“Rising Stars and Falling Hopes: The Big Winners and Losers of the 2025 NBA Summer League”
LAS VEGAS, NV — July 22, 2025
The 2025 NBA Summer League has wrapped, and as the dust settles on the hardwood of Las Vegas and Sacramento, the basketball world is left buzzing over breakout performances, disappointing showings, and shifting power dynamics that may reshape the league in the coming years.
From the thunderous dunks of a 7-foot-9 prodigy to the stunning struggles of highly touted rookies, here are the biggest winners and losers from this year’s summer showcase.
🏆 BIG WINNERS
1. Ezekiel “Zeke” Ajayi — Boston Celtics
The most hyped prospect in decades lived up to — and possibly surpassed — the billing. Ajayi, the 7-foot-9 unicorn who shocked the world by flipping from the Lakers to Boston, averaged 26.7 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 5.2 blocks per game in just 27 minutes of action.
But it wasn’t just the numbers. His touch from deep, fluid footwork, and rim protection were jaw-dropping. In a marquee game against the Lakers, Ajayi posted a 30-15-7 line while holding their top pick to 4-of-19 shooting. Scouts whispered what fans screamed:
> “This isn’t just a future All-Star — it’s a future MVP.”
Ajayi’s presence immediately validates Boston’s Summer League dominance and raises expectations for a repeat NBA title in 2026.
2. Tyrese Walters — Houston Rockets
A surprise second-rounder out of Georgetown, Walters came into Summer League under the radar but left as the breakout guard of the tournament. His blistering speed and pull-up game helped him average 21.1 PPG and 6.8 assists, drawing comparisons to a young De’Aaron Fox.
Word is the Rockets are now shopping a veteran point guard to make room for Walters on the opening night roster.
3. Paris Ibrahim — Toronto Raptors
The Nigerian-French forward turned heads with his relentless motor, freakish athleticism, and versatile defense. Ibrahim, undrafted just a month ago, locked down three first-round picks in consecutive games and sparked the Raptors to a 5–1 record.
He’s already signed a three-year deal with Toronto, and insiders say he could be starting by December.
❌ BIG LOSERS
1. Malachi Dent — Los Angeles Lakers
Once thought to be the Lakers’ next cornerstone guard, Dent had a brutal Summer League. Despite entering as a lottery pick, the 6’5” combo guard shot 29% from the field, turned the ball over frequently, and looked overwhelmed against top defenders.
The lowlight came when Dent was completely shut down by Paris Ibrahim, going scoreless in 19 minutes. Rumors are swirling that the Lakers may send him to their G-League affiliate to rebuild his confidence — not the trajectory they envisioned.
2. Phoenix Suns’ Rebuild Plan
Phoenix entered the Summer League boasting three first-round rookies and a new developmental coach, but finished winless (0–6) with multiple players underperforming. The Suns’ top pick, stretch big Anthony Miles, looked lost on defense and slow on rotations. Their two guards, Zane Ellis and Ricko Hall, both failed to crack 10 points per game.
Critics are already questioning the Suns’ drafting strategy, and whispers from inside the organization suggest major front office changes could be coming.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers’ Frontcourt Depth
Cleveland invested heavily in young bigs over the past two seasons, but none looked NBA-ready in Las Vegas. Forward Dorian Marks struggled with foul trouble and conditioning, while center Luka Travic lacked the lateral quickness to defend in space.
It’s now clear the Cavs need veteran help in the frontcourt if they want to support Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley in a meaningful playoff run.
💡 FINAL TAKEAWAY
The 2025 NBA Summer League proved again that while hype gets the headlines, it’s performance under pressure that builds stars. For Zeke Ajayi, this was a coronation. For others, it was a wake-up call.
And for fans? It was a reminder that basketball’s future is bigger, faster, and more unpredictable than ever.
