Duke to the League: Filipowski, Knueppel, Flagg & Proctor Dominate NBA Summer League Spotlight
Las Vegas played host to more than just high-stakes basketball over the past two weeks it became a Blue Devil showcase. The 2025 NBA Summer League featured a parade of standout performances from Duke alumni, both seasoned and newly minted, who are already carving out a name for themselves in the pros. From MVP honors to breakout flashes of brilliance, the “Brotherhood” made its presence impossible to ignore.
Kyle Filipowski Reigns Supreme as Summer League MVP
If there were any questions about Kyle Filipowski’s NBA ceiling, they were buried beneath a tidal wave of dominance in Las Vegas. In his second Summer League stint with the Utah Jazz, the former Duke All-American was an unstoppable force.
Averaging 29.3 points per game while shooting a blistering 56.1% from the field and 39.1% from three, Filipowski looked like a seasoned pro not a second-year player. His July 14 performance against the Spurs was the exclamation mark: 35 points, 11 rebounds, and total control of the game.
With Utah building toward a youth-driven resurgence, Filipowski has officially positioned himself as a foundational piece. Expect a larger role and possibly more accolades once the regular season tips off.
Kon Knueppel Captures Summer League Title and Championship MVP
One of the NBA’s biggest questions entering Summer League was how No. 4 overall pick Kon Knueppel would transition to the pro game. The answer? Flawlessly.
The Duke sharpshooter and first-year Charlotte Hornet quickly became one of the tournament’s most polished and reliable players. Over five games, Knueppel averaged 15.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, showcasing elite versatility and an all-around game that defied his rookie status.
But it was the championship game that sealed his legacy in Vegas. Against the Sacramento Kings, Knueppel dropped a team-high 21 points, led in plus-minus, and anchored the Hornets on both ends en route to a Summer League title and Championship MVP honors. Charlotte fans have every reason to believe they landed a cornerstone talent.
Cooper Flagg Wows in Limited Minutes
Though his Summer League run was short, Cooper Flagg’s star power was anything but muted. The No. 1 overall pick and face of the Dallas Mavericks’ new era only played two games, but the second outing left NBA fans and scouts buzzing.
After a rusty debut, Flagg exploded for 31 points on 10-of-21 shooting in a highly hyped matchup against No. 2 pick Dylan Harper and the Spurs. His scoring instincts, court vision, and ability to create under pressure looked NBA-ready. The Mavericks, understandably impressed, shut him down after that performance to preserve their prized rookie for training camp.
It’s early, but Flagg is already flashing franchise-player potential in Dallas.
Tyrese Proctor Breaks Through With Statement Game
While not as hyped as some of his fellow Duke alumni, Tyrese Proctor made sure no one left Vegas without remembering his name. The Sydney-born guard, now with the Cleveland Cavaliers after being drafted in the second round, had a rocky shooting stretch but ended on a meteoric high.
In his final Summer League game, Proctor erupted for 35 points in just 28 minutes, one of the most electrifying single-game performances of the event. He averaged 17.3 points per game across his appearances—despite shooting just 29.4% from threeand proved he has the skills and composure to battle for a spot in the Cavs’ rotation.
With Cleveland eyeing a deeper playoff run, Proctor may have just played himself into meaningful minutes come October.
The Blue Devil Pipeline Keeps Delivering
From MVPs to future franchise players, Duke basketball’s fingerprints are all over the 2025 NBA Summer League. It wasn’t just a show of talent it was a statement. The next generation of stars has arrived, and many of them wore Duke blue before donning NBA threads.
If Summer League is any indication, the “Duke in the Pros” chapter for 2025-26 might just be the most exciting one yet.
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