Former Duke Stars Impress in 2025 NBA Summer League Performances

Several former Duke basketball players have made notable impressions in the 2025 NBA Summer League as they vie for NBA roster spots. DJ Steward, undrafted in 2021, impressed in his Lakers Summer League debut by scoring 20 points with strong shooting and playmaking, signaling progress from his G League tenure. Kyle Filipowski, a second-round pick of the Utah Jazz, delivered a standout performance with 22 points and efficient shooting, building on a promising rookie season where he averaged 9.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, top rookies VJ Edgecombe and Ace Bailey, the No. 3 and No. 5 picks respectively, also showed strong potential in their Summer League debuts, with Edgecombe posting 28 points and 10 rebounds. The Lakers' Summer League debut highlighted Steward's growth despite some turnovers, while other roster hopefuls like Dalton Knecht struggled. Overall, the Summer League serves as a critical platform for these players, including former Duke stars, to demonstrate their readiness and carve out roles in the NBA.