Paolo Banchero, Josh Giddey and every NBA team's best player at Las Vegas Summer League 2022

Kyle Irving

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Paolo Banchero, Josh Giddey and every NBA team's best player at Las Vegas Summer League 2022 image

The Las Vegas Summer League has passed us by as the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the New York Knicks to take home the championship.

The 11-day stretch of non-stop NBA action provided fans with a great look at some of the top players in this year's draft class, as well as some second-year players who flashed improvement in a larger role.

Rookie stars like Paolo Banchero and Keegan Murray shined bright, while injuries derailed the Summer League of others like Jaden Ivey, Shaedon Sharpe and Dyson Daniels.

Josh Giddey headlined the group of second-year players who stood out, as the Australian star looked far too talented to even share a floor with some of his Summer League opponents. Moses Moody and Trey Murphy III joined Giddey as the second-year stars in Vegas this year, all looking to make a bigger impact this upcoming season.

If you weren't locked in to Summer League, we understand. That's why we're here to provide you with the spark notes, giving you the best player for all 30 teams in Las Vegas.

Teams are listed in alphabetical order.

Atlanta Hawks: Chaundee Brown Jr., G

Summer League stats: 14.4 PTS, 3.6 REB, 1.0 AST in five games

The Hawks were without each of their first-round picks over the last two years in Summer League as Jalen Johnson (knee) and AJ Griffin (foot) never stepped on the floor.

That paved the way for Hawks' G League standout Chaundee Brown Jr. to shine a bit, as the 23-year-old showed some flashes as a playmaker and shot creator.

Boston Celtics: JD Davison, G

Summer League stats: 13.0 PTS, 8.2 AST, 4.8 REB, 1.2 STL, 1.2 BLK in five games

The Celtics' second-round pick was a star at Summer League, going for two double-doubles with points and assists. His 41 total assists set an all-time record for a Celtic at Summer League, while his 8.2 APG average is third-most in NBA Summer League history behind Lonzo Ball (9.3) and his teammate, Payton Pritchard (8.5).

Brooklyn Nets: Cameron Thomas, G

Summer League stats: 27.4 PTS, 4.2 AST, 1.6 REB in five games

Thomas showed us something we all knew after he won co-Summer League MVP last season – he gets buckets.

The Nets' second-year player went off in Las Vegas again, going for over 25 points in his final four games. If the rotation clears out a bit in Brooklyn, expect Thomas to take an increased role on the offensive end.

Charlotte Hornets: Nick Richards, C

Summer League stats: 14.5 PTS, 10.0 REB, 2.5 BLK, 1.0 AST in two games

The Hornets instilled some confidence in Richards, guaranteeing his contract for the 2022-23 season just before the start of Summer League. The 24-year-old center only needed two games to prove he could be a helpful rotational piece, dominating the paint by averaging a double-double with some impressive blocks on defense, too.

Chicago Bulls: Dalen Terry, G

Summer League stats: 11.8 PTS, 3.6 REB, 2.8 AST in five games

Terry flashed everything the Bulls could hope for from their first-round pick, as the 6-foot-7 point guard was dishing out flashy passes and locking down on the defensive end. It's hard not to get excited about the idea of a defensive backcourt rotation of Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso, Ayo Dosunmu and Terry.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Ochai Agbaji, F

Summer League stats: 15.0 PTS, 4.8 REB, 2.3 AST, 1.3 STL in four games

The Cavaliers have to be feeling good about Agbaji, who immediately proved he belongs in an NBA rotation. A team that desperately needed scoring and perimeter shooting on the wing, Agbaji will be the perfect fit for Cleveland's current roster.

Dallas Mavericks: Jaden Hardy, G

Summer League stats: 15.0 PTS, 4.6 REB, 2.6 AST, 1.2 STL in five games

The Mavericks appear to have found a steal in second-round pick Hardy, who displayed all of his bucket-getting abilities at Summer League. Uncommon for a second-rounder, Dallas has already inked Hardy to a three-year deal with the NBA roster.

Denver Nuggets: Christian Braun, F

Summer League stats: 11.8 PTS, 6.0 REB, 4.8 AST, 2.3 STL, 1.0 BLK in four games

Braun showed the entire package at Summer League, doing a little bit of everything for the Nuggets. Averaging double-digit points with six boards, nearly five assists and over two steals, the 21-year-old looks ready to contribute immediately at the next level. With the Nuggets getting healthy, he'll be competing for a contender.

Detroit Pistons: Jaden Ivey, G

Summer League stats: 18.8 PTS, 4.0 AST, 3.0 REB in two games

This may seem disrespectful to the Pistons players who played in more than one game, but Ivey was so good before he got shut down due to an ankle injury that he still represents Detroit on this list.

Ivey only needed one game to showcase everything that was said of the explosive guard during the pre-draft process, attacking the rim with a vengeance and splitting traps with ease.

