Atlanta Hawks Spotlight Asa Newell and Young Talent on 2025 NBA Summer League Roster

Atlanta Hawks Reveal 2025 NBA Summer League Roster

Forget waiting until fall to get your basketball fix if you’re an Atlanta Hawks fan—this summer’s all about the next generation. The Hawks dropped their 2025 NBA Summer League roster just in time for Independence Day, and it’s packed with names that could mean a lot for Atlanta’s future plans. The group is heading to Las Vegas from July 10 to July 20, hoping to showcase the skills and chemistry that may fill Hawks highlight reels seasons from now.

Leading the pack is Asa Newell, the Hawks’ first-round pick straight out of Georgia. He didn’t just catch scouts’ attention—he basically demanded it with 15.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game in his lone college season. At 6-foot-9, Newell isn’t just an inside scorer; his perimeter skills have fans and coaches impatient to see how he matches up against NBA-level athletes. Summer League games are almost a rite of passage for top picks like him, but they’re also a first real look at how his game translates against pros.

It’s not just the newcomers making noise. Kobe Bufkin is back for year three, and after flashes of real promise last season, all eyes are on how much he’s grown. Having a guy like Bufkin gives Newell a steady teammate to lean on as he finds his rhythm. Third-year forward Mouhamed Gueye will also return, giving Atlanta some consistency and muscle in the paint. Then there’s Jacob Toppin, a two-way forward who spent much of last season with the G-League’s College Park Skyhawks, and Nikola Đurišić, a guard entering his second Summer League after logging crucial developmental minutes in the G-League. It’s a strong blend—experienced prospects with something to prove and energetic rookies eager to crash the rotation.

Testing the Roster in Las Vegas

Summer League is more than glorified scrimmage; it’s where coaching staff make key decisions about who steps onto the big stage in October. Bryan Bailey, an assistant on the Hawks’ regular staff, is returning as head coach for the Summer League squad. This is his third time at the helm, so the organization trusts his judgment and his approach to player development. He’ll be joined by College Park Skyhawks assistant Seth Jackson and a crew of Hawks staff, building a bridge between the minor league system and the NBA roster.

The structure of the event is straightforward: The Hawks start their four-game run on July 10 against the Miami Heat. Wins and point differentials shape the brackets and determine which teams fight for the Summer League title. The championship is set for July 20, with a single-elimination bracket giving every game an edge of unpredictability.

For Atlanta, this stretch is much more than a summer distraction. It’s a litmus test for rookies, an audition for undrafted hopefuls, and a serious challenge for G-League call-ups like Dwight Murray Jr., who’s hungry to make his mark. The Atlanta Hawks will be watching Asa Newell closely—can he become a two-way contributor right away? Will Đurišić’s experience set him apart as a playmaker? How will Bufkin handle the mantle of leadership among a young, hungry group?

If you’re tuning in, don’t just watch the scoreboard—keep an eye on hustle plays, defensive rotations, and which prospects mesh quickest. The Hawks’ front office is, and so are rivals looking for the next breakout star.