Some standouts (and letdowns) from NBA summer league, including the Celtics' Baylor Scheierman
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Yuki Kawamura, Chicago
The Japanese point guard, who almost singlehandedly beat France in the Paris Olympics last summer, wowed crowds with his flashy passes. Kawamura was on a two-way contract last season with the Grizzlies but made a bid for a standard NBA contract. Although Kawamura is a dazzling passer, he struggled on offense, which has been the primary reason he has not played considerable NBA minutes. But he showed the ability to control the game and made a positive impression.
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Cooper Flagg, Dallas
Limited to two games because the Mavericks didn't want to risk injury with their
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Dylan Harper, San Antonio
For those who didn't watch much of Rutgers last season, Harper may have entered summer league as a mystery but he possesses great floor vision, athleticism, and the ability to score in the paint. Harper is a potential star. While he didn't post the best statistics in the two games, Harper's upside was apparent and he should play immediately for the Spurs.
Yang Hansen was one of the stars of summer league.
Charles Bassey, Boston
Coming out of nowhere to join the Celtics summer squad, Bassey dominated in his three-game appearance before leaving the team for other commitments. It's believed Bassey wanted to use summer league as a showcase. Bassey, a physical big man, dominated the paint, was decent on defense, and scored easily around the rim. He was one of the best bigs on the floor in summer league and should garner a minimum guaranteed contract.
Kyle Filipowski, Utah
After averaging nearly 10 points and six rebounds as a rookie, Filipowski should have been one of the best players in summer league and he was. He led Las Vegas in scoring with 29.3 points, shooting 39.1 percent from the 3-point line. The Jazz have undergone a facelift in their rebuild and Filipowski should be a key piece in the middle.
Nique Clifford, Sacramento
The Kings drafted the veteran college player for the express purpose of contributing immediately. And he was sparkling, averaging 18.5 points and shooting 52.9 percent from the 3-point line. The swingman also added six rebounds and five assists, giving the retooling Kings hope.
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Cody Williams, Utah
The 10th overall pick from 2024 showed he needed more development as a rookie but played more confidently this summer and could earn more minutes under Will Hardy. He averaged 19 points, 4 rebounds, and nearly 3 assists for the Jazz, who are also integrating Ace Bailey, Isaiah Collier, Keyonte George, Filipowski, and Walter Clayton Jr. into their system in what is an intriguing younger core. Williams could be one of those key pieces.
NEEDS SOME WORK
There were a couple of disappointments, especially some second-year players who struggled mightily despite their experience.
Dalton Knecht, Lakers
Not sure what happened to that sharpshooter who made nine threes in a game last season but Knecht was a nonfactor for the Lakers despite playing extensively in the first half of his rookie season. Knecht shot just 23.8 percent from the 3-point line in his three summer games and 28 percent overall. Things haven't been the same for Knecht since he was
Baylor Scheierman, Boston
There are minutes available for Scheierman this season with all the injuries and departures in Boston but he has struggled to shoot, which was supposed to be his best attribute. He went 8 for 39 from beyond the arc in four games and shot 27.4 percent overall. Many of his 3-point looks were open, which has to be a concern for the Boston brass.
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Gary Washburn is a Globe columnist. He can be reached at
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USA Today
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- USA Today
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