belong, and it’s not something you’ll want to miss.