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5 players who have been way too good for NBA Summer League

By Peter O'Keefe

October 30, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody (4) during the first half at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 30, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody (4) during the first half at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Summer League
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – JULY 7: Josh Giddey #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder taunts Malik Ellison #28 of the Philadelphia 76ers after dunking over him during the second half of their NBA Summer League game July 7, 2022 at the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah, 5 players who have been way too good for NBA Summer League. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /

The 2K23 NBA Summer League may have only just begun in Las Vegas, but there are already some players proving to be way too good for this level of competition. While some recent draftees have been mightily impressive, it’s often the second-year players whose NBA experience puts them in good stead to dominate these games.

In some cases, these players have often already proven themselves at the NBA level, meaning they’re there for more than just their own individual game. Here are five players dominating NBA Summer League, demonstrating that their skill sets sit far above this level of competition.

5 players who have been way too good for NBA Summer League: Josh Giddey

The Australian may be the prime example of someone who shouldn’t necessarily be playing. He finished with All-Rookie Second Team honors in 2021-22, which could have easily been First Team if not for an early finish to his season via injury.

He recorded four triple-doubles throughout his impressive first season, with his all-around game again on display in this year’s Summer League. Giddey’s averaging 14 points, four rebounds, and eight assists through two games, and although those aren’t astounding numbers, he can clearly command a game like very few in this tournament.

There are two reasons as to why he’s competing – first and foremost, the Thunder would like him to build chemistry with their number two overall pick Chet Holmgren.

Secondly, Giddey is actually younger than Holmgren and many of the other 2022 draftees. There remains plenty of growth to be had for the 6’8″ guard, and given his injury to finish last regular season, Summer League presents an opportunity to accelerate that development.