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New York Times
25-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Quick thoughts on Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper and each 2025 draft pick in NBA Summer League
NBA Summer League was the first opportunity for this year's rookie class to don their new team colors and get on the floor. In a little more than two months, training camps will be underway. Obviously, we take summer league with a grain of salt. It is a spectacle that features bad shot selection, excessive fouling, ghastly assist-turnover ratios, elementary levels of defensive attention and substandard shooting. Advertisement With those caution labels applied, here's an assessment of how each of the 2025 NBA Draft picks looked this month, with a brief take on their role in summer league and what may be in store for them in the fall. 1. Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks: Flagg had a rough time making shots in his summer-league opener while starting at power forward. But despite missing 16 of 21 shots against the Los Angeles Lakers (including all five 3s), he had only one turnover while mixing in four assists and three steals. The shot fell two days later against the San Antonio Spurs, and that was all Dallas needed to see, resting Flagg for the last three games. Expect Flagg to start at small forward next to Anthony Davis and a center and to be used frequently on the ball; the Mavericks should be trying to find Flagg on fast breaks as often as possible. 2. Dylan Harper, Spurs: Harper missed the first five games with a groin injury before debuting against Flagg while starting at point guard. Like Flagg, he played only two games and didn't have the cleanest offensive output: a 4:7 assist-turnover ratio while making only 34.5 percent of his 29 shots and only 1-of-9 3s. Harper's last bucket was clutch, though: a sideline out of bounds where he squared up Elijah Harkless at the elbow and hit a game-tying field goal to force overtime. Harper should compete with Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell to see who starts next to De'Aaron Fox to open the season in San Antonio. 3. VJ Edgecombe, Philadelphia 76ers: Edgecombe started at shooting guard in Salt Lake City before missing games with a thumb injury. He came back against the Washington Wizards and resumed his parade to the free-throw line while rebounding, distributing and defending. He didn't shoot the 3 well (2-of-13), but he took good care of the ball while operating heavily out of ball screens. He should compete for a starting job at shooting guard in Philadelphia. Advertisement 4. Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets: Knueppel was the only rookie to make the All-Summer League second team and one of only two rookies to make any of the summer-league teams. He started at small forward and shooting guard, missed only one game because of an ankle injury and was the MVP of the championship game against the Sacramento Kings. He was significantly more effective off the ball and on the fast break than on the ball, though he also dished out 18 assists in five games. Knueppel was good defensively, too, and should compete for a starting role next to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. 5. Ace Bailey, Utah Jazz: Bailey started at power forward next to 2024 picks Cody Williams and Kyle Filipowski but missed the Las Vegas games with a right hip injury. He struggled mightily against Edgecombe and the Sixers (eight points on 3-of-13 shooting) before bouncing back against the Memphis Grizzlies for 18 points on 7-of-14 shooting. Bailey didn't have a single turnover while making 4 of 10 3s. He should be a good fit for Utah's body-movement offense and should start at small forward next to Lauri Markkanen. 6. Tre Johnson, Wizards: Johnson started at shooting guard next to 2024 lottery pick Bub Carrington in his summer-league opener. He was very efficient as a scorer, making 14 of 24 shots overall and 5 of 11 3s. He only posted a 3:5 assist-turnover ratio, so he's better suited to focus on getting his own shot right now. CJ McCollum likely starts at one guard spot in Washington, leaving Johnson and Carrington to battle for the other. 7. Jeremiah Fears, New Orleans Pelicans: Zero Fears, zero missed games. The Pelicans' rookie started all five games at point guard and was the only lottery pick with perfect attendance on the court in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, that also came with zero wins. He had a particularly rough game against the Lakers, missing 16 of 21 shots (like Flagg did), 6 of 7 3s, compiling six personal fouls and having three turnovers with … zero assists. Overall, Fears made only 40 percent from the field and had a 13:25 assist-turnover ratio while missing 18 of 22 3s. Dejounte Murray is still recovering from an Achilles tendon tear, but Fears is likely backing up Jordan Poole to begin the season in New Orleans. 