Anshari Taslim
The 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League has drawn to a close, culminating a nearly two-week period that offered the first significant look at the highly anticipated 2026 draft class, alongside second-year players and numerous NBA hopefuls vying for a roster spot in the upcoming 2026-27 season. The event served as a crucial proving ground, allowing franchises to evaluate their new talent in a competitive, albeit developmental, environment.
A central narrative dominating the Summer League was the much-anticipated initial face-off between the top two selections, AJ Dybantsa of the Washington Wizards and Darryn Peterson of the Utah Jazz. Their opening night clash, marking their first encounter since Kansas played BYU in Big 12 conference play earlier this year, was met with considerable hype. Both prospects delivered performances that underscored their potential and justified their lofty draft positions within a class widely lauded for its depth and talent.
Beyond the top two, several other rookies distinguished themselves. Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson, selected fourth overall, commenced his Summer League campaign with an explosive 35-point performance, notably sinking seven 3-pointers—a figure matching his total output from his entire collegiate career at North Carolina. Meanwhile, Milwaukee Bucks guard Brayden Burries, the tenth pick, solidified his candidacy for an All-Summer League team selection through a trio of impressive outings. Burries demonstrated his versatile skill set, recording 23 points, eight rebounds, and six assists on 8-of-15 shooting in one particularly strong display.
The following provides a comprehensive report card for each lottery pick from the 2026 NBA Draft, assessing their Summer League contributions and offering insights into their immediate professional trajectories.
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No. 1 pick: AJ Dybantsa, Washington Wizards
Dybantsa participated in only two Summer League games before the Washington Wizards elected to shut him down, a prudent decision given his demonstrative early performances and the reduced risk of potential injury. The top overall pick showcased an exceptional ability to initiate contact and consistently get to the free-throw line, attempting 14 free throws across his two appearances and accumulating 50 points. This capacity to attack the rim and draw fouls is projected to be a foundational strength for Dybantsa at the NBA level. Wizards fans observed encouraging signs of a player poised to exert significant offensive pressure. Grade: A
No. 2 pick: Darryn Peterson, Utah Jazz
Peterson, surprisingly, extended his Summer League play into Utah’s fourth game in Las Vegas, a testament to his competitive drive. His performances in both Salt Lake City and Las Vegas reaffirmed his pre-draft billing as a high-caliber prospect, despite a somewhat inconsistent collegiate season at Kansas. While his turnover rate and foul accumulation will require refinement as he transitions to the professional game, playing within the structured environment of an NBA team alongside seasoned veterans is expected to aid in this adjustment. Peterson exhibited two facets of his game in Summer League that were less prominent during his college tenure: an aggressive approach to attacking the rim and an enhanced playmaking ability. He is anticipated to be an immediate two-way impact player for the Jazz in his rookie season. Grade: A
No. 3 pick: Cameron Boozer, Memphis Grizzlies
Cameron Boozer commenced his Las Vegas campaign robustly, contributing 23 points, six rebounds, and four assists in a victory over the Chicago Bulls. In his third contest, Boozer recorded a statistically modest 12 points on 4-of-12 shooting by his own high standards. However, a specific play from that game—calling for a screen at the top of the key, driving left, and converting a 3-pointer from well beyond the arc—highlighted a skill that will seamlessly translate to the NBA. Pre-draft discussions often included questions regarding Boozer’s perimeter shooting efficacy at the professional level, yet his 40% shooting from three-point range at Duke and his Summer League performance suggest these concerns are largely unfounded. His versatility will enable him to operate as both a power forward and a small-ball center for the Memphis Grizzlies. Boozer’s exceptional passing vision and high basketball IQ are considered his paramount strengths, contributing to his initial status as a favorite for NBA Rookie of the Year. His consistently high floor as a prospect was further evidenced in his probable final Summer League appearance, where he responded with 24 points on an efficient 10-of-13 from the field. Grade: A
No. 4 pick: Caleb Wilson, Chicago Bulls
Caleb Wilson delivered a memorable debut performance for the Chicago Bulls, converting seven 3-pointers against the Memphis Grizzlies. This output was particularly noteworthy as it equaled his total three-point makes during his entire freshman season at North Carolina. Should this improved shooting translate reliably to the NBA, it significantly elevates Wilson’s ceiling as a prospect. While recognized as one of college basketball’s premier dunkers, his projected role as a wing at the NBA level likely influenced Chicago’s strategy to encourage his perimeter shooting. Wilson’s high motor and defensive potential were also prominent, reinforcing the perception that his selection was a shrewd move for the Bulls. Grade: A
No. 5 pick: Keaton Wagler, Los Angeles Clippers
Keaton Wagler experienced a slow start to his Summer League tenure but demonstrated encouraging flashes in the latter half of his second game. Wagler is expected to thrive in an NBA environment where he is surrounded by strong perimeter shooting, optimizing his effectiveness. While he will need to adapt to the increased physicality of the professional game, he enters the league as a proficient knockdown shooter capable of creating his own shot. His initial role with the Los Angeles Clippers is projected to be an off-ball contributor, potentially benefiting from playing alongside established playmakers as he develops. Grade: C+
