It’s now a tradition for the NBA Summer League’s opening night to feature star draft selections or prominent teams.
This year is no different.
Cooper Flagg, the top pick from the most recent draft, will lead the Dallas Mavericks against Bronny James, LeBron James’s son, and the Los Angeles Lakers. This matchup is scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday at the Thomas & Mack Center, kicking off the 11-day event.
“This is (Flagg’s) debut in the NBA, and the atmosphere will be electric,” said NBA Summer League co-founder Albert Hall. “It’s akin to the excitement of a prize fight. With a talent like Flagg, who shows great promise, it makes sense to create some drama by pitting him against the Lakers on opening night.”
On Thursday, there are eight games planned for both the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion. The event wraps up on July 20 with the championship game airing on ESPN at 7 p.m.
1. First Look at Top Picks
While Flagg and James steal the spotlight on Thursday, two other top selections will clash in the next game. The San Antonio Spurs, featuring No. 2 pick Dylan Harper, will face the Philadelphia 76ers with No. 3 pick V.J. Edgecombe, concluding the first day of matches at 7 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack. Additionally, fourth pick Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets will compete against Ace Bailey, the fifth pick from the Utah Jazz, at 4 p.m. on Friday.
2. Flagg Makes His Debut
Flagg showcased his skills in Las Vegas last summer, representing the USA Select Team against Team USA just before the Olympics. Following a stellar season at Duke where he helped the Blue Devils reach the Final Four, the Mavericks chose the 6-foot-9 forward as their No. 1 pick despite having only a 1.8 percent chance of winning the lottery. Hall noted that the excitement around Flagg’s debut is reminiscent of Zion Williamson’s entry into the league in 2019, suggesting that Flagg is a more “complete player” now.
3. Other Noteworthy Prospects
Though Flagg will draw significant attention, Hall highlighted other promising first-round picks to watch, such as Edgecombe, Bailey, Khaman Maluach (the 10th pick traded to the Phoenix Suns), and Yang Hansen (the 16th pick by the Memphis Grizzlies). The top five picks consist of U.S.-born players who have gone through American college systems. This interest is enhanced by fans who have followed these athletes from high school through college to the Summer League.
4. Summer League Returnees
The Summer League serves not only as a platform for newcomers but also showcases returning players from the previous year’s draft. Notable returnees include Alex Sarr, the No. 2 pick by the Washington Wizards, and Reed Sheppard, picked third by the Houston Rockets. There are also first-round selections Dalton Knecht and James on the Lakers’ roster. Hall commented on the depth of talent this year, emphasizing the development of second-year players who are now ready to prove their worth.
5. Fan Engagement Options
For fans looking for a break from the games, various activities will be available. The Summer League will also host the qualifiers for the Pop-A-Shot Championship from Thursday to Saturday. Additionally, a Summer League film festival is scheduled from July 17 to 19, featuring 34 projects, including the film “Kings of Vegas,” which chronicles the 1989-90 UNLV men’s basketball team that won the national championship. “We aim to introduce new experiences every year,” Hall expressed.
Contact Alex Wright at [email protected]. Follow @AlexWright1028 on X.
Next Event Details
What: NBA Summer League
When: July 10-20
Where: Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion
TV: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, NBAtv
Tickets: UNLVtickets.evenue.net