8. Egor Demin, Brooklyn Nets: He started the first summer-league game at shooting guard next to Nolan Traoré before starting at point guard against the Wizards with Tyson Etienne and TJ Bamba on the wings. Demin shot the 3 well (10-of-23, 43.5 percent), which raises his floor, but he made only one basket inside the arc in three games while compiling a 4:9 assist-turnover ratio. He should be the front-runner to start at point guard in Brooklyn, but don't be surprised if he isn't particularly on-ball dominant at the beginning of the season. Advertisement 9. Collin Murray-Boyles, Toronto Raptors: Murray-Boyles missed the first summer-league game with an adductor strain and started at power forward next to Jamison Battle. He's certainly active defensively, compiling seven steals and four blocks in four games, and had 12 offensive rebounds. Murray-Boyles didn't shoot well and had an 8:10 assist-turnover ratio, so he's not going to be asked to create. His points are going to come from running, rolling and crashing. He should be the first big off the bench in Toronto. 10. Khaman Maluach, Phoenix Suns: Maluach started at center and launched six 3s in his first summer-league game, making only one of them. That's kind of how it went for Maluach, as nearly half of his 28 field-goal attempts were 3s, and he made only three of them. He only had a 1:7 assist-turnover ratio as well, so it's going to take him some time offensively, though he blocked four shots. Maluach will likely be Mark Williams' backup next season. 11. Cedric Coward, Grizzlies: Coward missed summer league to protect his surgically repaired left shoulder, but he should be ready for training camp. He should slot in as a reserve wing in Memphis. 12. Noa Essengue, Chicago Bulls: Essengue started at power forward, initially next to 2024 lottery pick Matas Buzelis. He had some unfortunate moments, starting with a zero-assist, seven-turnover opener and then getting dunked on so bad by Johnny Furphy that he broke 'SportsCenter.' Essengue missed the final game with a quadriceps contusion. It wasn't all bad, as he had a double-double against the Kings in under 20 minutes and had 21 points on 7-of-14 shooting against Furphy's Pacers. Unless Buzelis moves to small forward, there is a logjam at power forward with Patrick Williams still on the team, and that makes Essengue's early pathway toward minutes murky. 13. Derik Queen, Pelicans: Queen started at power forward next to Yves Missi and played three games before suffering a torn ligament in his left wrist that required surgery and will possibly delay the start of his season. That is disappointing, but Queen is legitimately skilled and versatile offensively, operating on both sides of pick-and-rolls, facing up and posting up. He had way too many turnovers (17) and made only 43.8 percent of his shots, but he also attempted 18 free throws and grabbed 32 rebounds. There's a lot to explore here for New Orleans once Queen gets healthy. 14. Carter Bryant, Spurs: Bryant started at power forward, small forward and shooting guard. You're probably going to need a screen to get away from Bryant's defense, and he challenged shots well enough to pile up 10 blocks in six games. He had a tough time offensively, making only 28 percent of his 50 shot attempts while making only 25 percent of his 32 3s, and he had way too many turnovers for an off-ball player (18). There are a lot of wings in San Antonio (Vassell, Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson, Julian Champagnie) who will make it challenging for Bryant to get minutes early. 15. Thomas Sorber, Oklahoma City Thunder: Sorber missed summer league to continue rehabilitation from the February surgery on his left foot. He's expected to be the third center behind Isaiah Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams in Oklahoma City. 16. Yang Hansen, Portland Trail Blazers: Yang was arguably the most skilled center offensively among the rookies. He racked up 15 assists in four games, although he also had 15 turnovers. Yang can operate inverted pick-and-rolls, though he is most effective rolling to the basket. He also blocked eight shots. Portland drafted premier rim protector Donovan Clingan in last year's lottery and still has Robert Williams, so the Blazers can take their time with Yang. Advertisement 17. Joan Beringer, Minnesota Timberwolves: Beringer started at center and blocked six shots in his first game, catching Pelicans Fears and Missi twice each and Queen once. Nothing flashy here: Beringer didn't post up, and he didn't shoot 3s. But he also had only three turnovers and made 52.6 percent of his shots. The Timberwolves have Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid at center, but now they have a reserve rim protector as well. 18. Walter Clayton Jr., Jazz: Clayton came off the bench in one game as a backup point guard before starting at shooting guard next to Isaiah Collier for two games. Clayton missed the last four games with left hamstring soreness. His ability to shoot and pass will put him in the mix for playing time while competing with Collier and Keyonte George. 