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

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.

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

Banchero was a somewhat surprising first overall pick, with most expecting the Orlando Magic to take Jabari Smith Jr. But after just two Summer League games, their selection appears more than justified.

At 6’10”, the 19-year-old boasts a repertoire of three-level scoring and competent playmaking that gets his teammates involved. Banchero is averaging 20 points, five rebounds, and six assists to go with 2.5 steals and one block.

The question has now been raised – how much more do the Magic actually want to see of their prized draft pick against this level of competition? The prospect of Banchero in the frontcourt with Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. is already a salivating thought for Magic fans longing for success.

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

Heading into his second season, Moody dominated his one game in Las Vegas and was promptly rested for the Golden State Warriors’ second game on Sunday.

In an otherwise disappointing team performance against the New York Knicks on Friday, the 20-year-old carried the Warriors with an efficient 34-point performance on just 13 shots.

Should we really be surprised though? This is a player who played competent, although limited minutes, in the Western Conference Finals. Moody’s maturity belies his age, he’s someone that plays hard and just makes the right play on a constant basis.

In a Summer League setting, that maturity and experience shines through against many who haven’t even seen NBA minutes, let alone playoff minutes. Although he missed Sunday’s game, Moody is expected to play again in order to get reps alongside fellow recent lottery picks James Wiseman and Jonathan Kuminga.

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

Thomas showed out in Summer League last year, proving himself to be an early steal of the 2021 draft after the Brooklyn Nets nabbed him with the 27th overall pick.

Now, after two games, Thomas may be in line to win back-to-back Summer League MVPs. The 6’3″ guard is averaging 28.5 points and 4.5 assists, having played in 67 games for Brooklyn during the 2021-22 regular season.

Thomas’ scoring ability may not have translated directly to the NBA level just yet, but for this level of competition, there are very few that prevent him from getting buckets. With Brooklyn in an uncertain situation, it’ll be interesting to see what kind of role and opportunity Thomas may get heading into next season.

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

The 25th overall pick in last year’s draft, Grimes was a rare positive on an otherwise disappointing New York Knicks team during his rookie season. The 22-year-old played just over 17 minutes per game, shooting an impressive 38.1% from beyond the arc.

He’s taken that experience into Summer League, averaging 24 points, four rebounds and six assists to lead the Knicks to two comfortable victories thus far. Similar to Thomas, Grimes possesses a polished offensive game at this level, capable of beating defenders off the dribble, making plays for others, and shooting the ball at a high volume.

Although he may be elite in this tournament, it remains an important phase of development for Grimes heading into next season. With the expectation that Derrick Rose will be moved on, further opportunities seem destined to arise for this talented young guard.