Wemby Goes Shaolin, Flagg’s First Test & Summer League’s Hidden Stories

Las Vegas is buzzing again, and it’s not just about blackjack tables and neon lights—it’s the NBA Summer League, where the league’s future and its biggest question marks collide under one scorching desert roof. This year? Absolute chaos in the best way possible. Let’s dive into what everyone’s talking about.

Wemby Took a Detour Through a Kung Fu Movie

Before Victor Wembanyama even hit the floor this summer, he was living like a Shaolin monk. No, seriously. The Spurs’ star spent 10 days in a Shaolin temple in China learning martial arts and meditation, then chilled in Japan like a low-key anime protagonist. Why? Wemby says it helped him tune into his body and mind. Now cleared from that scary blood clot issue, he’s not suiting up for Summer League, but the man is locked in for the season. Imagine a 7’4” center with Shaolin focus—terrifying.

Cooper Flagg’s Debut: Good, Bad, and Ugly Jumpers

All eyes were on Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, and the kid came out swinging… kind of. He brought energy, he defended, he hustled. But that jumper? Let’s just say Vegas wasn’t ready for a 5-for-21 performance. Still, you can see the upside—it’s raw, but it’s real.

Drew Timme Won’t Go Away

Remember Drew Timme? Mustache guy, Gonzaga legend? Well, he’s turning Summer League into his personal revenge tour: 26 points, 7 boards, 62% shooting. The Nets are suddenly in a weird spot—they either find him a roster spot or watch another team scoop him up. Classic “good problem to have” situation.

Contract Drama in the Desert

Josh Giddey is out here making headlines without even playing. Word on the street? He wants around $30 million a year from the Bulls. Chicago, meanwhile, is counting pennies like they’re at a craps table. Expect fireworks before the season.

Victor Oladipo Says: Don’t Count Me Out

Victor Oladipo—yes, that Victor Oladipo—turned heads in a full-court Summer League workout. Two brutal knee injuries later, the man looks hungry. No guarantees, but if anyone can claw back, it’s him.

Other Nuggets:

• Sophomore Standouts: Terrence Shannon Jr., Ron Holland, Reed Sheppard—these guys look like they’ve leveled up.
• Phoenix’s Future: Suns are giving their young guns serious reps—names like Khaman Maluach and Ryan Dunn keep popping.
• Ace Bailey Meets The Answer: Jazz rookie Ace Bailey had a surreal moment when Allen Iverson just casually popped in courtside. Vegas magic.

The Bottom Line

The Summer League isn’t just warm-up basketball. It’s where legends start cooking, careers get saved, and futures get written. Wemby’s kung fu offseason, Flagg’s rookie jitters, Timme’s fight for a seat at the table—this is why we love Vegas in July. The stakes might not count in the standings, but they sure as hell matter for what comes next.