Anshari Taslim
The 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League officially concluded this past Sunday, July 18, with the Golden State Warriors securing the championship title after defeating the Memphis Grizzlies in a highly contested final. The 11-day showcase in Sin City provided the league with its first comprehensive look at the incoming rookie class and several promising sophomores, setting the stage for the upcoming NBA season and the remainder of the offseason.
This year’s Summer League generated an unprecedented level of anticipation, largely due to a historically deep and talented rookie class. The excitement was palpable from opening night, featuring a marquee matchup between AJ Dybantsa and the Washington Wizards against Darryn Peterson and the Utah Jazz. This contest, hailed as one of the most anticipated Summer League games in history, largely lived up to its considerable hype, offering fans an early glimpse of the league’s future stars.
The top four selections from the 2026 NBA Draft—AJ Dybantsa (No. 1 overall pick, Washington Wizards), Darryn Peterson (No. 2 overall pick, Utah Jazz), Cameron Boozer (No. 3 overall pick, Memphis Grizzlies), and Caleb Wilson (No. 4 overall pick, Chicago Bulls)—each demonstrated why they were considered the premier talents of their class. Their performances reinforced pre-draft evaluations, showcasing a diverse range of skills that suggest potential for significant impact at the professional level. However, what distinguished this particular rookie class was not merely the strength of its "Big Four," but also the remarkable depth of talent extending well beyond these top prospects.
One such player who notably transcended expectations outside of the initial four picks was Milwaukee Bucks guard Brayden Burries. Selected 10th overall in last month’s draft, Burries delivered an impressive all-around performance that ultimately earned him the Most Valuable Player award for the Las Vegas Summer League. His versatile skill set positions him as a cornerstone for a Milwaukee franchise entering a new era, particularly following the departure of perennial MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat. Burries’ immediate impact offers a silver lining for a team embarking on a significant rebuilding phase.
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CBS Sports’ All-Vegas Summer League teams reflect the standout performances witnessed over the past two weeks, recognizing both the high-profile rookies and the unexpected breakouts.
MVP: Brayden Burries, Milwaukee Bucks (No. 10 overall pick in 2026)
Brayden Burries, previously lauded for his multifaceted game during his freshman season at Arizona, seamlessly transitioned that versatility to the Summer League stage. His MVP-caliber performance underscored his comprehensive skill set, encompassing shooting accuracy, robust defense, playmaking ability, and effective rebounding. Furthermore, Burries’ adaptability to operate both on and off the ball enhances his strategic value. The Bucks, facing a substantial roster overhaul following Giannis Antetokounmpo’s move to Miami, have found a critical building block in Burries. His mature and efficient play suggests he can anchor the team’s re-establishment, providing a solid foundation for future development.
All-Las Vegas Summer League First Team
Brayden Burries, Milwaukee Bucks (No. 10 overall pick in 2026)
As the Summer League MVP, Burries’ statistical output was exemplary. Across four games in Las Vegas, he averaged 23.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. Crucially, his efficiency and ball security stood out in what is often described as a chaotic and unstructured Summer League environment. His ability to limit turnovers while maintaining such high production levels is a strong indicator of his readiness and poise, boding well for his transition to the regular NBA season.
Meleek Thomas, Cleveland Cavaliers (No. 34 overall pick in 2026)
Meleek Thomas, a second-round gem for the Cleveland Cavaliers, emerged as one of the league’s most potent offensive forces. Averaging 27.3 points over four games, Thomas showcased an elite scoring touch, notably connecting on 43.8% of his attempts from beyond the 3-point line. Thomas’s talents had previously flown somewhat under the radar during his collegiate career at Arkansas, where he played alongside Darius Acuff Jr., a prominent figure in college basketball. His Las Vegas performance, however, firmly established him as a "microwave scorer" capable of providing instant offense, a valuable asset for a Cleveland roster already boasting considerable talent and seeking cost-controlled contributions.
Caleb Wilson, Chicago Bulls (No. 4 overall pick in 2026)
Caleb Wilson’s Summer League debut was marked by a dramatic display of offensive expansion. In his initial game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Wilson remarkably sank seven 3-pointers. This performance starkly contrasted with his entire freshman season at North Carolina, where he totaled only seven successful attempts from long range. This newfound perimeter prowess, if sustainable, fundamentally alters his prospect ceiling. While Wilson was renowned for his exceptional dunking ability in college, his anticipated role as a wing player at the NBA level necessitates a more developed outside shot. The Bulls’ apparent directive for him to "let it fly" suggests a strategic effort to unlock this dimension of his game. Beyond his offensive flashes, Wilson’s relentless motor and significant defensive potential also stood out as key attributes.
