Though top draft picks headline each NBA Summer League, the week tends to belong to unsung players. Most teams shut down their prized rookies after a game or two or limit their minutes, hoping to avoid any unnecessary injury risk. That means unheralded rookies often steal the spotlight from their highly regarded peers.
Multiple second-round picks from the 2025 NBA Draft have impressed throughout Summer League. Let’s highlight three second-round picks who have played above their draft value to this point.
Brooks Barnhizer, Wing, Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City selected Barnhizer in the second round with the intent of bolstering an already legendary perimeter defense. The Northwestern product was one of the Draft’s more productive defenders and that’s translated so far. He’s averaging 3.8 steals per game across four contests, ranking third in the Summer League field.
Barnhizer’s phenomenal length (6-foot-11 wingspan) and incessant motor mean he’s constantly involved in defensive actions. While Barnhizer can defend on the ball, his incredible off-ball defensive value and toughness will endear him to Oklahoma City fans and help him work toward a depth role for the Thunder one day.
Brooks Barnhizer today in 24 MIN:
19 PTS (16 in 2H)
9 REB
1 STL
2 BLK
0 TO
8-12 FG
+18—game-highLed OKC into PTS, REB, & BLKs.
INCREDIBLE cutting, comvrting defense to offense, high energy & motor. Likely into the Summer League playoffs.
Oh, and — of course — 1 nose bleed. pic.twitter.com/IcIPugPCio
— Charlie Spungin (@CharlieSpungin) July 17, 2025
Though Barnhizer isn’t known for his offense, he has produced on that end, tallying 12.5 points (52.6 percent shooting) and 2.3 assists per game. He must improve his outside shot to find a 3-and-D home in the league, but Barnhizer’s athleticism, connective passing feel, wonky footwork and scoring craft are all positive signals.
Noah Penda, Forward, Orlando Magic
Many scouts, myself included, viewed Penda as a clear first-round talent. Orlando clearly valued him highly as well, trading up to the top of the second round and snagging the French wing. He’s averaging 11.3 points (51.7 percent shooting), 7.3 boards, 3.0 assists and 1.7 steals through three games.
Penda’s scoring was his main question mark as a prospect and he’s answering some of those questions early in Summer League. His driving flashes bode well for his future as an offensive role player, though he’s turning the ball over (3.7 per game) more than he’s assisting.Â
Even without reliable scoring tools or outside shooting, Penda’s great passing and size add some offensive value. He’s a defense-first prospect with off-ball chops well beyond his years, so any offensive progression we see makes him likelier to eventually end up in an NBA rotation.
Tyrese Proctor, Guard, Cleveland Cavaliers
Proctor leads all second-round rookies in scoring thus far in the Las Vegas Summer League. He’s averaging 17.3 points (36.1 percent shooting), 3.8 assists (1.5 turnovers) 3.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals through four games. The Duke product dropped 35 points against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, matching the highest-scoring performance of Summer League.
His shooting efficiency hasn’t been stellar so far, making just 29.4 percent of his 8.5 3-point attempts per game. Proctor’s outside shooting is a key skill for his success, but he’s playing a much heavier on-ball role than he played at Duke and will play in the NBA. While that lowers his overall efficiency, Proctor can heat up quickly and pour in points.
Aside from scoring, his solid passing and defensive chops complement other on-ball scorers, of which the Cavaliers employ plenty. Even if it doesn’t mirror his future NBA role, Cleveland will enjoy watching Proctor light up the scoreboard in Las Vegas.Â
