Why Fantasy Managers Should Be Locked In on the Las Vegas Summer League
The Las Vegas Summer League is officially underway, and for fantasy basketball fans, this is more than just off-season entertainment — it’s scouting season. With 11 days of non-stop action, rookies, second-year standouts, and even previously sidelined prospects are fighting for relevance, and that means fantasy value is quietly taking shape in the background. Let’s talk about who’s making noise and why you should be paying close attention.
Let’s start with Cooper Flagg. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft, Flagg is drawing comparisons to generational talents, and while he may only play a couple of games, those appearances are must-watch. His game at Duke showed elite versatility — defense, rebounding, shot creation — and that fantasy-friendly skill set makes him a fifth-round target for me, even if I know others will reach earlier. I’ll be watching his playmaking and three-point shooting closely, because if those sharpen up in Vegas, his upside becomes undeniable. Still, history reminds us: only a handful of top picks in the past decade have cracked the fantasy top 100 in year one.
Bronny James is another big storyline. His debut at the California Classic was a mixed bag — flashes of potential followed by quiet outings. What’s clear is that he needs real playing time in Vegas to show growth, particularly as a defender and secondary playmaker. Lakers coach JJ Redick believes Bronny will be in the rotation by 2025-26, and fantasy dynasty managers should be watching to see if he earns that trust early.
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The Rockets’ Reed Sheppard, once a lottery sniper, had an underwhelming rookie year, but this Summer League is his shot to reclaim value. With VanVleet locked in as starter, Sheppard has a lane to earn backup point guard duties. I’m watching closely for improvements in efficiency and decision-making — both of which can signal a breakout sophomore campaign.
Don’t sleep on the Washington Wizards. They’ve built a Summer League team loaded with youth and upside. Players like Alex Sarr and Bub Carrington are looking to take the next step, and with so many developmental minutes available, I expect big stat lines from the likes of AJ Johnson, Kyshawn George, and Tre Johnson — all of whom could be waiver wire gold if they flash early.
Jeremiah Fears from the Pelicans is in a similar spot. With Dejounte Murray rehabbing and Jose Alvarado ahead of him, Fears could earn real consideration in the rotation with a strong showing. The kid’s got handles and scoring ability, but can he command an offense and make others better? If he can, dynasty managers better take note.
Brooklyn’s Egor Demin is another sneaky watch. He’s getting the start at point guard for the Nets, and while I think they might’ve drafted him too high, opportunity trumps everything in fantasy. If Demin impresses in Vegas, he could start opening night — and that's not something to ignore.
Lastly, don’t overlook the second-year names. Nikola Topić is finally healthy and playing after redshirting through a Thunder title run. He’s raw but has flashes of brilliance that could translate well in fantasy, especially in deep leagues. Meanwhile, players like Johnny Furphy (Pacers), Devin Carter (Kings), and DaRon Holmes II (Nuggets) are entering Summer League with something to prove. Holmes, in particular, is rebounding from a brutal injury and could carve out a real role as a stretch big if he stays healthy.
Fantasy managers, this is where the value starts to emerge. The Summer League is more than just highlight reels and speculation — it’s a glimpse into future rotations, development trajectories, and breakout candidates. If you’re tuned in now, you’ll be miles ahead by draft season.
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