Salt Lake City – The first night of the SLC Summer League brought us everything, from the beginnings and the dunks to the passages and heating.
Each team had at least one player who shone, but there were moments to remember from almost all those who took hardwood.
Isaiah necklace. DAWG. pic.twitter.com/ygwkuolrmo
– Lead Jazz (@jazzlead) July 6, 2025
One of the most memorable moments came when Isaiah Collier and the Alume de Keve entered the basket in the second quarter.
Some people consider the summer league as a simple showcase of young players. Although this is true to a certain extent, it is as much a competition as any other NBA event.
While some players are there to prove their value, others are there to define and demonstrate their already proven skills.
One of the players falling into the second category is the Jazz Wing Brice Sensabaugh. He quickly showed that he was a level above the rest of the competition when he paid 19 points on almost 54% shooting. 16 of his points came in the first half.
Sharp Shooter Sensabaugh 🥶#Takenote pic.twitter.com/tun8xxubk
– Utah jazz (@Utahjazz) July 6, 2025
Despite a slow start, Kyle Filipowski also showed that he was in this second category. He finished with 22 points, six rebounds and one block in 73% shooting.
That said, these semi-proven players are not only there to be there. Sensabaugh and Filipowski are far from perfect, and more time on the ground will help defense, positioning, etc.
Utah recruits, Ace Bailey and Walt Clayton, certainly resembled beginners. But they have always shown lightning of potential that made them the first -round selections.
Summer League: field test, not a story told
It is important to remember that the summer league is simply a place for young players to get more time on the field and work on certain things before the start of the regular season.
There are countless examples of underperforming players in the summer league and go very well in the NBA. At the other end, there are so many examples of players who enlighten the summer league and collapsed on the big stage.
In 2009, Steph Curry pulled 32% and looked trembling in summer. In 2015, Nikola Jokic collected on average eight points and six rebounds. Two years ago, Victor Wembanyama pulled 2/13 during his debut in the summer league. We all know how these stories took place.
In 2012, Josh Selby was appointed co-mvp of the summer league and played 38 games in total NBA. Glen Rice Jr. was the MVP in 2014 and shared a similar spell.
The point is to enjoy the highlights and watch the new players of your team, but do not take anything too seriously.
Chandler Holt is co-host of the Jazz podcasta room for the initiate of the NFL, and a producer of digital sports for Kslsports.com. Follow Chand on x For Utah Jazz and residents in the NFL updates.
Take us with you, wherever you go.
Download the news and improved the KSL sports app from UTAH sports leader. You can broadcast live radio, videos and stay up to date on all your favorite teams.
