Who has showed out so far at NBA Summer League?

Furphy wasn’t just creating memes, though. The 20-year-old posted 15 points, six boards and two each of assists, steals and blocks against the Bulls, right in line with his Summer League averages of 16 points, 6.3 rebounds, a block and 1.7 steals.

Nique Clifford – Sacramento Kings

The 23-year-old wing could have been a borderline top 10 draftee on sheer ability alone, but his age (23) saw him drop to the 24th selection. Sacramento, laden with veteran performers, needed a plug-and-play draftee. Through two Summer League games, Clifford looks the part.

Clifford posted 18 points, eight boards and four assists per game in Summer League, attacking the rim relentlessly, keeping the ball moving and playing versatile defense.

Perhaps the only thing holding Clifford back from immediate rotation minutes is Sacramento’s logjam on the wing.

Liam McNeeley – Charlotte Hornets

Drafted with the next-to-last pick of the first round, the 19-year-old Texan made an immediate impact in Summer League, pouring in 22 points and 12 rebounds off the bench against Utah. He followed that up with a starting gig against Philadelphia, supplying 14 points, five rebounds and steal.

Despite good size, a laser of an outside shot and solid hoops IQ, McNeely’s less than ideal athleticism may find him wanting at the next level. That said, he flashed serious two-way potential at Summer League, particularly with his off-ball movement and weakside defensive positioning.

Joan Beringer – Minnesota Timberwolves

Rudy Gobert’s understudy took all of a few seconds to make his presence known, blocking two shots on his first defensive possession on his way to six rejections, 11 points and eight rebounds against New Orleans.

Tremendously raw, requiring far more seasoning than even Gobert did early in his career, Beringer nevertheless demonstrated the sheer athleticism and fluidity that moved the Wolves to select him.

Beringer won’t turn 19 until November. The upside with this young man is absurd.

Reed Sheppard – Houston Rockets

We know he can shoot, but Sheppard has clearly been working on his defense, imperative if he hopes to carve out a rotation place under Rockets coach Ime Udoka. Against the Clippers, Sheppard had four steals and three blocks alongside 24 points.

Sheppard has always had good defensive instincts, but a pronounced lack of muscle led to him being consistently overwhelmed as a rookie. He looks noticeably stronger in Summer League, backing up his Clippers performance with another four steals and a block against Detroit.

Yang Hansen – Portland Trailblazers

The biggest surprise of the 2025 draft has made Joe Cronin look like a genius. The stats – 8.7 points, five rebounds and 1.7 blocks through three games – don’t exactly leap off the page, but the eye test does justice to his Chinese Jokic moniker.

His sheer size, passing, comfort shooting from deep and his screens and handoff are all reminiscent of a certain Balkan chap back in his youth.