19. Nolan Traoré, Nets: Traoré started his summer league at point guard before slotting behind Demin against the Wizards. He made only 1 of 8 3s and 29.2 percent of his shots overall. Traoré is not a defensive playmaker, as he didn't get a single steal or block in 72 minutes. He also had an 8:7 assist-turnover ratio. He'll be in the mix for point guard minutes in Brooklyn. 20. Kasparas Jakučionis, Miami Heat: He started at shooting guard, point guard and once at small forward next to small guards Marcus Williams and Erik Stevenson. His size gives him a high floor, and he had 24 points on 7-of-12 shooting with a 4:2 assist-turnover ratio against the Atlanta Hawks. In his other five games, Jakučionis shot only 7 of 32 from the field with an 11:20 assist-turnover ratio. He should be a backup guard next season, but he's going to need to clean up his output to get an extended rotation opportunity. 21. Will Riley, Wizards: Riley started at small forward next to 2024 first-round pick Kyshawn George in his summer-league opener. He was completely off the ball in his two games and made the most of his opportunities, making 7 of 11 shots and having only one turnover. Washington doesn't believe in big power forwards right now, populating the roster instead with wings like Riley, George, Cam Whitmore and Justin Champagnie. 22. Drake Powell, Nets: Powell did not play in summer league because of left knee tendinopathy. He will likely start as a third-string wing in Brooklyn behind players such as Ziaire Williams, Keon Johnson and Terance Mann. 23. Asa Newell, Hawks: Newell started at power forward and made a start at center next to Nelly Joseph. He made four 3s against the Suns as part of a double-double and did a great job running the floor. He shot well from 3 but missed 10 of 18 free throws and had a 4:5 assist-turnover ratio. Newell should be the backup power forward in Atlanta, a team with talented but injury-prone starters in Jalen Johnson and Kristaps Porziņģis. Advertisement 24. Nique Clifford, Kings: Clifford was the only rookie to make the All-Summer League First Team. He started at small forward for the most part and had one game at shooting guard next to 2024 lottery pick Devin Carter. He was good in all aspects: running pick-and-rolls, making plays for others, making 3s, the fast break, defending and rebounding. I've called him a Josh Hart clone, and he should find a spot in Sacramento's second unit. 25. Jase Richardson, Orlando Magic: Richardson started at point guard in the summer-league opener and was shut down after two games. He was very efficient for a small guard, making 10 of 18 field goals and only committing two turnovers. He was 3-of-6 from 3 and 10-of-11 from the free-throw line. Richardson is going to have to beat out Anthony Black and Tyus Jones for reserve guard minutes. 26. Ben Saraf, Nets: Saraf came off the bench as a backup at both guard spots and also started a game against the New York Knicks next to Traoré. He held up well defensively and led the Nets with 11 assists. He shot poorly from everywhere: 30.4 percent from the field overall, 0-of-4 from 3 and 7-of-13 from the free-throw line. Saraf's size and left hand should help him in the battle for guard minutes in Brooklyn. 27. Danny Wolf, Nets: Wolf started at power forward next to Drew Timme in his summer-league opener. He also started a game at center next to Grant Nelson with Timme out. Wolf made plays defensively, with three steals and six blocks in three games, but was messy with the ball, compiling an 8:10 assist-turnover ratio. Like Queen, Wolf showed that he can do a little bit of everything offensively, on and off the ball. He likely will compete with Noah Clowney and Day'Ron Sharpe for reserve big minutes. 28. Hugo González, Boston Celtics: González started at small forward for the most part and was at shooting guard in the finale with last year's first-round pick Baylor Scheierman resting. He got a lot of opportunities to play out of ball screens, but it went poorly. González had an 11:13 assist-turnover ratio and made only 30.2 percent of his 43 shots. He blocked four shots in four games and should compete with Scheierman and Sam Hauser for reserve wing minutes. 29. Liam McNeeley, Hornets: He came off the bench in his first game and had 22 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and three 3s. McNeeley started at small forward in place of Knueppel for a game, then wound up missing the last four games due to right Achilles tendinitis. In two games, he made 6 of 14 3s, and he hunted good looks on the fast break. McNeeley could earn reserve wing minutes early with Josh Green recovering from shoulder surgery. 