The NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins on July 10 and gives fans an opportunity to see rookies on the court. Here are some of the top picks in the first round who could all have a chance of being Rookie of the Year, and some other rookie prospects picked later that are also worth watching.
Top first-round draft picks
Cooper Flagg – Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks no. 1 draft pick, Cooper Flagg, played his freshman year at Duke. In his single season at Duke, he averaged 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds. He was the best player in college basketball last season and won the Wooden Award. He led Duke to the final four. The odds at present predict that he will average about 16 points and six rebounds. Even without being the Mavericks’ top defensive player, he will be a favorite for Rookie of the Year.
Bettors in US states where sports betting is legal will be placing their bets on players like Flagg. PA sports betting is legal both in-person and online, so NBA fans can have extra fun besides watching truly thrilling games.
Dylan Harper – San Antonio Spurs
The son of former NBA guard Ron Harper was the no. 2 draft on the Spurs team. He will be accompanied by other veteran point guards, Chris Paul and De’Aaron Fox. His stature and skills have put him on the radar.
VJ Edgecomb – Philadelphia 76ers
VJ Edgecomb was selected no. 3 by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2025 NBA Draft. He played college football as a guard for the Baylor Bears and showed off his athleticism throughout the season. The Bahamas native’s offensive consistency kept improving. Now he joins a talented backcourt that features Jared McCain and Tyrese Maxey.
Ace Bailey – Utah Jazz
A year ago, it seemed that Bailey would be right there with Flagg and Harper. He showed his skills in his freshman season at Rutgers. However, questions kept popping up, and he was the only U.S. prospect who didn’t visit an NBA team facility during the pre-draft process. From an on-court perspective, coaches love him as an athletic wing with the ability to score.
After arriving in Utah and having his introductory press conference, Bailey and fellow picks hosted a one-hour log session at a Utah clinic, where the fans showed their joy at having him. This kind of appreciation is good for your mental health.
Other rookie prospects to watch
There are some rookies picked later in the first round that are worth watching.
Kasparas Jakucionis – Miami Heat
The Miami Heat made the playoffs in 2024-2025, and the no. 20 selection, Jakucionis, is likely to have some solid time as a lead guard in Miami. The Summer League is the first chance for fans to see the 19-year-old in action against NBA competition.
Nikola Topić – Oklahoma City Thunder
Topić was the no. 12 overall pick in the draft. He missed the whole 2024-2025 campaign with a torn ACL. The Serbian player will be part of the defending NBA champion’s lineup in the NBA schedule this year. Sam Presti, Thunder general manager, announced that the six-foot-six-inch-tall, 19-year-old will be active in the Summer League.
Rob Dillingham – Minnesota Timberwolves
The no. 8 pick was acquired in a trade between the Spurs and the Wolves. While still developing as a player, his court presence and ball handling make him exciting to watch.
Emoni Bates – Cleveland Cavaliers
Last summer, he made the All-Summer League Second Team after averaging 18.1 points and 5.5 rebounds. This year, he will rejoin the Cavaliers, who will be defending their Summer League championship.
Bronny James – Los Angeles Lakers
Bronny James, 20, the son of legendary LeBron James, returns to the Summer League after participating in four games during his rookie offseason. He was selected 55th overall by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft and didn’t see much action. Now he is confirmed to play for the Lakers’ Summer League team in Las Vegas.
Zach Edey – Memphis Grizzlies
His height of 7-foot-4 and the way he uses it as a defensive weapon drew attention in his last two seasons at Purdue. He won back-to-back College Player of the Year awards. He also earned 14 points and 15 rebounds in the Salt Lake City Summer League against the Jazz.