Tunisia World Cup
As I sit here watching the young prospects battle it out on the Las Vegas court, I can’t help but wonder who will capture that magical combination of talent, consistency, and sheer excitement to be crowned the next NBA Summer League MVP this year. Having covered this event for seven consecutive seasons, I’ve learned that Summer League isn’t just about raw stats—it’s about moments that make you sit up and take notice, moments that hint at future stardom. Last night’s game between the Grizzlies and the Kings offered exactly that kind of theater, complete with a play that reminded me just how unpredictable and physically demanding this stage can be.
I remember back in 2018 when Josh Hart took home the MVP by simply outworking everyone on both ends. That’s the beauty of Summer League: it rewards hustle as much as highlight reels. This year, the field feels wide open. You’ve got rookies like Reed Sheppard from Houston, who dropped 23 points and 5 assists in his debut, and seasoned second-year guys like Keyonte George, who seems to be playing with a chip on his shoulder. But if I’m being honest, my eyes are on Cam Whitmore. The guy is an athletic freak, and after his 25-point explosion two days ago, I think he’s got the inside track—provided he stays healthy and engaged on defense.
Of course, health is never a given. Just ask last year’s standout, Quentin Grimes, who battled nagging injuries that limited his impact early on. Which brings me to a moment from last week’s game between the Lakers and Cambodia’s national team—a matchup that, while not part of the official Summer League, offered a stark reminder of how quickly things can go wrong. During a broken play, Lakers two-way guard Blake Buddin tried to improvise a quick push of the ball upcourt but landed awkwardly on the foot of Cambodia’s Srenglyhour Keo. Buddin went down hard, and though he walked off under his own power, the incident underscored the fine line these players tread between seizing opportunity and risking it all.
That kind of unpredictability is what makes Summer League so compelling—and so tough to handicap for awards like MVP. You not only need the numbers, but you also need to stay on the floor. I’ve spoken with a few scouts and former players, and the consensus is that durability and consistency over the full schedule will be the true differentiator. One Western Conference scout, who asked not to be named, told me, “Everyone comes in with talent. The MVP is usually the one who avoids the bad nights and the bad landings.” It’s a simple but profound point. For every Buddy Hield who lights up the scoreboard one night and disappears the next, there’s a Tyrese Haliburton who strings together complete performances.
Personally, I’m leaning toward Whitmore or maybe even Jaime Jaquez Jr. as my dark horse. Jaquez brings a polished, mature game that stands out in this setting. He might not have the same explosive scoring potential as some of the younger guys, but his basketball IQ and two-way effort could sway voters—especially if his team makes a deep run. Last summer, we saw similar traits propel Crisitan Vital to the top, and I wouldn’t be surprised if history repeats itself.
Still, the question remains: who will be crowned the next NBA Summer League MVP this year? It’s not just about who scores the most; it’s about who captures our imagination. I’ve always believed Summer League is a glimpse into the future of the league—a place where role players become leaders and where moments of brilliance (or misfortune, like Buddin’s misstep) shape careers. As we head into the final stretch of games, keep an eye on those who elevate their teammates, who make clutch plays, and who, above all, stay on the court. My prediction? Whitmore takes it, but don’t sleep on Jaquez. Either way, we’re in for a thrilling finish.
