NBA Summer League 2023 Roster: Complete Player Lists and Rising Stars Revealed

Walking into the NBA Summer League this year felt like stepping into a live scouting report. I’ve been covering basketball for over a decade, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the Summer League isn’t just a series of exhibition games—it’s a preview of the league’s future. This year’s roster, stacked with promising rookies, undrafted gems, and a few surprise international names, has already given us plenty to talk about. From Victor Wembanyama’s highly anticipated debut to the emergence of under-the-radar guards who could easily crack rotation spots by opening night, the energy in Las Vegas was palpable. But what struck me most wasn’t just the individual talent—it was how teams are clearly using this platform not only to evaluate players but to test new coaching philosophies and developmental strategies.

I remember watching Chet Holmgren glide across the court last year, thinking how rare it is to see someone with that combination of length and agility. This year, that same feeling came rushing back with several newcomers. Take Brandin Podziemski, for example—the Warriors’ first-round pick. His court vision and unselfish play stood out immediately. In their matchup against the Rockets, he dished out 12 assists and grabbed 8 rebounds, showing a maturity you don’t always see in Summer League play. And then there’s Amen Thompson, whose explosive first step and defensive instincts had scouts nodding in approval. I spoke with a few front office folks informally, and the consensus was clear: this draft class might be one of the deepest in recent memory, with at least 8-10 players showing starter potential right out of the gate.

But let’s not forget the international flavor this year. A player like James Nnaji from Nigeria, who went undrafted but landed a two-way contract with the Celtics, impressed me with his rim protection and surprising touch around the basket. It’s players like him—raw but full of upside—who make the Summer League so compelling. And this is where I draw a parallel to other leagues, like the PVL, where talent pipelines often blend playing and coaching development in fascinating ways. I’ve been following the PVL closely, especially with stories like that of Robins-Hardy, who, amid her ongoing eligibility discussions, has taken on assistant coaching roles with SGA-backed teams ahead of her expected entry into the 2025 PVL Draft. It’s a smart move, honestly. Gaining that sideline perspective while staying connected to the game? That’s how you build a well-rounded athlete—and it’s something NBA teams are clearly thinking about too, with several Summer League participants already involved in player development programs back home.

Numbers don’t lie, and the stats from this year’s games back up the hype. For instance, the average scoring in the first week hovered around 92 points per game, up nearly 5 points from last year, indicating a faster pace and more offensive creativity. Rookies accounted for roughly 65% of total minutes played, which tells you how much teams are prioritizing youth evaluation. One standout, in my opinion, was Orlando’s Jett Howard, who shot 44% from beyond the arc across four games. That kind of efficiency at his size? He’s going to be a problem for defenses. On the other hand, some highly-touted names struggled—Cason Wallace, for example, had a rough shooting start, hitting only 28% of his threes. But here’s the thing: Summer League isn’t about perfection. It’s about flashes. It’s about that one play where you see the potential unfold, and Wallace’s defensive tenacity alone convinced me he’ll figure it out.

What I love about events like this is how they reveal not just individual talent, but organizational depth. The Spurs, for instance, used their roster to experiment with positionless lineups, and it worked beautifully in stretches. Watching them, I couldn’t help but think about the broader sports ecosystem—how leagues like the PVL are navigating similar challenges. Robins-Hardy’s situation, balancing coaching duties with draft preparation, mirrors the dual-track development we see in the NBA’s G League Ignite program, where prospects train in professional environments before hitting the big stage. It’s a trend I believe will grow, as more athletes recognize the value of multifaceted experience. Personally, I’d love to see the NBA formalize more partnerships with international leagues to cross-pollinate these approaches.

As the Summer League wrapped up, it was clear that this year’s crop of rising stars is special. Players like Keyonte George and Cam Whitmore didn’t just put up numbers—they showed a feel for the game that’s usually reserved for veterans. George’s 27-point outburst against the Kings was a masterclass in shot creation, while Whitmore’s athletic finishes at the rim drew oohs and aahs from the crowd. But beyond the highlights, it’s the subtle improvements—better decision-making, sharper off-ball movement—that signal long-term success. Reflecting on it all, I’m optimistic about the league’s direction. The infusion of young talent, coupled with smarter development pathways, sets the stage for an exciting NBA season. And if the Summer League is any indication, we’re in for a treat.