2025 NBA Summer League: Hornets claim title, Filipowski named MVP

The 2025 NBA Summer League concluded with the Charlotte Hornets capturing their first-ever Summer League championship, capping an undefeated 6–0 run by defeating the Sacramento Kings 83–78 in Las Vegas. Rookie Kon Knueppel, the No. 4 overall pick, led the charge with 21 points, five rebounds, and two assists in the final—earning Championship Game MVP honors.

Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz’s Kyle Filipowski was named Summer League MVP after a dominant performance across both Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. He averaged a scorching 29.3 PPG on 56.1% shooting, including 39.1% from deep, supplemented by 9.5 RPG and 2.2 APG in six games. 

Standout Performers & Breakout Names

• Kon Knueppel (Charlotte): Sharp shooting throughout Vegas; his 21-point MVP game solidified his stock.
• Nique Clifford (Kings, First-Team), David Jones-Garcia (Spurs), Jordan Miller (Clippers), Terrence Shannon Jr. (Timberwolves): Earned First-Team honors alongside Filipowski.
• Second-Team selections: Ron Holland (Pistons), Isaac Jones (Kings), Ajay Mitchell (Thunder), KJ Simpson (Hornets), and Knueppel again highlighted.
• Sophomore surges: Utah’s Filipowski, Spurs’ Jones-Garcia, and Portland’s 7′1" Yang Hansen impressed on both ends, debuting as high-upside threats.
• Notable draftees: No.1 pick Cooper Flagg (Mavericks) showed flashes with 20.5 PPG, while San Antonio’s No.2 Dylan Harper displayed guard versatility before exiting with injury.

Champions snapshot

• Title: Charlotte Hornets (6–0)
• Final Score: Hornets 83 – Kings 78
• Championship MVP: Kon Knueppel, Charlotte

All-Summer League Teams

• First Team: Kyle Filipowski (Jazz), Nique Clifford (Kings), David Jones-Garcia (Spurs), Jordan Miller (Clippers), Terrence Shannon Jr (Timberwolves).
• Second Team: Ron Holland (Pistons), Isaac Jones (Kings), Kon Knueppel (Hornets), Ajay Mitchell (Thunder), KJ Simpson (Hornets).

ANALYSIS: The Summer League spotlighted both emerging rookies and returning sophomores set to impact their teams next season. Filipowski showcased NBA readiness – his scoring and efficiency prompting predictions of a key rotation role in Utah. Knueppel’s championship performance makes him a cornerstone for the Hornets’ developmental blueprint. Meanwhile, Yang Hansen and Cooper Flagg provided tantalizing glimpses of potential upside, fueling optimism ahead of training camps. 

The 2025 Summer League delivered a compelling mix of breakout talent and veteran flashes. With Charlotte’s champion crown, Filipowski’s MVP case, and several high-performing rookies emerging, the offseason landscape has gained fresh storylines – setting the stage for the 2025‑26 NBA journey.