By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
That came in the form of the NBA 2K25 Summer League, which provided its annual showcase of rookie potential and emerging talent. This year, the spotlight shone brightly on several European players making their mark on the court, including several top draftees, as well as some unheralded unknowns.
For example, Swedish star Pelle Larsson showcased exactly what he is all about. He picked up 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists in one particular clash, as well as sinking a championship-deciding floater in OT to hand the Miami Heat their maiden California Classic crown. And speaking of the newly minted champion Thunder, their newest European prodigy, Ajay Mitchell, also caught the eye, dropping 19 in OKC’s clash with the Utah Jazz.
Whether the Belgian gets much of a look in with the Thunder next term remains to be seen, but one thing that is for certain is that the Larry O’Brien holders remain the consensus team to beat next season with NBA betting sites. The latest NBA betting at Bovada odds currently make Oklahoma City a +265 favorite to retain their title next term, well clear of the likes of the upstart Houston Rockets (+700) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (+750).
But which European youngsters put themselves in a good position to make an impact on the grand NBA stage next season with impressive displays in the summer league? Let’s find out.
Alexandre Sarr
Alexandre Sarr entered Las Vegas with the weight of expectation on his 7-foot-1 frame. The Frenchman was coming off the back of his rookie 2024/25 season after being drafted last summer, and his defensive reputation lived up to the buzz. Night after night, he was a difference-maker on that end, using his impressive 7’4” wingspan, impeccable timing, and instinctive positioning to stifle opponents. His 3 blocks per game ranked among the Summer League’s elite, and his paint presence forced slashers to alter their shots—or not attempt them at all.
Yet greatness is rarely linear for 20-year-old big men. Offensively, Sarr was a work in progress. And that’s being complimentary.
He managed just 19.5% shooting from the field and a troubling 11.8% from downtown, including a much-publicized game against Portland where he shot 0-15. The numbers drew rightful scrutiny, but context matters: Sarr never hung his head or shied from impacting the game elsewhere, grabbing 9 boards, dishing 3 assists, and continuing his denying presence with more blocks on even his toughest nights.
The Wizards know what they have: a potential defensive keystone for the next decade. In the immediate term, expect Sarr to anchor the paint, rebound relentlessly, and alter the geometry of opposing offenses with his shot-blocking. Washington’s coaching staff will focus on polishing his shooting mechanics and helping him read NBA defenses, but his unteachable length and motor provide a foundation that should pay dividends from the first tipoff.
Zaccharie Risacher
The No. 1 pick is always under the league’s brightest spotlight. This year, that spot went to Cooper Flagg. Last year, it was Zaccharie Risacher, and after emerging as one of the top rookies in his debut campaign, he wouldn’t blink under the lights of the summer league either.
Instead, he played with veteran composure and multi-positional flair, validating the Hawks’ choice with every possession. Averaging 15.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game, he slid seamlessly between perimeter creator and interior finisher, defending multiple spots, and always in the right place at the right time.
Scouts raved not only about Risacher’s skill set but his advanced feel for spacing, movement, and ball control. His shooting splits—47% overall, 36% from three—show a player comfortable letting the game come to him, rarely forcing the issue, rarely rattled. Unusual among rookies, his mistake-averse approach and low turnover rate stood out.
But perhaps Risacher’s biggest Summer League takeaway? His adaptability. Whether handling the ball, working off screens, or digging in on defense, he never looked lost or overmatched and responded well when teams tried to take away his primary strength.
Atlanta plans to deploy Risacher everywhere—from small forward to stretch-four, depending on opponent and lineup. His versatility could unlock new combinations alongside Trae Young, allowing Atlanta to play faster, bigger, or more defensively at any moment. Hawks Nation is hopeful that, with Risacher’s work ethic and already-polished game, he could quickly develop in his sophomore year and perhaps become a foundational piece in their future playoff pushes.
Hugo González
Late in the first round, contenders search for plug-and-play contributors, and Boston may have hit gold with Hugo González. The 6’6” Spaniard didn’t need gaudy scoring totals to announce himself; his calling cards were intensity, versatility, and a knack for game-changing plays. Across two Summer League contests, he put up 11 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1 block per outing—but that only tells half the story.
His full-court pressure and determined one-on-one defense rattled the opposition. Notably, González forced eight turnovers in a single game against Bronny James—a defensive masterclass that had Boston coaches glowing. ESPN labeled him a “spark plug,” and he looked like a player born to disrupt rhythm and flip momentum.
While his offense needs seasoning (29.2% shooting), González’s ability to fill gaps—setting screens, making the right cuts, contesting every shot—fits right in with Boston’s hard-nosed identity. Expect the rookie to immediately contend for minutes off the bench, especially on the defensive side of the ball.