30. Yanic Konan Niederhäuser, Los Angeles Clippers: He started the first three games at center before missing the last two because of back pain. Konan Niederhäuser missed all four shots in the opener and didn't make a shot until his eighth quarter of play. He broke out somewhat in the third game with multiple dunks that highlighted his exceptional athleticism at 6-11 and 243 pounds. He blocked five shots and competed as a rim protector, but he has a long way to go and will be behind Ivica Zubac and Brook Lopez in LA. Advertisement 31. Rasheer Fleming, Suns: Every first-round pick is under contract, and Fleming is as well after being the first pick of the second round. He missed games with right knee soreness and came off the bench at power forward behind last year's second-round rookie Oso Ighodaro before starting the finale. Fleming is strictly an off-ball finisher, but an effective one both inside and outside of the paint. He had five steals in three games. 32. Noah Penda, Magic: Penda started at power forward for three games. He had too many turnovers (11) but is comfortable with the ball in his hands and flashed some range. He had five steals as well. He's under contract. 33. Sion James, Hornets: James started at shooting guard next to KJ Simpson. He missed the last four games with a left hip injury. He missed all of his 3s but can play on and off the ball and make solid decisions while being a tough on-ball defender. He's under contract. 34. Ryan Kalkbrenner, Hornets: He started at center in all six games the Hornets played. Kalkbrenner blocked 10 shots and was much more comfortable as a roller than he was posting up. He even made a couple of 3s, so he's not a one-dimensional option offensively. He's under contract and may have a good chance to earn an autumn role. 35. Johni Broome, Sixers: Broome started at power forward and center, while also coming off the bench behind Dominick Barlow and Adem Bona. He got very comfortable picking and popping for 3s. He's under contract. 36. Adou Thiero, Lakers: Thiero missed summer league because of a left knee injury suffered in February. He's under contract. 37. Chaz Lanier, Detroit Pistons: Lanier started at shooting guard, and he understands his assignment, as 42 of his 57 shot attempts were 3s. He was much more comfortable shooting 3s in the half court than he was on the fast break. He's under contract. Advertisement 38. Kam Jones, Indiana Pacers: Jones started at shooting guard next to RayJ Dennis and had a start at point guard as well. He was on the ball heavily operating out of ball screens and racked up 22 field goals and 21 assists in four games. He's under contract. 39. Alijah Martin, Raptors: Martin is the highest draft pick who is signed to a two-way contract to begin his career. He came off the bench at shooting guard. He certainly can be better on both ends of the floor, especially if he is going to be off the ball, but at least he can dunk like this: POSTERRR ALERTTT! 🤳 Alijah Martin with the ferocious SLAM!! @Raptors | #NBASummerLeague — NBA Summer League (@NBASummerLeague) July 12, 2025 40. Micah Peavy, Pelicans: Peavy started at small forward and missed games with an ankle injury. He's decent defensively but is strictly an off-ball player offensively and had no assists and five turnovers while making only one 3. He's under contract. 41. Koby Brea, Suns: Brea started at shooting guard and made 4 of 5 3s in his summer-league opener. He certainly can shoot, but he has to be a better decision-maker (2:9 assist-turnover ratio). He's on a two-way contract. 42. Maxime Raynaud, Kings: Raynaud started at center. Rebounds were hard to come by playing with Clifford and Isaac Jones, but Raynaud held up well defensively. He can post up and shoot 3s but was more helpful to the Kings simply screening and being where he was supposed to be offensively. He's the lowest draft pick signed to a standard contract. 43. Jamir Watkins, Wizards: Watkins came off the bench as a reserve wing and then started once Washington shut down its first-round picks. He had seven steals and three blocks against the Sixers, then six steals against the Knicks. He's incredibly active but struggled to make shots in the half court. He's on a two-way contract. 44. Brooks Barnhizer, Thunder: Barnhizer started at small forward and rarely gave up buckets. He rebounded well and racked up 21 steals in eight games. He feasted on the fast break but is not a strong shooter right now, so he relies on off-ball activity to score. He's signed to a two-way contract. 45. Rocco Zikarsky, Timberwolves: He backed up fellow rookie Beringer and last year's two-way contract rookie Jesse Edwards at center. Zikarsky had some minutes playing next to Beringer as well. He's a classic two-years-away-from-being-two-years-away player. He's signed to a two-way contract. Advertisement 46. Amari Williams, Celtics: Williams started at center and is the highest draft pick still unsigned. He didn't stand out much on either end of the floor and finished with a 7:8 assist-turnover ratio while making only 44.4 percent from the field. 47. Bogoljub Marković, Milwaukee Bucks: Marković came off the bench as a reserve power forward in every game. He's not a good 3-point shooter, but he's very good on the fast break. He's still unsigned. 