Golden State Warriors: Moses Moody, F

Summer League stats: 27.5 PTS, 4.0 REB, 2.0 AST, 1.5 STL, 1.5 BLK in two games

Jonathan Kuminga and James Wiseman were both strong candidates to represent the Warriors here, but Moody was so solid during his two games that Golden State shut him down thereafter.

His 27.5 points per game led the entire Summer League, and the Warriors' future appears to be in good hands between him, Kuminga and Wiseman.

Houston Rockets: Tari Eason, F

Summer League stats: 17.2 PTS, 10.4 REB, 1.8 STL, 1.6 AST, 1.0 BLK in five games

While No. 2 overall pick Jabari Smith Jr. was lockdown on defense, his offensive numbers didn't warrant a selection. And although Josh Christopher was the team's leading scorer, he shot 39.6 percent from the field and 12.5 percent from 3.

Eason, meanwhile, was a monster on both ends of the floor, looking like one of the most NBA-ready prospects at Summer League. His athleticism shined through when attacking the rim and crashing the glass and his defense was as good as advertised pre-draft. The Rockets got a good one in Eason.

Indiana Pacers: Bennedict Mathurin, G

Summer League stats: 19.3 PTS, 4.0 REB, 1.3 AST, 1.3 STL in three games

It became clear at Summer League that the Pacers found their second piece for their backcourt of the future alongside Tyrese Haliburton. Mathurin scored with ease and efficiency and he'll only look better next to a playmaker of Haliburton's caliber.

LA Clippers: Brandon Boston Jr., G

Summer League stats: 13.4 PTS, 5.6 REB, 1.4 AST, 1.2 STL in five games

Boston's versatility was on display in Summer League, giving the Clippers a glimpse of hope for the future in the 20-year-old. He defended multiple positions, created his own shot off the dribble and rebounded at a high level.

Los Angeles Lakers: Cole Swider, F

Summer League stats: 15.4 PTS, 4.2 REB, 1.0 AST in five games

Even though he went undrafted, the Lakers wasted no time to hand out a Two-Way contract to Swider.

The 6-foot-9 forward's game is much more suitable for the NBA's spacing as a perimeter shooting big who can stretch the floor. He shot 50.0 percent from the 3 on 7.6 attempts per game.

Memphis Grizzlies: Kenneth Lofton Jr., F

Summer League stats: 15.2 PTS, 7.2 REB, 2.0 AST in five games

WIth all due respect to Santi Aldama – who was a stud at Summer League – it was Lofton who stole the show. The big man earned a Two-Way contract, showing just how skilled he is despite his unique body and frame. The 6-foot-6 forward has tremendous talent and if he can get into better shape, the Grizzlies could have a diamond in the rough down the line.

Miami Heat: Marcus Garrett, G

Summer League stats: 7.3 PTS, 4.3 REB, 1.3 AST, 1.3 STL

The Heat's Summer League team took a blow when first-round pick Nikola Jovic was forced to sit out the entire Vegas portion with a quad contusion. Garrett took advantage of an increased opportunity and earned a Two-Way contract with the Heat, showing his ability as a defensive stopper.

Milwaukee Bucks: Sandro Mamukelashvili, F & Lindell Wigginton, G

Mamukelashvili Summer League stats: 20.5 PTS, 8.8 REB, 2.8 AST, 1.5 STL, 1.3 BLK in four games

Wigginton Summer League stats: 20.0 PTS, 5.5 AST, 2.5 REB, 1.3 STL in four games

The Bucks had two players who played so well that I couldn't just pick one. Mamukelashvili was a monster on both ends of the floor, proving he can be a rotational piece as a floor-stretching big man. Wigginton made his case for some playing time in the Bucks' thin backcourt, flashing his playmaking and tough perimeter defense.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Josh Minott, F

Summer League stats: 12.2 PTS, 8.6 REB, 1.6 AST, 1.6 STL, 1.6 BLK in five games

The Timberwolves were so impressed with Minott's play that they signed the second-round pick to a four-year deal with the NBA roster. Minott showed how he can impact games with energy, athleticism and versatility – something every NBA team can use.

New Orleans Pelicans: Trey Murphy III, F

Summer League stats: 26.5 PTS, 7.0 REB, 2.5 STL, 1.0 AST in two games

Murphy was a flat-out star at Summer League. He played a defensive specialist role for the Pelicans as a rookie but in Vegas, the second-year player proved he's capable of much more. His offensive growth was on display, as his 26.5 points per game were third-most among the entire league.

The future of New Orleans is in great hands.