Khaman Maluach, Phoenix Suns (No. 10 overall pick in 2025)
Khaman Maluach distinguished himself as one of the premier sophomore talents at the event. After a rookie season with limited minutes, Maluach’s Summer League showing strongly indicated his readiness for a substantial Year 2 leap. He demonstrated an impressive ability to stretch the floor offensively, providing valuable spacing, while simultaneously asserting his presence on the defensive end by disrupting shots at the rim. His development highlights his potential as a modern big man, capable of contributing on both ends of the court for the Phoenix Suns.
Cameron Boozer, Memphis Grizzlies (No. 3 overall pick in 2026)
Cameron Boozer’s consistent excellence, a hallmark of his college basketball career, translated seamlessly to the Summer League. He proved to be one of the most effective and reliable players in Las Vegas. Boozer’s natural gifting as a passer, combined with an exceptionally high basketball IQ, are qualities that are expected to translate directly to the next level. Notably, Boozer opted to play through the entirety of Summer League, distinguishing himself from other top rookies who often curtail their participation early. His sustained performance positions him as an early favorite for the NBA Rookie of the Year award, reflecting his immediate readiness for professional competition.
All-Las Vegas Summer League Second Team
Egor DÑ‘min, Brooklyn Nets (No. 8 overall pick in 2025)
The future backcourt of the Brooklyn Nets appears promising with the continued development of Egor DÑ‘min, drafted 8th overall in 2025, alongside Mikel Brown Jr., the No. 6 overall pick in the recent 2026 NBA Draft. DÑ‘min exhibited noticeable improvement in his finishing around the rim and inside the arc during Summer League. While he established himself as a proficient 3-point shooter in his rookie season, enhancing his interior scoring was identified as a key area for growth. His performance suggests a successful step in addressing this aspect of his game, making him a more well-rounded offensive threat for Brooklyn.
Allen Graves, Toronto Raptors (No. 19 overall pick in 2026)
Allen Graves’ selection by the Toronto Raptors at No. 19 overall initially raised questions given the team’s existing depth at forward and wing positions. However, Graves, who was widely considered an analytical darling of his draft class, quickly validated his potential. His Summer League display demonstrated why he is poised to challenge for significant minutes as a rookie, showcasing a robust two-way game. Averaging 16.8 points across four contests, Graves proved his capacity to contribute offensively while also making an impact on the defensive end.
Darryn Peterson, Utah Jazz (No. 2 overall pick in 2026)
While Darryn Peterson’s Summer League performance highlighted areas for refinement, particularly concerning turnovers and fouls, his overall play reinforced his standing as one of the most promising guard prospects in recent memory. Across both the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas portions of Summer League, Peterson showcased dimensions of his game not extensively featured in college: his aggressive pressure on the rim and his improved distribution skills. Despite the raw edges, Peterson’s athleticism and offensive potential suggest he will be an immediate impact player for the Jazz on both ends of the floor during his rookie campaign.
Yaxel Lendeborg, Golden State Warriors (No. 11 overall pick in 2026)
Yaxel Lendeborg, one of the older prospects drafted in the first round, proved to be an astute selection for the Golden State Warriors. His Summer League journey was punctuated by numerous standout moments, where he effectively demonstrated a compelling blend of size, strength, and athleticism. These attributes position him as a strong candidate for a Day 1 starting role in his rookie season. Lendeborg’s impact was particularly evident in the championship victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, where he contributed 21 points and 10 rebounds, playing a pivotal role in clinching the franchise’s second Summer League title.
AJ Dybantsa, Washington Wizards (No. 1 overall pick in 2026)
Despite participating in only two Summer League games, AJ Dybantsa unequivocally showcased the talent that made him the No. 1 overall pick. Dybantsa demonstrated an exceptional ability to draw contact and consistently get to the free-throw line, attempting 14 shots from the charity stripe across his limited appearances. He amassed a total of 50 points in those two contests, offering tantalizing glimpses of his scoring prowess. The Wizards made a prudent decision to shut him down early, as his brief but impactful stint provided sufficient evidence of his potential and justified his top draft status.
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