No. 6 pick: Mikel Brown Jr., Brooklyn Nets
Mikel Brown Jr.’s Summer League highlights, when combined with his collegiate performances at Louisville, illustrate a player with immense potential. He showcased his notable athleticism and extended shooting range throughout his time in Las Vegas. Excluding his final contest, Brown maintained an efficient scoring output, underscoring his potential as a crucial component of the Brooklyn Nets’ backcourt, particularly alongside Egor Dêmin. The Nets appear to be cultivating a promising young core. Grade: B+
No. 7 pick: Darius Acuff Jr., Sacramento Kings
Darius Acuff Jr. reserved his most impactful performance for his final Summer League game. Following a 12-point effort against the Wizards, Acuff posted a team-high 26 points against the Nets, shooting an encouraging 9-of-18 from the floor. Acuff exhibited a willingness to attack at all three levels of the court. His playmaking was solid; while the assist numbers may not fully reflect it, Acuff consistently made sound decisions when orchestrating the offense. Grade: B+
No. 8 pick: Kingston Flemings, Atlanta Hawks
In his two Summer League appearances in Las Vegas, Kingston Flemings did not register eye-popping scoring figures, accumulating 14 points. However, he distinguished himself with 13 assists, demonstrating a clear understanding of his potential NBA role. Across his stints in both Las Vegas and the Salt Lake City Summer League, Flemings showcased his ability to facilitate for teammates, push the pace with his speed, and contribute on the defensive end. His rookie season is likely to see him operating primarily in a bench role. Grade: B
No. 9 pick: Morez Johnson Jr., Dallas Mavericks
Morez Johnson Jr. commenced Summer League with an exceptional performance, recording 27 points (12-of-17 shooting), eight rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. Johnson is recognized as one of the most versatile players in this draft class, a quality that positions him as a potentially ideal running mate for future prospect Cooper Flagg. While his scoring dipped to 10 points in his second game, he continued to impact the game defensively with two steals and four blocks. Even when his offensive game is not fully clicking, his defensive contributions are expected to make him a valuable asset. Grade: B+
No. 10 pick: Brayden Burries, Milwaukee Bucks
Brayden Burries made a compelling case for Summer League MVP consideration, delivering an all-around performance that few others matched in Las Vegas. His versatile contributions, mirroring his freshman season at Arizona, included shooting, defense, playmaking, and rebounding. Burries’ ability to play effectively both on and off the ball further enhances his versatility. As the Milwaukee Bucks embark on a new phase of roster development, Burries appears to be a genuine foundational piece for the franchise’s future. Grade: A
No. 11 pick: Yaxel Lendeborg, Golden State Warriors
As the oldest lottery selection in this class, Yaxel Lendeborg’s experience and maturity were evident during several moments in Summer League. A notable play against the Memphis Grizzlies saw him drive to the rim, absorb contact from Cameron Boozer, and finish with a floater. Although he scored only three points in what was likely his final game against the Knicks, his prior three outings were strong, including a 21-point performance against the Dallas Mavericks. Lendeborg is projected to be an excellent fit for the Golden State Warriors, and given the team’s ongoing roster adjustments, it would not be surprising to see him contend for a starting role on Day 1. Grade: B+
No. 12 pick: Aday Mara, Oklahoma City Thunder
Aday Mara concluded his Las Vegas Summer League appearances with his strongest showing, tallying 14 points, seven rebounds, and six assists against the Denver Nuggets. Mara’s game is not centered around explosive scoring statistics; rather, he is an efficient finisher at the rim and an impactful defensive presence in the paint due to his 7-foot-3 frame. Additionally, he stands out as one of the class’s best passers, a rare trait for a player of his size. One area of development that was less evident was his perimeter shooting; he attempted only one 3-pointer in three games, consistent with his collegiate approach at Michigan, but a skill that could be cultivated over his career. Given the Oklahoma City Thunder’s depth, Mara is expected to play limited minutes off the bench in his rookie season but should still be capable of making an immediate impact. Grade: B
No. 13 pick: Nate Ament, Milwaukee Bucks
Nate Ament was a polarizing prospect during the pre-draft process, following an inconsistent freshman campaign at Tennessee marked by efficiency concerns, particularly shooting below 40% from the field. After registering just 21 total points across his initial three games, Ament rebounded with a 23-point performance against the Charlotte Hornets. In that game, he effectively demonstrated his ability to get to the free-throw line, a strength from his college career. His rookie season is anticipated to be a developmental process, but the favorable situation in Milwaukee, where the Bucks are undergoing a roster retooling, should provide ample opportunity for his long-term growth. Grade: C+
No. 14 pick: Hannes Steinbach, Charlotte Hornets
Hannes Steinbach delivered an outstanding performance against the Milwaukee Bucks in what was potentially his final Summer League game, recording 27 points and 15 rebounds (seven offensive). This marked his second double-double in four games. Steinbach was renowned in college basketball for his exceptional hands and rebounding prowess, capable of securing nearly every loose ball. His Summer League showing underscored his potential as the future starting center for the Charlotte Hornets. Even if his offensive contributions are sporadic, his relentless effort on the boards on both ends of the floor will provide consistent value. Grade: B+
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