48. Javon Small, Grizzlies: Small came off the bench in two games as a backup point guard. He had a 20:3 assist-turnover ratio in summer league, which feels impossible to do. He's signed to a two-way contract. 49. Tyrese Proctor, Cleveland Cavaliers: Proctor started at shooting guard and point guard. He had a 35-point game in which he made all nine free throws against the Kings. He operated plenty of pick-and-rolls and maintained a solid 15:5 assist-turnover ratio in four games. He's under contract. 50. Kobe Sanders, Clippers: A backup point guard at 6-7, he started the finale and had nine turnovers. He's signed to a two-way contract. 51. Mohamed Diawara, Knicks: He came off the bench and started games at power forward. He's not a good shooter, but he can do a little of everything offensively. He'll soon learn what 'raw' means. He's still unsigned. 52. Alex Toohey, Golden State Warriors: Toohey missed the first two games in San Francisco before starting games at small forward, power forward and center. He had a whale of a time trying to score from anywhere, even on the fast break, and made only 26.2 percent of his 42 attempts overall. He did have seven steals and 11 offensive rebounds and displayed positional size. He's still unsigned. 53. John Tonje, Jazz: Tonje missed the first five summer-league games with an ankle injury. He started at small forward. He played well against the Spurs (16 points, 4-of-7 3s, three assists, no turnovers) and struggled against the Bulls (four points, 1-of-9 field goals, 0-of-6 3s, six turnovers). He's still unsigned. Advertisement 54. Taelon Peter, Pacers: Peter came off the bench as a reserve guard but also had a start next to fellow rookie Jones at shooting guard. He only made 4 of 16 3s but still made 56.7 percent of his shots overall because he can fly on the break, cut and finish. He can defend as well. He's signed to a two-way contract. 55. Lachlan Olbrich, Bulls: Olbrich started at center and looked overmatched offensively: 40 percent on field goals, only 1 of 5 3s and a 9:11 assist-turnover ratio. He did have four steals. He's signed to a two-way contract. 56. Will Richard, Warriors: Richard missed the first game in San Francisco before starting at small forward and shooting guard. He's a shooter who only made 20.7 percent from 3, but he racked up 11 steals in six games. He's still unsigned. 57. Max Shulga, Celtics: Shulga started at point guard and did a decent job of making plays for others out of ball screens. He compiled a 19:4 assist-turnover ratio but couldn't score (24.1 percent field goals, 21.4 percent 3s). He had nine steals in five games. He's still unsigned. 58. Saliou Niang, Cavaliers: Niang came off the bench as a reserve wing, then started at small forward. He's strictly an energy player right now but flashed on the offensive glass with eight offensive rebounds in three games. He's still unsigned. 59. Jahmai Mashack, Grizzlies: Off the bench, Mashack racked up the maximum 10 fouls in just under 23 minutes in his first summer-league game in Salt Lake City. He was used on the ball often as a reserve guard and also started a game at small forward next to Cam Spencer and fellow rookie Small. He showed that he can pass (22:10 assist-turnover ratio) and shoot (5-of-12 3s) well enough to get his ferocious defense (10 steals, six blocks in five games) on the floor. He also added 20 rebounds. He's still unsigned. (Top photo of Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper: Ethan Miller / Getty Images)
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NBA rookies: 5 big questions for this year's class, including Cooper Flagg's fit and Yang Hansen's hype
The 2025-26 NBA calendar year is upon us. The draft is over, and so is most of free agency. While some rosters still need tweaking and adjusting, we know for the most part how teams will enter the season. As such, we can start to ponder the big questions, like how the 2025 rookie class — which got its first taste of NBA action during Summer League — will perform in the coming season. How will Cooper Flagg mesh with a roster led by veterans? The Mavericks are in a weird spot, as they feature Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson, all in their 30s, and now have to balance that with Flagg, their prized rookie. Whether they believe they have enough to make a title push right now, or hope to win a championship within the next few years, they're going to need Flagg to produce at a near All-Star level in order to turn that dream into reality. Fortunately, despite not turning 19 until December, Flagg is one of the most complete forwards to enter the NBA in a while. Flagg is a 6-foot-9, two-way dynamo who will likely defend at an NBA level right off the bat, just as he'll be able to rebound, push the ball in transition, and score in a role as the secondary or tertiary offensive option. While it's impossible to pencil him in for a certain stat line, Flagg should be, at minimum, a high-end production starter from opening day, making the fit with Davis, Irving (when he returns from