Highlights from day 3 of the NBA Summer League: top players to watch

The 2025 NBA Summer League in Salt Lake City offered a deep dive into rising young talent showcasing their skills and vying for roster spots. From Utah’s Brice Sensabaugh setting a new scoring record to Memphis Grizzlies’ emerging prospects battling through adversity, Day 3 was a compelling chapter in the league’s evolving story. While the outfits from Nike, Adidas, and Jordan Brand adorned the court, players reinforced why they might be the next staples in NBA rotations, displaying flashes of brilliance that hint at promising futures. Let’s break down the top performers who made themselves impossible to overlook in this latest Summer League installment.

Brice Sensabaugh’s Record-Breaking Night Highlights NBA Summer League Action

Brice Sensabaugh didn’t just score; he dominated with a precision and confidence that made it clear the Utah Jazz found a gem in their 2023 first-round pick. His 37-point explosion on 9-for-14 shooting, featuring six three-pointers and an incredible 13-of-14 from the free-throw line, set a Salt Lake City Summer League record. He balanced perimeter shooting with aggressive interior play, drawing 14 free throws—a testament to his evolving offensive arsenal. Sensabaugh's performance signals that the Jazz’s investment might soon pay dividends as they shape their young core around versatile players.

• Scored a Summer League record 37 points with 9-for-14 shooting
• Converted 6 of 9 attempts from beyond the arc
• Tallied 13 made free throws on 14 attempts
• Displayed mature shot selection and floor awareness

Ace Bailey’s Efficient Performance Marks Him As a Rookie To Watch

As the fifth overall pick, Ace Bailey’s gameplay was surprisingly clean for Summer League standards. In 34 minutes, he put up 18 points, seven rebounds, and three assists without a single turnover. His elite athleticism was on display multiple times, blending explosiveness with improving decision-making. This balance, especially paired with a typically chaotic rookie experience, hints at a player who can evolve into a cornerstone for the Jazz. With Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour battling on players’ gear choices, Bailey’s polished game overshadows brand debates.

• Posted 18 points, 7 boards, and 3 assists
• No turnovers in 34 minutes—remarkable poise
• Showcased elite athleticism and court vision
• Represents promising potential among Utah’s young core

Memphis Grizzlies’ Prospects Fight Through Challenges on Day 3

The Memphis Grizzlies’ young talent pool continues to adjust after roster shake-ups, with two players stepping up despite the team’s loss. 6-foot-9 forward GG Jackson scored 27 points on 11-for-18 shooting, displaying a confident attacking game that recalls his noteworthy All-Rookie campaign before injury setbacks. Parallelly, Cam Spencer demonstrated lethal outside shooting, connecting on 7 of 10 triples and tallying 23 points. Their contrasting styles—inside aggression versus perimeter shooting—highlight Memphis’ dual strategy as they navigate rebuilding.

• GG Jackson’s 27 points energy back after injury sidelined him
• Jackson controlled fouls and turnovers under heavy usage
• Cam Spencer nailed 7 of 10 from three for 23 points total
• Spencer needs to improve playmaking efficiency with turnovers

Mady Sissoko Offers Stability For Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2025 Roster Push

Amid heavy attention to Thunder's drafted backcourt stars Nikola Topić and Ajay Mitchell, undrafted big man Mady Sissoko quietly delivered a solid 13 points and nine rebounds in just 22 minutes. His presence on the floor reflects important seasoning, although four fouls in limited time indicate room for defensive refinement. As players wearing Reebok, Spalding, and Mitchell & Ness apparel share the spotlight, Sissoko quietly made a strong case for roster consideration through his physicality and hustle.

• Logged 13 points, 9 rebounds, plus defensive stats in 22 minutes
• Demonstrated solid court awareness on both ends of the floor
• Needs to cut fouls for extended playing time
• Undrafted player showing value in Thunder’s developmental path

What To Watch Next: Emerging Stars and NBA Trends Impacting Summer League

The standout performances in the Summer League not only tell the story of individual hustle and skill but also mirror broader NBA trends — from how players don Nike, Puma, Jordan Brand, or Champion gear affecting marketability, to how franchises leverage seasonal breaks to optimize player health and maximize long-term development. The Summer League’s role as a proving ground remains vital for rookies and undrafted players alike, as seen with Sensabaugh, Bailey, and Sissoko.

• Monitoring player transitions post-draft and free agency movements NBA Free Agency Updates
• Observing how top rookies handle the pressure in developmental game scenarios
• Evaluating franchise strategies on grooming talent for future championship contention
• Noting brand endorsements driving player market value and fan engagement