Bronny James showed flashes of improvement in Vegas as he prepares for his sophomore campaign.
LAS VEGAS – While the NBA 2K26 Summer League provided rookies the chance to get their first taste of NBA action, second-year players from the 2024 NBA Draft had their moments to shine as well.
After earning meaningful minutes, developing in the G League or climbing rungs on the Kia Rookie Ladder, these players elevated their game with experience gained in Las Vegas.
Here’s a look at the sophomore standouts (listed alphabetically by last name):
1. Ron Holland II, Detroit Pistons
Ron Holland II, the No. 5 pick from the 2024 Draft, is primed for a breakout season as the Pistons look to take the next leap into competing deeper into the playoffs.
Holland II delivered a solid rookie campaign, seeing action in 81 games and averaging 6.4 points while showing defensive potential. Holland II turned in a complete game against the Rockets on July 13, dropping 15 points, three rebounds and three steals in a 98-83 win. In 3 games overall, Holland averaged 21.7 points while shooting 46.7% 3-point shooting.
With the loss of rotation players like Dennis Schröder, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Simone Fontecchio to free agency, look for Holland II to fill in the gap in Year Two.
2. Bronny James, Los Angeles Lakers
Following a strong campaign at the California Classic, Bronny James built on the success in Las Vegas. The biggest difference was confidence — James simply looked more comfortable running the offense and continued to shoot the 3-point shot well.
Though the Lakers lost to the Clippers on July 14, James was one of the few bright spots as he logged a complete game: 17 points, five rebounds, five assists and three 3-pointers. Additionally, he notably averaged 16.3 ppg, 4.3 apg and 2.6 rpg over a three-game stretch, able to get teammates involved and spark runs throughout.
3. Yuki Kawamura, Chicago Bulls
After a strong rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies, during which Yuki Kawamura played 22 games, the second-year pro from Japan found himself on the Bulls roster in Vegas hoping to make an impact.
His court vision and his pass-first play earned consistent minutes off the bench. And Kawamura channeled his inner human highlight reel while leading the Bulls to a 105-92 win over the Utah Jazz on July 18 with 20 points and 10 assists with a variety of flashy dimes and 3-point shooting.
Following Summer League action, the Bulls signed Kawamura to a two-way contract; he averaged 10.2 ppg, 6.2 apg and 2.4 rpg throughout the week.
Yuki Kawamura put on a show tonight in Las Vegas:
🤩 20 points
🤩 10 assists
🤩 6-9 from downtown
🤩 6-11 from the floor pic.twitter.com/nHSLSvvZrG— NBA (@NBA) July 19, 2025
4. Alexandre Sarr, Washington Wizards
For someone who finished third on the 2024-25 Kia Rookie Ladder, Alex Sarr took the opportunity in Summer League to continue his growth and leadership. After averaging 1.5 blocks in his rookie campaign, Sarr continued to show flashes on the defensive side. He notably set a new Summer League record with eight blocks on July 13, including the potential game-winning basket, while finishing with 16 points and 12 rebounds.
ALEX SARR: DOMINANT DEFENSIVE PERFORMANCE
Watch all 8 blocks from the 2024 No. 2 pick 👏😤 pic.twitter.com/Le5agjNpiL
— NBA (@NBA) July 14, 2025
5. Terrence Shannon Jr., Minnesota Timberwolves
Terrence Shannon Jr., the No. 24 pick in the 2024 Draft, showed why the Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch trusted him with playoff minutes in his rookie campaign.
Facing a 3-0 deficit in the Western Conference Finals, Shannon Jr. provided a much-needed spark off the bench. His activity on the court proved to be the difference-maker in a critical Game 3, and provided a springboard for further development during Summer League.
Shannon Jr. displayed a complete game in the Timberwolves’ 94-83 win over the Nuggets with a 24-point performance that included draining five 3-pointers. He also scored 20-plus points in three straight Summer League games. With the Wolves roster building on continuity after a seconds straight trip to the conference finals, Shannon Jr. could add depth on the wing with regular minutes.
