The NBA Summer League opened its doors on Friday evening in San Francisco, marking the start of a busy schedule that will stretch across four cities over the next few weeks.
Games will be played in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Sacramento and Salt Lake City, giving teams a chance to assess rookie performances and evaluate draft picks in a competitive environment.
Arkansas Alumni Make Their Mark
Eight former Arkansas Razorbacks are slated to appear, including Darius Acuff, Meleek Thomas and Trevon Brazile, who will wear the jerseys of various NBA affiliates as they chase roster spots.
Darius Acuff, viewed as a cornerstone for the Sacramento Kings, is expected to see limited minutes early on, with the club prioritizing his health ahead of the regular season.
Adou Thiero, drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers after a 25‑game stint in the NBA, is set to make his Summer League debut, while undrafted free agent Johnell Davis earned a spot on the Orlando Magic roster and will share the court with G League veterans Ricky Council and Au’Diese Toney.
Jonas Aidoo will be another Arkansas product in action, suiting up for the Utah Jazz, and the league’s champion, the Charlotte Hornets, captured the 2025 title after finishing ninth in the Eastern Conference and overcoming a Play‑In loss to the Magic.
Adding a storyline of its own, Duke’s first‑round pick Kon Knueppel was crowned Summer League MVP, underscoring the event’s role as a proving ground for the next generation of talent.