The Most Hyped NBA Summer League Debuts of the Past Decade

This was a toss-up between Winslow and Jahlil Okafor.

While Okafor was the higher-touted prospect entering the NBA, Winslow had more eyes on him due to his slip to No. 10 in the draft a few weeks prior. To add more pressure to Winslow, it was discovered that the Celtics offered six draft picks (four first-rounders) to the Hornets on draft night. Charlotte had the No. 9 pick but declined, allowing Miami to pick Winslow.

Unfortunately for the Duke alumnus, he never found footing in the NBA. Winslow would play for four teams in eight seasons and found himself out of the NBA at the age of 26.

2016 – Ben Simmons

• 4 games
• 12.3 points
• 7.8 rebounds
• 5.5 assists
• 41/0/62 splits

Ben Simmons was touted as the next LeBron James upon his arrival in the NBA.

In his first action of professional basketball, Simmons showcased a playmaking ability not seen from a point-forward since the King. Unfortunately for Simmons and Sixers fans, he fractured his right foot during training camp, ending his rookie season before it began. Simmons would win the Rookie of the Year Award the subsequent season and was well on his way to a Hall of Fame career before effort, injury, and mentality concerns got the better of him.

If only he dunked that ball over Trae Young in the 2021 playoffs.

2017 – Lonzo Ball

• 6 games
• 16.3 points
• 9.3 assists
• 7.7 rebounds
• 38/24/77 splits

Perhaps the most anticipated Summer League debut since LeBron. Lonzo had the flair and style that promised showtime basketball back in Tinseltown. Add to that the brashness of Lonzo’s father, Lavar, and Ball had the NBA media in a frenzy anytime he touched the ball.

Lonzo’s debut was so hyped that it outshone the other Lakers, creating perhaps the greatest Summer League roster the event has ever seen. Lonzo would win the Summer League MVP, and the Lakers would go on to win the 2017 Summer League Championship led by Kyle Kuzma.

In hindsight, this was the peak of the Lonzo era in LA.

2018 – Trae Young

• 4 games
• 17.0 points
• 6.8 assists
• 1.5 steals
• 38/39/87 splits

All eyes were on the Oklahoma point guard after the Hawks inexplicably traded Luka Doncic for Young on draft night.

Young was a virtual unknown coming into college, but quickly established himself as an elite prospect leading D-I men’s basketball in points and assists in his lone season as a Sooner. Young’s bravado and Curry-esque skill set made him a must-see.

Many of his critics quickly silenced themselves when Young showcased his elite shooting and playmaking ability in his professional debut.

2019 – Zion Williamson

• 1 game
• 11 points
• 3 rebounds
• 1 steal
• 4/9 FG

Two years after Lonzo’s debut dominated the NBA media, Zion Williamson took it further by commanding the attention of the entire sports media ecosystem.

Zion became a human highlight reel during his time in high school, and in his lone season at Duke, he became only the third* freshman to win the Wooden Award, joining Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant. Williamson quickly established himself on a different playing field from his competition. He looked like a man among boys out there. His only Summer League game was postponed in the fourth quarter due to an earthquake. That dominance has translated to the NBA, but injuries and poor conditioning have prevented Zion from reaching his full potential.

*Cooper Flagg would become the fourth Duke freshman to win the Wooden Award

2020 – N/A

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the NBA to cancel the Summer League in 2020.

2021 – Jalen Green

• 3 games
• 20.3 points
• 4.3 rebounds
• 2.0 assists
• 51/53/93 splits

This spot could’ve gone to Cade Cunningham as both prospects went No. 1 and 2 overall in the 2021 Draft.

However, Green’s game relies more on athleticism and isolation ball, while Cade is a steady force. Green’s nuclear athleticism, combined with his propensity for tunnel vision, makes him an ideal Summer League watch. Green also forwent his college eligibility to become the first player to sign with and be drafted from the NBA G League Ignite.

Immediately, Green established himself as a high-level scorer and looked like a pro the moment he stepped on the court. His propensity for highlight-worthy plays has translated to the NBA, but his efficiency and overall basketball intangibles have not.

2022 – Chet Holmgren

• 3 games
• 12.0 points
• 7.7 rebounds
• 4.3 stocks
• 46/43/88 splits

A year before Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren was seen as the next NBA unicorn.

His blend of size, athleticism, shot creation, defensive versatility, and motor made him one of the more intriguing prospects in recent NBA history. At Gonzaga, Holmgren established himself as the most pro-ready NBA prospect. Unfortunately for Chet, his rookie season, like Simmons came to an end before it began. The big man underwent foot surgery that postponed his NBA debut by a season.

Three years later, Holmgren has become an integral piece for the potential next NBA dynasty in Oklahoma City.

2023 – Victor Wembanyama

• 2 games
• 18.0 points
• 10.0 rebounds
• 4.0 blocks
• 41/30/69 splits

Wemby’s combination of skill and physical traits has never been seen before. In 2007, Kevin Durant dazzled NBA audiences by showcasing a guard skillset in a seven-footer’s body. 15 years later, Wemby would take it a step further by taking those same skills in a 7-foot-4 frame. Victor Wembanyama’s Summer League debut was not only a spectacle but also a turning point in the NBA. The moment he stepped onto the court, Wemby established himself as the future of the league and a nightmare for 29 organizations.

Kai Jones’s dunk in Wemby’s debut did give the haters something, though.

2024 – Bronny James

• 4 games
• 8.8 points
• 3.5 rebounds
• 1.0 assists
• 35/16/100 splits

Bronny’s spot on this list is two-fold.

First, the 2024 NBA draft did not have any superstar prospects like years previous. It was seen as a step down talent-wise, which had NBA media clamoring for someone to focus the attention on.

Second, Bronny is the son of arguably the most famous athlete on the planet. Bronny’s scrutiny will never be justified for the level of player he is. However, James Jr.’s ability to tune out the critics is perhaps his greatest strength. There will never be another 55th pick with so much pressure.

2025 – Cooper Flagg

Zion Williamson’s hype stemmed from one of the greatest freshman seasons in Duke history, culminating in a Wooden Award.

Last season, Cooper Flagg became the fourth freshman to win the Wooden Award. Flagg’s two-way ability and elite motor give Mavs fans a glimpse of hope after the season from hell.

It remains to be seen how effective an NBA player Flagg will be. However, one thing is assured: the Maine event will bring his popularity and flair to the Summer League like those before him.