Summer League Fantasy Basketball Roundup - July 10, 2025 - Flagg's Debut

Opening Day Las Vegas Action

Jul 11, 2025

Welcome to your daily dose of Summer League fantasy insights! Opening night in Las Vegas delivered thrills, surprises, and plenty of fantasy-relevant performances as the NBA 2K26 Summer League tipped off with seven games of action.

Cooper Flagg's Uneven But Promising Debut

The most anticipated debut in Summer League history lived up to the hype, even if Cooper Flagg's shooting numbers didn't. The #1 overall pick struggled with his shot, going just 5-for-21 from the field and missing all five three-point attempts in Dallas's narrow 87-85 victory over the Lakers. But fantasy managers shouldn't panic - Flagg's all-around contributions tell a different story.

The 6'9" forward filled up the stat sheet with 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block in 32 minutes of action. His playmaking ability was particularly impressive, as he took on primary ball-handling duties and created numerous opportunities for teammates. While the shooting efficiency was concerning, Flagg's defensive activity and rebounding from the wing position make him a multi-category contributor in fantasy formats.

Fantasy Takeaway: Flagg's debut reinforces his status as a must-draft rookie in all formats. His poor shooting is likely an anomaly - he shot 38.5% from three at Duke - and his defensive stats and rebounding upside from the guard/forward position provide excellent category coverage.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES THAT MATTER

Cole Swider Steals the Show
While Flagg grabbed headlines, Lakers forward Cole Swider delivered the night's most impressive offensive performance. The 6'8" sharpshooter erupted for 22 points and 10 rebounds, shooting a scorching 66.7% from three-point range. Swider's breakout continues his strong California Classic showing and positions him as a deep-league sleeper if he secures a roster spot.

Ryan Nembhard's Clutch Performance
The undrafted rookie guard was the real star for Dallas, scoring 21 points with 5 assists to lead the Mavericks' comeback victory. Nembhard's composure in big moments, including a crucial late three-pointer, showcases the type of veteran savvy that could translate to regular season opportunities.

Nae'Qwan Tomlin's Dominant Night
Cleveland's Tomlin posted game-high numbers with 30 points in the Cavaliers' narrow 116-115 loss to Indiana. His scoring outburst demonstrates the upside that makes him an intriguing deep-league target, particularly in leagues that reward high-volume scoring.

Season 5 Premiere: Live Q&A Event

Get ready! Season 5 of Bleav in Fantasy Basketball kicks off this Sunday, July 13, at 10:30 pm ET, streaming live on both X and YouTube. Join us for the excitement as we launch the new season and connect with the community in real time. We’ll be answering your questions live, so bring your curiosity and join the conversation. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action and help shape the discussion as Season 5 begins!

RISING STARS TO MONITOR

Terrence Shannon Jr. - Minnesota Timberwolves
The former Illinois star put together an impressive all-around performance with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists in Minnesota's 98-91 victory over New Orleans. Shannon's versatility and ability to contribute across multiple categories make him a priority waiver wire pickup in dynasty leagues.

RayJ Dennis - Indiana Pacers
Dennis nearly pulled off a triple-double with 26 points and 9 assists in the Pacers' thrilling 116-115 win over Cleveland. His playmaking ability from the guard position provides immediate fantasy value, and his scoring upside makes him worth monitoring as the Summer League progresses.

Drew Timme - Brooklyn Nets
The former Gonzaga standout showed why he remains relevant with 22 points and 9 rebounds in Brooklyn's 90-81 loss to Oklahoma City. Timme's consistent production and NBA-ready skill set make him a candidate for regular season minutes and fantasy relevance.

FANTASY IMPLICATIONS MOVING FORWARD

Immediate Adds: Terrence Shannon Jr. and RayJ Dennis should be priority pickups in dynasty formats based on their opening night performances and clear paths to playing time.

Deep League Targets: Cole Swider and Ryan Nembhard have shown they can produce when given opportunities. Monitor their usage patterns as the Summer League continues.

Buyer Beware: While Flagg's shooting struggles are likely temporary, his fantasy managers should temper expectations for immediate explosive scoring. His value lies in his well-rounded contributions rather than dominant scoring.

LOOKING AHEAD

Summer League continues with more intriguing matchups as teams battle for positioning in the tournament bracket. Keep an eye on how these breakout performers build on their opening night success and whether new stars emerge from the deep roster battles.

Fantasy basketball in July might seem premature, but these performances often predict who will emerge as waiver wire gems during the regular season. The players who dominate Summer League action frequently translate that success into meaningful NBA contributions.

Stay tuned for more Summer League insights as we track the next wave of fantasy-relevant performances. The future of your fantasy team might just be taking shape in Las Vegas.

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