The NBA Summer League rolls on in Las Vegas, and now that the Boston Celtics are three games in, it's time to evaluate who has been standing out in the matchups. Perhaps the biggest riser during Summer League play has been center Charles Bassey, a late addition to Boston's roster.
The former San Antonio Spurs big man is averaging 15 points and 10 rebounds across the three Celtics games, and his play could even force Boston's hand when it comes to their final roster spot. Bassey could join the likes of Luka Garza, Neemias Queta, and Amari Williams in the Celtics center rotation if another team doesn't scoop him up first.
While Summer League games are mostly for rookies and younger, unproven players in the NBA, it also allows for players to return from overseas in hopes of getting a guaranteed NBA contract. That is the case for Kenneth Lofton Jr., another Summer League Celtic who's impressed throughout a trio of games.
Kenneth Lofton Jr. Impressing with Celtics Summer League Team
Lofton, 22, went undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft after playing his collegiate years at Louisiana Tech. He would then be signed to a two-way contract by the Grizzlies, where he won G League Rookie of the Year with the Memphis Hustle. This achievement was enough for him to earn a multi-year NBA deal with the Grizzlies, and a 42-point performance against the Thunder in April 2023 had the basketball world in awe.
However, Lofton wouldn't stick around long in Memphis, where he was waived in December of 2023. The Port Arthur, TX native would make stops in Philadelphia, Utah, and Chicago for short tenures before ultimately deciding to sign overseas, with the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association, in October of last year.
The move paid off for Lofton, who won the CBA International MVP this past season, to go along with an All-Star selection. After averaging north of 25 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists with the Sharks, the Celtics invited him to play on their Summer League team this season.
Through three games, Lofton Jr. has averaged 10.3 points and 5.3 rebounds across 17.8 minutes for the Celtics. He's been a plus-40 off the Celtics' bench, as the team prioritizes minutes for their young wings Jordan Walsh, Hugo Gonzalez, and Baylor Scheierman.
Kenneth Lofton Jr. 12 Points, 4 Rebs, 3 Assists vs Heat I 2025 NBA Summer League pic.twitter.com/WSa11zPRc5
— NBA Showtime (@NBAShowtime12) July 15, 2025
With his big frame at 6-foot-6, 275 pounds, Lofton has impressed in setting screens, operating from the top of the key as a passer, and getting downhill quickly on drives. When he's on the floor, the Celtics have been better offensively. His play throughout the rest of the Summer League will be a big indicator of his future in the NBA, as he won't turn 23 years old until August.
The Celtics may not be the right fit for him, knowing how they want to develop their own homegrown wings in Gonzalez, Walsh, and Sheierman, but Lofton could gain attention from teams lacking depth at their forward positions heading into the season.
Lofton's next chance to shine will come on Thursday night, when the Summer League Celtics face Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers at 9 p.m. EST.