Ahead of Summer League, NBA rookies including Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper revealed who scares them most: Jokic, Kyrie, Shai, and Giannis topped the list. While Summer League offers a warm-up, the real fear begins in October.
As the celebration after the 2025 NBA Draft is winding down, the Summer League tipped off Saturday, July 5.
Dylan Harper
Dylan Harper
Position: SG
Age: 19
Height: 198 cm
Weight: 98 kg
Birth place: United States of America
That means Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks), Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs), and the rest of the rookie class are facing their first taste of pro basketball heat.
They battle other young players, fringe NBA hopefuls, and gritty vets clawing for a roster spot — but the real test comes later. And ahead of that challenge, these rookies were asked by The Athletic a simple, juicy question: Who are you most afraid to guard in the NBA?
Portland’s 11th overall pick Cedric Coward, now with Memphis via trade, didn't hesitate:
“Probably Jokic… either Jokic or Shai.”
Nikola Jokic — the two-time MVP — is a basketball wizard, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just won MVP while leading OKC to the West's top seed.
Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, didn’t name a player — he named a whole team.
“The Thunder in general… they’ve got a lot of good pieces. That’s a tough team.”
Oklahoma City’s youth-laden core (SGA, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Josh Giddey) is built to terrorize the league for years, and Flagg knows it.
New Orleans rookie Jeremiah Fears dropped a Mount Rushmore of nightmares:
“Anthony Edwards, Curry, Kyrie, and LeBron.”
But it’s Kyrie Irving who got the most individual shout-outs. Harper, the No. 2 pick and a fellow New Jersey native, showed mad respect:
“Kyrie. Jersey. Quick. Shifty. Just knows how to get to his spots.”
Even at 33, Kyrie’s bag is still deep. He averaged 25 PPG on 40% shooting from three last season and continues to make defenders look helpless.
Toronto’s No. 9 pick Collin Murray-Boyles didn’t sugarcoat his answer:
“Giannis. Do not want to play Giannis, but I will have no choice.”
Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel echoed that fear:
“Getting switched onto Giannis… that would be tough.”
Giannis averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists last season. The Bucks may have underachieved lately, but he hasn’t.
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