In the vibrant heat of the 2025 Las Vegas Summer League, Brooklyn Nets center Drew Timme has been turning heads with his commanding performances on the court. Known for his scoring prowess in the post, Timme is proving that his game has matured beyond college stardom into a genuine NBA threat. After a strong showing last season where he averaged 12.1 points in nine games with the Nets, Timme is now making a compelling case for a larger role in the league.
Timme’s journey to this point has been anything but typical. A four-year standout at Gonzaga, he averaged no fewer than 18 points and 6.8 rebounds in each of his final three seasons, earning national recognition for his polished inside game. Despite his collegiate success, Timme went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft, largely due to concerns about his traditional playing style in an era that favors versatility and outside shooting.
Undeterred, Timme spent the last two years honing his skills in the G League, adapting his game to the modern NBA by adding a reliable three-point shot and improving his defensive mobility. This persistence paid dividends last season when he earned a spot on the Nets’ roster, showcasing glimpses of his scoring ability against top-tier competition.
Now, in the 2025 Summer League, Timme is not just participating—he’s dominating. Over three games, he has averaged an impressive 25.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per contest, shooting an efficient 55.4% from the field. His standout performance came against the Washington Wizards on July 13, where he dropped 30 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out three assists, though the Nets fell 102-96. This game also caught the attention of former NBA veteran Kendrick Perkins, who praised Timme’s impact and potential.
“Man, that’s super cool. Especially from a guy who’s played that long and been around the block. That’s super cool. That’s what I’m trying to get to,” Timme reflected after the game, acknowledging Perkins’ endorsement. He continued, “That’s the dream and that’s the goal. That hasn’t quite been the narrative I’d say since I left college: that I can play in the league and deserve a spot or whatever. The kind of sudden narrative change, it’s good because you’ve seen what people said about you earlier. Now to see that narrative kind of flip, man, it’s pretty cool. I’m just grateful for it.”
Timme’s ability to consistently score at a high level against NBA-caliber competition is a promising sign for the Nets, who currently have Nic Claxton as their starting center and recently re-signed Day’Ron Sharpe as a backup. With Claxton firmly entrenched and Sharpe returning, Timme faces a crowded frontcourt, but his Summer League performances suggest he could carve out a valuable role as a dynamic backup option.
However, Timme’s Summer League campaign hit a brief pause when he was listed as out for the Nets’ July 16 game against the Orlando Magic, reportedly resting after a 24-point double-double performance against the New York Knicks the previous day. While it’s uncertain whether Timme will return for the remainder of the Summer League, his next scheduled opportunity to play is on July 18 against the Philadelphia 76ers.
His contract situation adds another layer to his story. The Nets exercised Timme’s team option for the 2025-26 season, locking him in at $1.95 million. This commitment shows Brooklyn’s belief in his potential, even if his path to significant minutes remains competitive.
Beyond Timme, the 2025 Summer League has been a showcase for rising stars and breakout candidates across the NBA landscape. Leonard Miller, a versatile forward drafted 33rd overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2023, has impressed with his unique combination of size and guard-like skills. Miller’s performances, including two 20-point games, highlight his potential to become a key rotational player for a Timberwolves team seeking forward depth.
Another notable name is Branden Carlson, who has demonstrated his value as a roll man, floor spacer, and rim protector for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Carlson’s 23-point, seven-rebound outing in limited minutes during the Summer League builds on his promising late-season form from 2024-25, suggesting he could develop into a reliable rotational big man, whether with the Thunder or elsewhere.
For Timme, the Summer League is more than just a stage for individual stats—it’s a proving ground that could redefine his NBA narrative. His ability to adapt from a traditional post scorer into a multifaceted big man capable of stretching defenses and contributing across the board is a testament to his work ethic and basketball IQ.
As the Nets prepare for the upcoming season, the question remains: can Timme leverage his Summer League momentum into a meaningful role on the roster? With Brooklyn’s frontcourt depth, the path won’t be easy, but his performances have undeniably elevated his stock.
In a league that rewards versatility and impact, Drew Timme’s Summer League journey is a compelling story of resilience and growth. Whether he becomes a key piece off the bench for the Nets or attracts interest from other teams seeking frontcourt scoring and size, one thing is clear—Timme has made his presence felt, and the NBA is taking notice.
