Summer League basketball has been underway for about a week now, and, unlike past years, the top performers haven't been the biggest names. With the top two picks of this year's draft, Zion Williamson and Ja Morant, sidelined with minor knee injuries, the platform of the Summer League has been dominated by players that normally would have slid under the radar.
Tony Bradley
The former North Carolina Tar Heel has appeared to make a massive leap in his third year in the league, currently averaging 19 points and 13 rebounds while shooting 57 percent from the field. The 21-year-old's aggressiveness, mobility and soft touch around the rim can lead to him playing a major role as Rudy Gobert's backup next year.
Coby White
The Chicago Bulls have their point guard for at least the next decade. In his three Summer League games, White has already shown that he has mastered two of the most important skills for a point guard in today's NBA—controlling the pace and operating in the pick-and-roll. His handles, size, and shooting ability allows him to almost always be in a comfortable scoring position on the court. White averaging more rebounds(4.3) than assists(3.7) is a bit alarming, but expect that to change come the actual season when the point guard is creating shots for more talented teammates.
Anfernee Simons
Anfernee Simons helps the Trail Blazers sleep at night after losing Seth Curry. The second-year guard is a walking bucket and has displayed that in his three summer league games, averaging 22 points on 56 percent shooting. At 6-foot-4 with a smooth handle, Simons can relieve either Damian Lilliard or C.J. McCollum and give head coach Terry Stotts instant offense off-the-bench.
Tyler Herro
When a team is unwilling to trade a late-lottery rookie for a former MVP that is coming off consecutive seasons averaging a triple-double, chances are that rookie has major potential. In his five Summer League games, Herro has averaged 20 points and four assists per game, while showing off one of the best shooting strokes of the summer. Every dribble past halfcourt is a hesitation for the Kentucky product, keeping the defender guessing and allowing him to pull-up whenever he wants. Jimmy Butler may be the present star in Miami, but it looks Herro is the Heat's future.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is forcing his way into minutes next season. The 6-foot-5 combo guard has shown off an ability to score and create offense for others that will be impossible to justify sitting on the bench. The former Hokie is averaging 24.5 points and seven assists through his first two Summer League appearances and has orchestrated the Pelicans' offense like a savvy veteran, with jump-stop finishes and bullet crosscourt passes to open shooters.
Jaxson Hayes
Speaking of Pelicans' rookies that are forcing their way onto the court next season, Jaxson Hayes has looked like the perfect center for what David Griffin has built in New Orleans. Hayes plays strikingly similar to a former New Orleans center by the name of Tyson Chandler, as his game is made up of aggressive dunks on one end and even more aggresive blocks on the other. However, unlike Chandler, and to the surprise of many, the Texas product has shown off a smooth shooting stroke in the Summer League.
Lonnie Walker IV
San Antonio is quietly building a young core that will sneak up and steal two titles in the 2020s. Lonnie Walker IV is an integral piece of that core. The former University of Miami wing has looked like the best player on the court throughout the Summer League, averaging 25 points on 55 percent shooting.