Duke in the Pros: Knueppel, Filipowski Earn Praise While Flagg and Proctor Shine Bright in 2025 NBA Summer League

The NBA Summer League has become a prime stage for young talent, and in 2025, it’s also doubling as a showcase for the next generation of Duke stars. From proven performers to rising rookies, the Blue Devils were well-represented as multiple former Duke players delivered standout moments on the court. Jared McCain and Tyrese Proctor are making strides toward regular NBA minutes, Kyle Filipowski is impressing scouts with his versatility, and newcomers like Cooper Flagg are turning heads with jaw-dropping plays. Meanwhile, sharpshooter Kon Knueppel has emerged as one of the most efficient and poised rookies of the group.

While NBA Summer League performances should always be taken with some perspective, there’s no denying the buzz around this group of Blue Devils. From Las Vegas to Sacramento, here’s how Duke’s finest are staking their claims in the pros.

Kon Knueppel: The Surprise Sniper

Selected in the late first round by the Milwaukee Bucks, Knueppel arrived at Summer League without much national hype but quickly earned the respect of coaches, teammates, and scouts alike. The 6-foot-6 guard/wing has shown exceptional shooting mechanics, off-ball movement, and an underrated feel for the game. In five games, Knueppel averaged 14.8 points per game while shooting an eye-popping 47.6% from beyond the arc.

“He doesn’t force anything, he plays within himself,” said one NBA scout. “But when he’s open, he doesn’t miss.”

What stood out most was Knueppel’s basketball IQ. Whether it’s finding soft spots in the defense or making the extra pass, he plays like a seasoned veteran. The Bucks, who were looking for a floor-spacing wing to complement their stars, might have found a gem.

Kyle Filipowski: Versatility Paying Off

After slipping to the second round in the 2024 NBA Draft, Filipowski is playing with a chip on his shoulder—and it’s showing. Playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Summer League squad, the 7-footer has displayed an improved handle, consistent shooting touch, and positional versatility. Averaging 13.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, he’s doing a little bit of everything.

The most encouraging part of Filipowski’s development has been his comfort guarding in space and switching onto smaller players. In an NBA increasingly dominated by bigs who can stretch the floor and defend multiple positions, Filipowski’s performance suggests he could be a rotation piece sooner rather than later.

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault noted, “Kyle’s motor and willingness to learn have been off the charts. He understands what it takes.”

Cooper Flagg: The Hype is Real

If you watched even five minutes of Summer League action, odds are Cooper Flagg did something that made you say, “Wow.” Though not yet draft-eligible, Flagg received special permission to practice and scrimmage with the New Orleans Pelicans’ summer roster during closed sessions—an unusual step for a college player. Videos from those scrimmages quickly went viral, and NBA insiders couldn’t stop talking.

Flagg’s fluid athleticism, defensive instincts, and advanced feel for the game have drawn comparisons to a young Andrei Kirilenko or even pre-injury Paul George. At just 18, he looks the part of a future top-three pick.

“He’s got the it-factor,” one NBA exec said. “He’s not just talented, he’s mentally sharp. He knows the game better than most pros his age.”

Though Flagg will return to Duke for the 2025-26 season, his Summer League cameos left scouts counting down the days until he becomes draft-eligible.

Tyrese Proctor: The Playmaking Maestro

Tyrese Proctor entered the Summer League with something to prove. After an up-and-down sophomore season at Duke and a second-round selection by the Utah Jazz, questions remained about his consistency and fit in an NBA system. But in Las Vegas, Proctor answered many of those doubts.

The Aussie guard averaged 12.3 points and 6.8 assists while controlling the pace and displaying an improved pull-up jumper. He showed maturity in pick-and-roll situations, understanding when to dish and when to attack.

“Proctor’s floor vision is elite,” said Jazz assistant coach Scott Morrison. “He sees plays a step ahead, and he’s improving his decision-making every game.”

With Utah’s guard rotation in flux, Proctor could find himself competing for second-unit minutes by the start of the regular season.

Duke’s NBA Pipeline: Alive and Well

With this wave of talent making its presence known, Duke continues to solidify its status as the gold standard for preparing players for the pros. While programs like Kentucky, Kansas, and UConn also produce NBA stars, the 2025 Summer League belonged to the Blue Devils.

Coach Jon Scheyer, who has embraced player development since succeeding Mike Krzyzewski, was spotted courtside during multiple games, watching his former players and future NBA prospects.

“This is what Duke basketball is all about,” Scheyer said during an ESPN interview. “We want our guys to be successful not just in college but in the league. Seeing them thrive is the ultimate reward.”

What It Means Moving Forward

The strong Summer League showing by Knueppel, Filipowski, Proctor, and the buzz around Flagg bodes well for both the players and the Duke brand. For NBA teams, it validates the decision to draft and invest in Duke talent. For future recruits, it’s a reminder that Duke isn’t just a college powerhouse—it’s a direct line to the NBA.

As rosters finalize ahead of training camp, expect Filipowski and Knueppel to fight for real minutes. Proctor will battle for a rotation role in Utah. Flagg will head back to Durham as the face of college basketball, but everyone now knows he’s NBA-ready.

The 2025 Summer League was more than just an exhibition—it was a preview of the next generation of pros. And for Duke, it was another affirmation that the Brotherhood extends far beyond Cameron Indoor Stadium.

From underdog stories to rising phenoms, the NBA Summer League brought out the best in Duke’s alumni. As they transition to the regular season or prepare for another year in college, one thing is clear: Duke continues to produce players who not only succeed, but also shine at the next level.

With Kon Knueppel shooting lights out, Filipowski proving doubters wrong, Proctor evolving as a floor general, and Flagg already generating NBA buzz, the future of Duke—and the NBA—looks exceptionally bright.