injury), Thompson, and D'Angelo Russell much more seamless. Will the Nets have a rookie who pops? The Brooklyn Nets more or less built a brand new starting lineup in the first round of this year's draft, which is impressive in its own right. But looking at each pick individually, you have to wonder if any of the rookies are ready to make a big impact in their debut season. Egor Denim was a reach at No. 8, but the 19-year-old guard has size at 6-8 and ball-handling capabilities to become impactful down the road. Nolan Traoré, the French international, is slight and still an inefficient shooter. Like Denim, he could use a year or two of seasoning before he's ready to contribute. Drake Powell is an athletic monster who could be a defensive ace sooner than later, but his all-around game remains underdeveloped. Danny Wolf, the 6-11 center out of Michigan, is developed but comes with a set ceiling. He's a wonderful play initiator, but can he ever become a solid post player on both sides of the floor? If anything, it's Ben Saraf, the 6-6 wing from Israel who could come in immediately and produce. The lefty guard/wing has a strong tool belt of skills at his disposal, in particular as a passer and as an aggressor when going toward the rim. His solid frame will also help him against NBA defenders. If his shot comes along, there's certainly something there. What role will Dylan Harper play in San Antonio? Remember when the Spurs had basically no point guard during Victor Wembanyama's rookie season? Well, now they're loaded at the position. San Antonio will have to juggle between De'Aaron Fox, Harper, and Stephon Castle, while having to play them at off-guard at times just to fit everyone in. Harper was the second player chosen in last month's draft, and his upside is substantial. He's a big 6-6 guard with a 6-10 wingspan and a developed frame, and he has a game that lends itself well to the NBA via his ability to pressure defenses at the rim, and pass out of screen-and-roll action. If that sounds familiar to what Fox provides, you're not mistaken. Fox, like Harper, is best with the ball in his hands, and offers many of the same attributes. This can have benefits, however, as the Spurs can install a consistent system, which runs regardless of whether it's Fox or Harper on the floor. Most teams have to alter their play calling when they go to their second unit, but the Spurs can run many of the same actions due to the similarities between the two, particularly when Wembanyama is on the floor. Harper, despite the crowded backcourt, should be able to find his way in such a streamlined system. How is Ace Bailey best developed? The Utah Jazz are clearly tanking this coming season, as they shipped away several veterans to open up minutes for the youngsters, which includes Bailey, who will enter this season with the greenest of lights to do, well, whatever. That might prove fruitful, in the sense that Bailey's green light could carry him toward stardom, or it might have the opposite effect of having him lean into empty numbers and become this era's Michael Beasley, which surely isn't the scenario Utah envisioned when it picked him fifth overall. There isn't a set formula, and that's what we all need to remind ourselves of when it comes to Bailey. Some players, like LeBron James, flourished under a green light as a rookie, in large part because he was mature and responsible enough to learn from the mistakes he made along the way. Others, like Jimmy Butler, needed years to get ready despite a long college career, and had to take several steps before they were ready to handle a significant offensive load. Which path is best for Bailey? It could be either of those, or even something in-between. Responsible freedom is, arguably, the best approach to any project, and in the case of Bailey, there has to be communication between him and the coaching staff, where both sides are ready to engage in some give-and-take. Yang Hansen: Question mark? Okay, look. Yang was off the board earlier than virtually everyone expected, but that doesn't mean he'll prove to be a bad pick. NBA teams, for the most part, know what they're doing, and clearly the Blazers felt they needed to grab him early, out of fear someone else would pick him in that same range. Who are we to question that process? If anything, Yang getting picked 16th overall only spices up the regular season, and makes him a particularly interesting player to track across next season. Yang is 7-1, and he hits 3-pointers, blocks shots, rebounds, and passes the ball like a guard. Yet the vast majority of NBA fans and pundits are only somewhat familiar with him — based off the occasional highlight, which would make its way across social media — meaning there are a ton of questions hovering over him as he enters the league. Is he ready to play already? Can he defend in space at the NBA level? Is the 3-point shot legitimate? Are the passes we saw in Summer League something we'll see against real competition? It's going to be enormously fun to find out.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Texans lock up second-round OT Aireontae Ersery ahead of training camp
