Over the course of each summer, there are players who go under-the-radar. Some of these players standout during summer league games or take advantage of an open opportunity heading into the season. These particular undervalued summer stars of the 2025 offseason should be prepared to play elevated roles in their team’s 2025 rotation to tip off next season.
Undervalued Summer Stars Who Could Play Key Roles in 2025
Isaac Jones
After a low impact rookie season, Isaac Jones broke out into a star for the Sacramento Kings during the 2025 NBA Summer League. Jones was an undrafted free agent pickup by the Kings last season. In a full six-game sample in summer league, Jones posted averages of 18.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, leading Sacramento to a summer league championship appearance. Although they fell short in the final matchup, Jones didn’t waver, recording a 24-point double-double.
The Kings rotation is wide open, and their future remains uncertain as the sit in a state of purgatory. Led by the trio of Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan, Sacramento needs to find players to mold into key complementary contributors. During the 2023-24 season, undrafted free agent Keon Ellis burst onto the scene as an energetic, two-way guard next to De’Aaron Fox. Now, as another undrafted free agent, Jones has the ability to turn from an undervalued summer star to a key contributor toward the Kings success in 2025.
Jordan Miller
Jordan Miller was another breakout star for the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2025 NBA Summer League. Miller was a second-round selection by the Clippers in 2023. However, he’s been a reserve throughout his tenure in Los Angeles. Miller was waived by Los Angeles earlier this offseason, but after Miller’s summer league performance, the Clippers brought him back on a two-way deal. In five games, Miller averaged 22 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, displaying fantastic three-level scoring ability.
Miller’s path toward becoming a rotational piece for a Clippers roster rich in veteran talent will be difficult. However, it is a capable path for a summer star like Miller. Similarly to fellow 2023 NBA draftee Kobe Brown, Miller will have to prove himself as a reliable and dependable presence in the rotation to the coaching staff.
With expectations to compete, the Clippers could use a splash of youth among savvy veterans like Kawhi Leonard. Miller’s 24-point performance in the team’s final summer league outing prove his preparation should allow him to potentially contribute to the highest level of NBA competition.
DaRon Holmes II
After DaRon Holmes II tore his Achilles in last year’s summer league, the injury forced him to miss his entire rookie season. Holmes II remained determined to stand out starting with his 2025 summer league performance. In his first game action since the injury, he certainly showed why the Denver Nuggets selected him with their first-round pick in 2024. In four summer league appearances, Holmes II averaged 13 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists on impressive efficiency for a big man, including 19 points, 17 rebounds, and five assists in his final outing.
Since being drafted, he has continued to develop his 38.6% three-point shooting stroke from his final year at Dayton. In addition, he shot incredibly from long range on just under five attempts per game in summer league. Last season, without Nikola Jokic on the court, Denver was completely vulnerable. However, with their new additions, from acquiring Jonas Valanciunas to the return of Holmes II from his lower leg injury, the Nuggets’ center depth has become one of their biggest strengths.
Sitting and learning under valuable frontcourt members like the three-time NBA MVP Jokic and championship starter Aaron Gordon, Holmes II is in a great developmental situation. As the 2025 season awaits, he should be primed for a key role in the front court of the second unit.
Chris Livingston
Chris Livingston and the Milwaukee Bucks agreed to a one-year contract before the conclusion of the 2025 NBA Summer League. After being taken with a second-round selection in 2023, Livingston has continued to consistently improve over the offseason. In four games during summer league, Livingston averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game for Milwaukee.
The Bucks have made many one-year rental signings this offseason. However, an in-house re-signing signifies a major step in Livingston’s future as a Buck and a promising sign of how Livingston’s youth and upside could give Milwaukee a potential developmental option on the wing. There remains much growth and opportunity for him to thrive on this specific roster. With Giannis Antetokounmpo likely running the show, it will allow other viable contributors to play to their strengths.
Kevin McCullar Jr.
Kevin McCullar Jr. marks yet another undervalued summer star searching for a larger role on a competitive team in the New York Knicks. Luckily for McCullar Jr., New York’s lack of depth hurt them last season as they got deeper into the 2025 playoffs, indicating a great opportunity to find a substantial role next season as change becomes imminent. Those possibilities only rose for him after his two summer league appearances as McCullar Jr. averaged 21.5 points, five rebounds, two assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
Last season, the development of youth was an afterthought as Thibodeau failed to spark any gradual improvement over the course of the regular season. Young rookies like Pacome Dadiet, Tyler Kolek, and Ariel Hukporti lacked any preparation for the big moments. With the addition of Mike Brown as head coach, the Knicks will now look to adjust their certain philosophy. This can only mean good things for McCullar Jr., the rest of the Knicks’ young core, and even the team’s biggest stars in Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Photo credit: © Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
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