Las Vegas is the capital of the NBA's future this week. The Summer League has drawn all 30 teams, but the brightest spotlight shines on Oklahoma City: the champions are putting their next building blocks on display.
Trophy Won — What's Next?
OKC Thunder closed the season in triumph: a 4-2 Finals win over Boston, Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaging 30.4 points. The Canadian, just 27, already looks like a generational talent. The question now: how do you maintain and add to that roster? GM Sam Presti took Duke center Marcus Edwards (6th pick) and Gonzaga point guard Tyler Cross (19th pick) in the draft.
First Impressions From Vegas
Edwards played his first summer league game: 18 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks against Brooklyn. His frame draws immediate comparisons to a young Brook Lopez — wide, springy, with a polished hook shot. "I'm not here on vacation," he said afterwards. Cross has been more cautious — 7 points, 8 assists and zero turnovers in his opener.
Rivals Aren't Standing Still
Boston, beaten in the Finals, regrouped fast: they traded Al Horford to Sacramento and received young Cooper Flagg — the first overall pick — in return. Flagg dropped 24 in his summer league debut and immediately became the tournament's headline name. Miami made a surprise move, signing veteran Bradley Beal to a three-year, $45 million deal.
Summer League runs through July 22nd. The new NBA season tips off October 21st.