Aireontae Ersery is now signed, sealed and delivered as the newest signed member of the Houston Texans. According to KPRC 2 Sports' Aaron Wilson, the Texans and their second-round offensive tackle have agreed to a four-year deal worth up $9.2 million. As of now, the full guarantees of the contract have yet to be released. With Ersery signed, the Texans have agreed to terms with all nine players of their rookie class ahead of Wednesday's start of training camp. As the second of two second-round picks, Ersery's arrival is significant since multiple second-round picks remain unsigned heading into training camp because of contract details. Earlier this offseason, the Texans made history by signing Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins to a four-year fully guaranteed deal worth $11.8 million, making him the first second-round pick in NFL history to have a fully guaranteed contract. Since then, it's delayed a majority of second-round picks from reaching deals for weeks. Drafted 48th overall out of Minnesota, Ersery is expected to compete with both Blake Fisher and Cam Robinson for starting reps at either left or right tackle. He had worked out on both sides of the trenches during OTAs and is expected to do the same through training camp until one player steps up to lock down one side of the offensive line. The third-team All-American in 2024 with the Golden Gophers, Ersery allowed only one sack and one quarterback hit last season. He played mostly left tackle in college, playing seven snaps at right tackle and three at guard over his three seasons in Minneapolis. 'The biggest thing with Ersery is getting acclimated to learning what it takes to be a pro," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said last month. "I see Ersery, he's steadily gotten better at the things off the field, of finding his routine, and also on the field, just seeing his footwork, his pad leverage, is getting better, it's improving.' While Ersery may or may not start in his rookie season, he's expected to be a long-term piece on the offensive line protecting Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud. The Texans return to the Methodist Training Center for the start of training camp on Wednesday morning. This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans ink OT Aireontae Ersery to rookie contract before training camp
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nets Summer League preview: Schedule, roster, players to watch
The Nets' historic rookie class debuts Thursday night as Brooklyn takes on the Oklahoma City Thunder in their opening game of the NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas. All but Drake Powell, the No. 22 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, who reportedly suffered a knee injury during the pre-draft process and will sit out as a precaution. Advertisement The Nets consider Powell's injury minor. The 6-5 forward averaged 7.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.0 assist last season at North Carolina, where he earned the program's Defensive Player of the Year award as a freshman. Nets assistant coach Steve Hetzel will lead the team as Summer League head coach for the second straight year. After Thursday's game, Brooklyn will face the Washington Wizards on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET at the Thomas & Mack Center, followed by matchups against the Knicks on Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET and the Orlando Magic on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET, both at Cox Pavilion. All 30 NBA teams will play at least five games in Vegas, with the first four games scheduled from July 10-17. After these four games, the top four teams, based on winning percentage, will advance to the playoffs, competing in the semifinals on July 19. The two semifinal winners will face off in the championship game on July 20. The 26 teams that don't qualify for the four-team playoff will play a fifth game on July 18, 19 or 20. Last year under Hetzel, the Nets posted a 3-1 record, missed the playoffs, and finished 3-2 after falling to the Charlotte Hornets in their fifth consolation game. Advertisement ROSTER Guards: Egor Dëmin, Nolan Traoré, Ben Saraf, TJ Bamba, Caleb Daniels, Tyson Etienne, Quincy Olivari, Terry Roberts Forwards: D'Andre Davis, Tosan Evbuomwan, Grant Nelson, Tyrese Samuel, Drew Timme, Danny Wolf Center: Justyn Hamilton NOTABLE ABSENCES Dariq Whitehead: Although Whitehead is entering his third NBA season, his absence from the Nets' roster is notable. Injuries have hindered his development, and among third-year players listed, he could have benefited most from additional Summer League experience. The 20-year-old appeared in only 20 games for Brooklyn last season, averaging 5.7 points and 1.5 rebounds per game. Advertisement Jalen Wilson: Wilson still has much to prove at the NBA level after an inconsistent second season in which he shot just 39.7% from the field and 33.7% from 3-point range in 79 games. However, he dominated last year's Summer League, earning MVP honors with averages of 21.