The Phoenix Suns of the early 1990s were a formidable force, reaching the NBA Finals in 1993 and falling just short against the Houston Rockets in consecutive playoffs. The team’s chances took a sharp turn when they traded away Dan Majerle, a critical player whose leadership and intensity embodied the Suns' spirit. Charles Barkley, the team's star, openly lamented this move, sensing the closing of their championship window without Majerle's influence. Despite Barkley’s stellar performance post-trade, averaging over 23 points per game, the chemistry and grit that Majerle provided were irreplaceable. This trade illustrated the crucial role of unsung heroes in a championship team's success.

As the NBA rosters settle for the 2025-26 season, former Oklahoma City Thunder players are finding new opportunities. Lindy Waters III, an undrafted rookie turned G League standout, signed a one-year deal with the San Antonio Spurs. He notably progressed from a two-way contract to a standard deal during his time with the Thunder, showcasing his development potential.

Jared Butler, who had a brief stint with the Thunder last season, has signed with the Phoenix Suns after bouncing around the league. His resilience is commendable as he manages to secure a standard deal after various transitions. Meanwhile, Colby Jones, although previously part of the Thunder, was waived and is now on a two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons, underscoring the challenges faced by players seeking stability in the league.

The Memphis Grizzlies concluded their summer league campaign with a commanding 105-82 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, showcasing young talent in a game that emphasized depth over star power. Although many key players were rested, including GG Jackson and Armando Bacot, rookie Javon Small stepped into the spotlight, contributing significantly with 17 points and 9 assists, showcasing his potential for the upcoming season. Tyler Burton also shone with 16 points and 7 rebounds, solidifying his case for a larger role on the team.

This dominant performance marked a solid finish for the Grizzlies, who ended with a 2-3 record in Las Vegas, following a mixed showing in Salt Lake City. With the summer league now behind them, attention shifts to developing players like Small and Burton as the Grizzlies gear up for the preseason. Coach Tuomas Iisalo's implementation of new strategies will be a key focus as the team prepares for a competitive season ahead.

Curtis Jones, former standout guard from Iowa State, is set to join the Denver Nuggets on a two-way contract. Last season, he was awarded the Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year after averaging 17.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, showcasing his scoring ability. His performance included a remarkable 33-point game against Arizona State. In the NBA Summer League, he continued to impress with averages of 14.6 points and a strong shooting percentage from beyond the arc.

As a two-way player, Jones will have the opportunity to develop within the Nuggets' system while also spending time with their G League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold. This setup allows him to be an active participant in up to 50 NBA games. His signing adds depth to a Nuggets roster that is looking to build on its recent success.

Las Vegas Summer League serves as a unique platform showcasing the NBA's next generation, blending competition with celebration of emerging talent. The standout player in this year's event is Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 draft pick, who demonstrated both defensive prowess and offensive potential despite some shooting struggles. He followed a challenging debut with an impressive 31-point performance in his second game. Meanwhile, Dylan Harper, the No. 2 pick, showcased his athleticism and playmaking ability, averaging 16 points but needing to improve his shooting accuracy.

Other players making waves include VJ Edgecombe, who rebounded from a tough start to finish strong, and Yang Hansen, whose infectious style energized the Portland Trail Blazers. Bronny James marked his growth as a player by improving his court vision and decision-making. Noteworthy performances also came from Matas Buzelis and Kyle Filipowski, both of whom proved their readiness for the NBA with exceptional scoring and versatility. The Summer League highlights the potential of these rookies and gives fans a glimpse of what they might expect in the upcoming season.