For returnees with significant regular-season experience, the hope during summer league is that those players can dominate early before being shut down. Unfortunately for the Heat, that has not happened with Ware, leading to Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra saying that the 7-footer’s professionalism and consistency need to improve. Ware was better against the Cavaliers, but his performance was not enough to keep Miami from losing by 20. Even if Sunday’s performance is deemed good enough to be Ware’s last appearance of the summer, he’s got some work to do before the start of next season. After a solid rookie season, he will be worth selecting in all leagues.

Flagg played two games at Summer League and averaged 20.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.5 dimes, 1.5 steals and a swat. Dallas has apparently seen enough from the generational talent, and he won’t get any more run for the final six days of the summer run. There’s no indication that this shutdown has anything to do with injury, so expect Flagg to be all systems go when the 2025-26 season tips off in October.

Given how well he’s played in Minnesota’s first two games in Las Vegas, it would be unsurprising if the team decided it has seen enough from Shannon. Likely to take on a larger role next season due to Nickeil Alexander Walker’s departure, the 27th overall pick in the 2024 draft has looked ready for the task thus far. Among Shannon’s highlights on Saturday were five three-pointers and an emphatic fourth-quarter dunk that got a courtside Anthony Edwards out of his seat. While he may not be a must-draft player in standard leagues, Shannon may develop into a player who needs to be rostered in deeper formats.

After shooting 2-of-14 from the field in Thursday’s win over the Magic, Carter bounced back significantly during Saturday evening’s contest. Only missing three shots from the field, the second-year guard was elite as a scorer while also providing value as a rebounder and defender. Carter’s name has come up in some trade rumors this offseason, but nothing has come to fruition. Whether in Sacramento or elsewhere, the 2024 first-round pick is working to ensure he logs consistent rotation minutes next season. Saturday’s performance was unquestionably a step in the right direction for the former Providence College standout.

After struggling with his shot and failing to score in the second half of Thursday’s summer league debut, Flagg looked more like himself on Saturday. He spent less time on the ball as a playmaker against the Spurs, resulting in the rookie only recording one assist. However, Flagg got to his spots as a scorer, shooting 50 percent from the field and attempting 13 free throws. The question is whether Dallas has seen enough in Las Vegas from its top draft pick. Dallas faces Charlotte on Monday, with Flagg potentially having the opportunity to play against college teammate Kon Knueppel.

Due to a groin injury, Harper did not play in San Antonio’s first four games of the summer. The second overall pick in last month’s draft was cleared to debut on Saturday, albeit under a restriction of 20 minutes. Harper logged 17 minutes against top overall pick Cooper Flagg and provided solid value across the board. The former Rutgers star missed all four of his three-point attempts, but that can be chalked up to rust rather than him being a suspect shooter. Harper will join a crowded perimeter rotation next season, which may limit his immediate fantasy prospects. However, the offensive versatility should make him a threat at multiple positions as he shakes off the rust.

Well, if there’s a good place to be when you catch the “hot hand,” Las Vegas is it. Jones-Garcia shot 75 percent from the field on Thursday, continuing to play well after earning All-California Classic team honors at the beginning of the week. And revenge may have been on Jones-Garcia’s mind for Thursday’s 111-70 victory, as he began his professional career with the 76ers on a two-way deal before being waived in January 2024. Jones-Garcia’s play this summer may be enough to earn him another two-way opportunity if he can continue on this path.

Flagg made his ballyhooed summer league debut on Thursday, and the Mavericks forward got off to a solid start. However, he would cool off considerably, shooting below 25 percent from the field. All was not lost in this performance, as Flagg was solid in other areas, most notably rebounding and setting up others. He did not commit his first and only turnover until the fourth quarter, which is not always the case for rookies who draw the defensive attention that Flagg did. With Ryan Nembhard running things, there were few opportunities to see “Point Cooper” on Thursday, but there will be other opportunities as the Mavericks prepare for the 2025-26 season.

Despite having two seasons remaining on his current contract, Jones was extension-eligible this summer. According to Charania, the Pelicans decided to secure the future of one of the NBA’s premier wing defenders. Jones was among the many New Orleans players who missed significant time due to injury, with a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder sidelining the wing for good at the All-Star break. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, the ability to produce defensive stats makes Jones a player worth rostering in standard leagues. The final season of his contract, 2029-30, is a player option.