The NBA offseason is buzzing with fresh energy as two rising stars, Liam McNeeley of the Charlotte Hornets and Jordan Miller of the Los Angeles Clippers, showcase their promising talents following standout performances in the 2K26 Las Vegas Summer League. Both players have made significant impressions, hinting at impactful roles in their respective teams' upcoming campaigns.
Liam McNeeley, the Hornets' first-round pick, battled through achilles tendinopathy to deliver an eye-catching Summer League showing, despite limited action. Playing only two games, McNeeley still managed to prove his worth with a spectacular debut, scoring 22 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out 6 assists off the bench. His second outing, while less dominant, remained solid with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. Notably, McNeeley connected on over 40% of his three-point attempts, demonstrating sharp shooting that had been a question mark during his collegiate tenure.
Coming out of Montverde Academy as a 5-star prospect and top 10 recruit, expectations for McNeeley were sky-high. However, a challenging season at UConn, marred by injuries and inconsistent shooting, caused his draft stock to slip. His Summer League performance, though brief, suggests that fall may have been premature. The energy and aggressiveness he displayed on the court, coupled with his confident demeanor—captured while he was mic'd up during his first game—have Hornets fans and analysts buzzing. Observers noted that McNeeley brought the kind of game UConn hoped for but never fully realized. His style, somewhat reminiscent of fellow Hornets draftee Kon Knueppel, adds a dynamic flair to the team's young core.
Given the limited sample size, McNeeley’s Summer League run earned him an impressive A+ grade, positioning him as a likely deep rotation piece for the Hornets next season. The team, fresh off their 2K26 Las Vegas Summer League Championship, appears to have found two promising rookies in Knueppel and McNeeley who could energize their roster moving forward.
Meanwhile, on the West Coast, Jordan Miller has been making waves with the Los Angeles Clippers. After a rollercoaster offseason marked by a brief waiver to accommodate the signing of star Bradley Beal, Miller re-signed a two-way contract, reaffirming the Clippers’ faith in his potential. His Summer League performance was nothing short of stellar, averaging 22 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, leading the Clippers in scoring and earning a coveted spot on the NBA Summer League All-First Team.
Miller’s journey has been one of steady growth since entering the league in the 2023 Draft class. During the 2024-2025 NBA season, he appeared in 37 games, contributing 4.1 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in just over 11 minutes per game. His Summer League breakout has sent a clear message to the Clippers’ coaching staff and front office that he is ready to take on a more significant role, either with the main squad or the San Diego Clippers in the G League.
The Clippers’ offseason has been a whirlwind of activity, with high-profile additions such as Brook Lopez, John Collins, Bradley Beal, and Chris Paul joining the roster, alongside re-signings of veterans like Nicolas Batum, James Harden, and Miller himself. This infusion of talent and experience, combined with Miller's youthful exuberance and demonstrated improvement, positions the Clippers as a formidable contender in the Western Conference.
Jordan Miller’s re-signing is seen as a strategic win for the Clippers, ensuring they retain a promising young player who has shown he can contribute meaningfully. His Summer League accolades and statistical output underscore his readiness to compete at a higher level and provide depth to a roster that blends seasoned stars with emerging talent.
Both McNeeley and Miller represent the bright futures of their franchises. McNeeley’s aggressive playstyle and sharpshooting complement the Hornets’ championship momentum, while Miller’s scoring prowess and rebounding ability offer the Clippers a versatile asset as they aim to climb the Western Conference ranks.
As the NBA offseason progresses, the developments surrounding these two players highlight the importance of the Summer League as a proving ground for young talent. For McNeeley, overcoming injury and showing resilience has been key, while Miller’s journey reflects the value of perseverance and seizing opportunities when they arise.
With the regular season approaching, both the Hornets and Clippers will be closely monitoring their rookies’ integration into the team dynamics. Fans can expect McNeeley to vie for immediate rotation minutes, given his Summer League impact, while Miller’s continued growth could see him solidify a more consistent role in the Clippers’ rotation.
In an NBA landscape where youth development and strategic roster building are paramount, the stories of Liam McNeeley and Jordan Miller serve as compelling examples of how talent, opportunity, and determination intersect. Their performances not only excite their respective fan bases but also set the stage for what could be breakout seasons ahead.
As the Hornets and Clippers prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season, these young players' Summer League successes provide a promising glimpse into the future of their franchises and the evolving narratives of the NBA.