MORE: Power Ranking the NBA's best young cores

New York Knicks: Quentin Grimes, G

Summer League stats: 23.5 PTS, 4.5 REB, 4.3 AST, 1.3 STL in four games

Grimes had one of the biggest breakouts at Summer League, leading the Knicks to the championship game. With his sound playmaking and sharpshooting from the perimeter, New York could get some much-needed offense from an in-house player next season.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Josh Giddey, F

Summer League stats: 13.0 PTS, 8.0 AST, 5.5 REB in two games

As good as No. 2 overall pick Chet Holmgren was, Giddey was simply too good for Summer League. The 19-year-old made the most of his reps, showing that along with his elite passing, he also got a bit stronger and more explosive since the last time we saw him take the floor.

Orlando Magic: Paolo Banchero, F

Summer League stats: 20.0 PTS, 6.0 AST, 5.0 REB, 2.5 STL, 1.0 BLK in two games

Banchero was incredible in his first two games, looking like a franchise-altering talent. The Magic clearly got the No. 1 pick right, as the 6-foot-10 forward displayed the chops to be a primary scorer while also flashing advanced playmaking and better defense than we saw at Duke.

Philadelphia 76ers: Isaiah Joe, F

Summer League stats: 13.7 PTS, 3.0 REB, 2.3 AST, 2.3 STL in three games

The 76ers could use some perimeter shooting and Joe did his best to prove he can be the guy to fill that role. The former second-round pick shot the lights out at Summer League, knocking down 60 percent (!) of his 3s on 6.7 attempts per game.

Phoenix Suns: Olivier Sarr, C

Summer League stats: 8.0 PTS, 8.0 REB, 1.0 AST, 1.7 BLK in three games

Sarr held down the paint on both ends for the Suns, playing well enough to try and compete for a roster spot in training camp. The mobile big man could bring some athleticism and versatility to Phoenix's frontcourt.

Portland Trail Blazers: Trendon Watford, F

Summer League stats: 12.3 PTS, 8.0 REB, 2.0 AST, 1.0 STL, 1.0 BLK

Watford had a really strong end to the season last year and he carried that momentum into Summer League. His 19 points and seven rebounds in the championship game against the Knicks earned MVP honors for the title match. He'll surely compete for minutes in Portland's rotation again this season.

Sacramento Kings: Keegan Murray, F

Summer League stats: 23.3 PTS, 7.3 REB, 2.0 AST, 1.3 STL in four games

Murray might be on his way to Summer League MVP with his performance in Vegas. The No. 4 overall pick was dominant, averaging 23 points and seven rebounds, looking like the perfect missing piece in Sacramento's frontcourt.

He showed everything that made him an NBA-ready prospect, highlighted by defensive versatility and efficient scoring.

San Antonio Spurs: Malaki Branham, F

Summer League stats: 15.4 PTS, 3.6 REB, 1.4 AST in five games

The Spurs had two rookie candidates for this selection between Branham and Blake Wesley. Branham gets the nod for his scoring efficiency, averaging 15.4 points while shooting 42.3 percent from 3-point range. The Ohio State product should slide right into a prominent scoring role for the rebuilding Spurs this season.

Toronto Raptors: Dalano Banton, F

Summer League stats: 16.3 PTS, 5.3 REB, 4.3 AST, 2.0 STL in four games

Banton was a stud for the Raptors in Summer League, building on a strong G League campaign where the former second-round pick looked well-worthy of a roster spot. He was a jack-of-all-trades on both ends of the floor, displaying scoring and playmaking prowess on offense while locking down a number of different positions on defense.

The 6-foot-7 guard has a bright future in Toronto.

Utah Jazz: Jared Butler, G

Summer League stats: 12.0 PTS, 7.7 AST, 3.3 REB, 2.7 STL in three games

Even though Butler had some really poor shooting performances, the second-year guard proved he has the capability to be a backup guard in the Jazz's rotation. After a heart condition derailed the start of his rookie season last year, Butler eventually earned some minutes for Utah. With a solid showing as a defender and passer at Summer League, Butler will look to take on an even bigger role in Year 2.

Washington Wizards: Jordan Schakel, G

Summer League stats: 14.3 PTS, 3.8 REB, 1.3 AST in four games

The Wizards and their fanbase would probably hope this would be first-round pick Johnny Davis, but the young star didn't have his best showing in Vegas. Davis only averaged 8.3 points on 27.6 percent shooting from the field and 33.3 percent shooting from 3.

Schakel, on the other hand, was the go-to guy for Washington's Summer League team, averaging 14.3 points. The 24-year-old certainly put his name on the radar of many NBA executives, coaches and scouts in Vegas.

Kyle Irving

Kyle Irving Photo

You read that wrong – not Kyrie Irving. From Boston, graduated from the University of New Hampshire. Sixth season as a content producer for NBA.com's Global editions. Covering the NBA Draft has become his annual "dream come true" moment on the job. Irving has a soft spot for pass-first point guards, with Rajon Rondo and Steve Nash being two of his favorite players of all time.