Image Credit: © Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

How did NBA Draft Top Picks Play in Summer League Debut? Performance Review of VJ Edgecombe, Ace Bailey and More

How did the rookies play in opening games of 2025 NBA Summer League? Read to know.

Image Credit: © Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The 2025 NBA Summer League tipped off on Saturday with the California Classic and Salt Lake City Summer League delivering two games each. The Miami Heat defeated the San Antonio Spurs 82-69, while the Golden State Warriors rolled past the LA Lakers 89-84. In the Salt Lake City Summer League, the Memphis Grizzlies got off to a winning start with a 92-80 victory over the OKC Thunder. Not only this, but the Utah Jazz also opened their account with a 93-89 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

How Did Rookies Fare in 2025 NBA Summer League Debut?

Several rookies played their first games of their professional careers, and here, we will review the gameplay of a few names who made headlines during the 2025 NBA Draft.

VJ Edgecombe

VJ Edgecombe made a name for himself in his first game for the Philadelphia 76ers despite their 93-89 loss to the Utah Jazz. The No. 3 overall pick came up with the most notable performance of the day. He delivered 28 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, while shooting 13-for-27 from shooting despite a 1-for-7 mark from range. The former Baylor star added two blocks and one steal for his side.

VJ Edgecombe dazzled in his #NBASummer debut for the @sixers!

🔔 28 points
🔔 10 rebounds
🔔 4 assists
🔔 2 blocks pic.twitter.com/sqLlfmuIWA
— NBA (@NBA) July 6, 2025

Ace Bailey

The overall No. 5 pick, Ace Bailey had all the attention and high expectations, owing to his performance in the camp. Bailey made headlines when he reportedly became the only US-based prospect who declined workouts for any teams before the draft. On Saturday night, he dropped eight points while shooting 3-for-13 and seven rebounds. Though more was expected from him, the Jazz registered a significant win over the 76ers.

Walter Clayton Jr.

The No. 18 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Walter Clayton Jr. laced up his sneakers for the Utah Jazz and delivered a decent performance. Clayton Jr., who is coming off a national championship in his senior season with the Gators, became the first player in program history to earn first-team All-America honors. On Saturday, he dropped nine points, three rebounds and six assists.

Walter Clayton Jr. with the TOUGH LAY for 2!

First #NBASummer bucket for the No. 18 pick 👏 pic.twitter.com/ODvDNbZgkM
— NBA (@NBA) July 6, 2025

Image Credit: © Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ace Bailey

NBA Summer League2025

VJ Edgecombe

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.