2023 NBA Summer League: Top Rookie Performers From July 12 Games

When looking back at the slate of games on July 12, these three rookies shined brightest in NBA Summer League.

Eight games were played in Las Vegas on Wednesday, many of which came down to the wire or went to overtime. As teams fight to make the summer league playoffs, these next few days are crucial as it relates to getting wins. It was a day in which first-round picks shined, although there were also key contributors that were undrafted or selected in round two.

Which three rookies were the top performers in yesterday’s slate of games?

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Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Stephen R. Sylvanie / USA TODAY Sports

25 Points | 9 Rebounds | 5 Blocks 

Since he missed all of last season, Holmgren will be a rookie in the 2023-24 campaign. In what was his best game of the summer, he scored 25 points efficiently while blocking five shots. It's only a matter of time before Holmgren is considered one of the better rim protectors in the entire NBA if he can stay healthy.

Olivier-Maxence Prosper (Dallas Mavericks)

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

17 Points | 10 Rebounds | 3 Assists

Although he wasn't the first player taken by the Mavs in the 2023 NBA Draft, Prosper might end up being the most impactful Dallas rookie early in the upcoming season. He's a versatile defender that can also serve as a complimentary scorer and rebounds the ball well. He lacks some of the self-creation, but that won't be needed next to the playmakers in Dallas during the regular season. 

Ausar Thompson (Detroit Pistons)

17 Points | 4 Steals | 2 Blocks

The game looks effortless to Thompson, who has been one of the most disruptive defenders to this point in Las Vegas and is a monster in transition. In this contest against the Raptors, he also was active on the glass while pulling down nine rebounds. If this Pistons team can stay healthy, there's no doubt it's one of the best young cores in the NBA.

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