The 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas showcased the potential of the latest rookie class, featuring matchups between top prospects and impressive performances from second-round players. The Golden State Warriors concluded the tournament as Summer League champions, led by rookie Yaxel Lendeborg.
Top overall pick AJ Dybantsa of the Washington Wizards demonstrated significant potential in two games, averaging 25.2 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. During his time in Las Vegas, Dybantsa recorded a game-high 27 points in a victory over the Utah Jazz.
Utah Jazz guard Darryn Peterson, the first two-way guard selected in the draft, averaged 20.7 points, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1.3 blocks per game across five games. Peterson had previously played for the Salt Lake City Summer League crowd before heading to Las Vegas.
Other notable lottery pick performances included:
Cameron Boozer (Memphis Grizzlies): Named to the All-Summer League First Team after averaging 18.5 points, 8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.8 steals.
Caleb Wilson (Chicago Bulls): Set a record for the most points in a Las Vegas Summer League debut with 35 points on July 11.
Keaton Wagler (LA Clippers): Scored 26 points in a single game against the Jazz.
Brayden Burries (Milwaukee Bucks): Also named to the All-Summer League First Team, averaging 23.5 points and 4.5 rebounds.
Yaxel Lendeborg (Golden State Warriors): Named Summer League MVP after leading the Warriors to the championship.
The tournament also highlighted players like Hannes Steinbach of the Charlotte Hornets, who recorded three double-doubles, and Morez Johnson Jr. of the Dallas Mavericks, who averaged 18.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in two games. While some players like Aday Mara of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Nate Ament of the Milwaukee Bucks faced developmental challenges, the event offered a glimpse into the future of the NBA.
