NBA Summer League: Dynasty Preview - Part 1 (Atlanta - Memphis)

NBA Summer League tips off this weekend in California and Salt Lake City as young stars and hopeful prospects tune up ahead of Vegas Summer League (July 10–20).

For dynasty managers, this is a crucial stretch to scout your roster investments and uncover hidden gems. Here’s a look at the dynasty-relevant storylines on each team’s roster.

This is the first of a two part series.

Atlanta Hawks

Two First Round Picks look to start their careers:

• 2025 and 2024 first-rounders Asa Newell and Kobe Bufkin headline Atlanta’s Summer League squad.
• 2024 second-round wing Nikola Đurišić joins the mix.
• Dynasty focus: Newell’s defensive versatility and Bufkin’s scoring upside.

Boston Celtics

Reinforcements on the way: 

• 2025 first-round pick Hugo Rodriguez makes his NBA debut after a stint with Barcelona.
• Veteran big Kenneth Lofton Jr. looks to fill a frontcourt void.
• Dynasty focus: Rodriguez’s adjustment to NBA pace.

Brooklyn Nets

All five 2025 draft picks will play:

• Guards: Egor Demin, Ben Saraf, Noah Traore.

• Wing: Drake Powell.

• Big: Danny Wolf.

• Also returning: Tosan Evbuomwan, who has flashed in limited NBA action.

Dynasty manages should focus on sorting out the Nets’ crowded backcourt prospects.

 

Charlotte Hornets

Top prospects get center stage for Charlotte:

• Sophomore forward Tidjane Salaun returns after a solid rookie year (5.9 pts, 4.7 reb).
• 2025 #4 pick Kon Knueppel and later pick Liam McNeely join the lineup.

Dynasty manages should focus on Knueppel’s scoring and Salaun’s continued development.

Chicago Bulls

Future wing combo under the microscope:

• First look at frontcourt duo Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue.
• Former first-rounder Josh Primo continues his comeback attempt.

Dynasty manages should focus on how Buzelis and Essengue fit together on the floor.

Cleveland Cavaliers

2nd rounders get first cracks:

• 2025 second-rounders Saliou Niang and Tyrese Proctor suit up.
• Organizational players Craig Porter Jr. and Jayson Tyson add experience.
• Dynasty focus: Proctor’s playmaking and Niang’s energy.

Dallas Mavericks

Flagg Raising Ceremony in Vegas:

• All eyes on #1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, the dynasty prize of the draft.
• Joining him: Ryan Nembhard, younger brother of Pacers guard Andrew.
• Also featured: Undrafted big Moussa Cisse around the rim.

Dynasty manages should focus on Flagg’s all-around game and Nembhard’s readiness.

Denver Nuggets

Nuggets get a closer look at upcoming contributors

• Returning big man DaRon Holmes, hoping for a healthy summer.
• Developing wings Spencer Jones and Hunter Dyson provide depth.

Dynasty manages should focus on Holmes’ potential as Jokic’s backup.

Detroit Pistons

Familiar faces for college basketball fans:

• Ron Harper Jr., brother of #2 pick Dylan Harper, highlights Detroit’s roster.
• 2025 second-rounder Chaz Lanier, a scoring combo guard, also suits up.
• Dynasty focus: Lanier’s shooting in NBA spacing.

Golden State Warriors

Depth gets a chance to start:

• Second-round rookies Alex Toohey (wing) and Will Richard (guard) debut.
• NCAA standout LJ Cryer brings his shooting touch.

Dynasty manages should focus on Toohey’s fit as a wing in Golden State’s system.

Houston Rockets

Sheppard Show for Houston:

• Dynasty favorite Reed Sheppard, a top-6 rookie in last year’s drafts, leads Houston.
• NBA-tested David Roddy and depth option Philadephia/Memphis alum round out the roster.

Dynasty manages should focus on Sheppard’s command of the offense and shooting.

Indiana Pacers

Indiana brings a trio of draft picks to Summer League:

• 2024 first-rounder Johnny Furphy, who barely saw floor time as a rookie during the Pacers’ Finals run.
• 2024 second-rounder Enrique Freeman, a high-motor forward.
• 2025 second-rounder Taelon Peter, making his debut.

Dynasty managers should watch Furphy for signs of offensive development in extended minutes.

Los Angeles Clippers

Clippers fans will see a familiar mix of young prospects:

• Guards Patrick Baldwin Jr. and Cam Christie.
• Wings Trentyn Flowers and Jordan Miller.
• And 2025 first-rounder Yanic Niederhauser, who projects as a rim-protecting big.

Dynasty manages should focus on Baldwin and Flowers, who are particularly intriguing as dynasty streamers if roles open up.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers bring a fan-friendly lineup to Summer League:

• Bronny James makes his much-anticipated return.
• Rookie shooter Dalton Knecht looks to impress.
• Big man Trey Jemison mans the paint.
• Veteran forward Darius Bazley tries to play his way back into the league.

Dynasty manages should focus on Knecht’s offensive role and Bronny’s defensive versatility.

Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis puts its future on display with:

• 2025 first-rounder Cedric Coward, who rocketed up draft boards late.
• Sophomores G.G. Jackson and Armando Bacot, both looking to carve out rotation spots.
• Developmental guards Zyon Pullin and Cam Spencer.
• Depth wing Jaylen Wells.

Dynasty manages should focus on Coward is the key dynasty name here, but don’t sleep on Jackson’s continued growth.

Part 2 is Live