Listing the top 5 performers from Day 1 of the 2021 NBA Summer League 

Payton Pritchard was one of the top performers on the opening day of the 2021 NBA Summer League
Payton Pritchard was one of the top performers on the opening day of the 2021 NBA Summer League

#3 Jalen Green - Houston Rockets

Houston Rockets v Cleveland Cavaliers
Houston Rockets v Cleveland Cavaliers

Jalen Green was one of the prospects that was expected to do well after his solid stint with G-League Ignite last season. The #2 overall pick from the 2021 NBA Draft did not disappoint. He tallied 23 points for the Houston Rockets against #3 pick Evan Mobley's Cleveland Cavaliers, leading his team to an 84-76 win.

He shot 9-of-18 from the field, including 4 three-pointers to go with five rebounds. Green committed just one turnover in the match. He has certainly given Houston Rockets fans a lot to look forward to, especially after the terrible season they endured last season with their problems on and off the court.


#2 Obi Toppin - New York Knicks

New York Knicks v Indiana Pacers
New York Knicks v Indiana Pacers

Obi Toppin will be looking to make huge strides in the NBA in his second year and become a key part of the New York Knicks' rotation for next season. With no Summer League being held last season, Toppin played his first game of the offseason tournament on Sunday.

He did extremely well, tallying 24 points, eight rebounds, a steal and a block against Scottie Barnes and the Toronto Raptors. Toppin shot 10-of-21 from the field and played for almost 37 minutes. He will be hoping he can continue his rich vein of form throughout the tournament to assure the Knicks that he is ready to play a more prominent role moving forward.


#1 Payton Pritchard - Boston Celtics

Payton Pritchard (right) in action
Payton Pritchard (right) in action

The Boston Celtics desperately need more of their own prospects to step up and take more responsibly moving forwards after an underwhelming offseason so far. Payton Pritchard is one prospect they can look to rely on as he continues to grow into an exceptional player.

The guard was on fire against the Atlanta Hawks in the opening game of the 2021 NBA Summer League, tallying 23 points, five assists, five rebounds and two steals. He made 7-of-18 shots from the field, all coming from behind the arc. Pritchard was expected to be the leader of the C's in Las Vegas, and it seems he has taken that role up quite well.

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