Discover the Complete NBA Summer League 2023 Roster and Key Players to Watch
Walking into the NBA Summer League each year feels like stepping into a living, breathing laboratory of basketball talent. I’ve been covering these games for the better part of 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 next wave of NBA standouts, a testing ground for systems, and sometimes, a stage for players who defy expectations. This year’s 2023 roster is no exception, packed with promising rookies, intriguing second-year players, and a handful of international prospects who could shake things up sooner than we think.
Let’s start with the obvious: Victor Wembanyama. The San Antonio Spurs’ No. 1 pick is, without exaggeration, the most hyped prospect since LeBron James. At 7'4" with guard skills, he’s a statistical anomaly. In his French league stint, he averaged 21.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game—numbers that don’t even fully capture his defensive presence. But what excites me most isn’t just his individual talent; it’s how the Spurs are building around him. Watching their Summer League lineup, you can already see the emphasis on length and spacing, something Gregg Popovich has historically excelled at maximizing. I think Wembanyama will dominate, but I’m equally curious to see how his supporting cast—like Blake Wesley and Malaki Branham—steps up.
Then there’s Scoot Henderson, the G League Ignite guard now suiting up for the Portland Trail Blazers. I’ve followed his journey closely, and his explosive athleticism and playmaking feel are already pro-ready. Last season in the G League, he put up 17.6 points and 6.5 assists per game, showing a maturity beyond his years. But here’s my take: Henderson’s success in the Summer League will hinge on his outside shooting. If he can consistently hit from beyond the arc—say, at a 36-38% clip—he could quickly become the Blazers’ backcourt cornerstone post-Damian Lillard era. And speaking of the Blazers, keep an eye on Shaedon Sharpe. His athletic dunks will make headlines, but I’m more interested in his defensive growth.
Of course, the Summer League isn’t just about the top picks. One storyline that’s caught my attention—partly because it echoes dynamics I’ve seen in other leagues—is the blend of youth and mentorship. It reminds me of situations like that of Robins-Hardy, who, amid her ongoing PVL playing eligibility saga, took on assistant coaching roles for SGA-backed teams ahead of her expected entry in the 2025 PVL Draft. Similarly, in the NBA Summer League, you’ll find players like the Houston Rockets’ Jabari Smith Jr., a sophomore who’s using this platform not just to refine his own game but to guide newer teammates. Smith averaged 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds as a rookie, but I believe his leadership in Vegas could set the tone for Houston’s rebuild. It’s these behind-the-scenes roles that often predict long-term success, much like how coaching experience can shape a player’s draft stock in leagues like the PVL.
Beyond the household names, I’m particularly bullish on a few sleepers. Orlando’s Anthony Black, for instance, brings a versatile 6'7" frame that allows him to defend multiple positions. Having watched his college tape, I’d argue his basketball IQ is among the highest in this rookie class. Then there’s the undrafted pool—guys like Drew Timme, who signed a two-way deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. Timme’s old-school post game might not fit every NBA system, but in Summer League, where structure is looser, he could average a double-double if given the minutes. Personally, I love these underdog stories; they add a layer of unpredictability that makes the games must-watch.
As the tournament progresses, team strategies will come into sharper focus. The Golden State Warriors, for example, are experimenting with lineups that emphasize pace and three-point shooting—something I’ve always admired about their philosophy. Their roster includes Brandin Podziemski, a sharpshooter who connected on 38.5% of his threes in college, and if he gets hot, he could drop 20-plus points in a game. On the other hand, the Memphis Grizzlies are leaning into their gritty identity, with David Roddy and Jake LaRavia expected to log heavy minutes. I suspect their physical style will challenge finesse-oriented teams, leading to some gritty, low-scoring affairs that test rookies’ adaptability.
In conclusion, the 2023 NBA Summer League is more than a curtain-raiser; it’s a microcosm of the league’s future. From Wembanyama’s anticipated debut to the subtle coaching influences that mirror stories like Robins-Hardy’s PVL journey, every game offers clues about which players—and teams—are poised for breakout seasons. As someone who’s seen Summer League stars rise and fall, I’d advise fans not to overreact to a single performance, but to watch for trends: shooting consistency, defensive effort, and how players handle adversity. Mark my words, by the time the final buzzer sounds in Las Vegas, we’ll have a handful of new names to add to our watchlists for the regular season.