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 0.6 steals while shooting 47.3% from the field and 55% from deep over five games. Following that standout performance, Wilson has earned a well-deserved break this summer. Noah Clowney: Could Clowney benefit from more Summer League experience? Absolutely. However, given his recent injury history, playing this summer may not be in his best interest. Prioritizing a full recovery for the 2025-26 regular season is the smartest approach. The 20-year-old averaged 9.1 points and 3.9 rebounds across 46 appearances last season. PLAYERS TO WATCH Dëmin: All eyes are on the No. 8 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft; a selection many experts considered a reach. While Summer League offers limited insights, Dëmin has an opportunity to shift perceptions with a strong performance in Vegas. The 6-8 guard enters his rookie season as one of the top playmakers in his class. His outside shooting, offensive aggressiveness and defensive versatility will be key areas to watch. Advertisement Traoré: Once projected as a Top 5 pick, Traoré slipped to 19th overall, fueling his motivation for Summer League. The 19-year-old, known for his blazing speed and acrobatic finishes, aims to prove he deserved a higher selection. How he complements the Nets' other young guards will shape his role in Brooklyn's rotation next season. Elite perimeter defense and dynamic shot creation could set him apart. Saraf: Brooklyn selected two point guards before Saraf in the 2025 NBA Draft. How will the 19-year-old Israeli floor general respond? Lacking the length and athleticism of Dëmin and Traoré, Saraf excels as a high-IQ playmaker who knows how to get his teammates involved. As a ball-dominant creator overseas, adapting to an off-ball role with the Nets will enhance his value. Wolf: The 6-11 forward is among the most intriguing prospects in Summer League because of his offensive versatility. His playmaking, both in the post and on the perimeter, will be a focal point. Wolf must prove himself defensively and demonstrate physicality and effectiveness regardless of his matchup. As a turnover-prone player in college, he must prove he can reduce giveaways in Summer League as well.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Arizona Cardinals CB Will Johnson, not DL Water Nolen, projected to make All-Rookie Team
As we wait for the start of training camps next month and see this year's rookie class in action, not only for the Arizona Cardinals but the entire league, we can project who we think will be the best first-year players this coming season. Gennaro Filice projected the 2025 NFL All-Rookie Team and one of the Cardinals' top draft picks is expected to make an impact. Advertisement Who makes it? It isn't defensive lineman Walter Nolen, the Cardinals' first-round selection. It is cornerback Will Johnson, their second-round pick. As NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported during Johnson's draft slide, the cornerback's knee was red-flagged for longevity concerns during the combine. But I'm not here to project which players will make it to their second contract -- I'm trying to identify who'll thrive in their first season. And by that criterion, Johnson is a prime candidate. A highly pedigreed cover man with prototypical size and a mature game, the Michigan product projects as a Day 1 starter in Arizona. And his instinctive ball-hawking feels like a perfect fit in the Cardinals' zone-heavy defense. Johnson does have a chance to be a Day 1 starter. It isn't a lock, but with Sean Murphy-Bunting's season-ending offseason knee injury, Johnson now will compete with 2024 second-round pick Max Melton and third-year pro Star Thomas for the outside cornerback snaps. Was Nolen snubbed? Perhaps, but the two picks for the interior defenders were Mason Graham of the Cleveland Browns and Derrick Harmon of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both will be Day 1 starters and get significant snaps. Advertisement That might not be the case for Nolen and the Cardinals. Their defensive line room is loaded. He will play, but he will not get the snaps that Graham or Harmon do when he has Dalvin Tomlinson, Calais Campbell, Justin Jones, Bilal Nichols and 2024 first-round pick Darius Robinson in the same room as him. A dark horse potentially is linebacker Cody Simon, drafted in the fourth round. He has a chance to be the Cardinals' starting 'Mike' inside linebacker. If he beats out Akeem Davis-Gaither for the job, he could pile up stats. Johnson, though, makes sense. Hopefully, he can be as good as he was in college and stay healthy. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts. This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Will Johnson pegged for All-Rookie team but not Walter Nolen
