The NBA Summer League in Las Vegas concluded recently, showcasing the 2026 draft class. The event, which ran from July 9-19, featured all 30 teams participating in at least five games. The top four prospects from the draft class demonstrated strong performances, alongside several other players who also made an impression.
The competition included a playoff format, where the top four teams, based on their record and tie-breakers after four games, advanced to the semifinals. These semifinal games took place on July 18, with the championship game following on July 19. Teams that did not qualify for the playoffs played an additional fifth game between July 17 and July 19.
Top Prospects Shine
AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 pick for the Washington Wizards, played two games in Las Vegas. The 6-foot-9 wing consistently drove to the basket, breaking down defenses and performing well in transition. The Wizards utilized him extensively on the ball, a role he may not frequently occupy during the regular season alongside Trae Young. Dybantsa displayed poise and patience, allowing plays to develop before scoring at the rim. While his three-point shooting was not consistent in Las Vegas, he is expected to refine his jumper over the next two years. Dybantsa’s overall performance suggested significant star potential.
Darryn Peterson, the No. 2 pick for the Utah Jazz, participated in four games across both the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues. Peterson demonstrated strong three-point shooting, converting 38.5 percent of his attempts from distance. He averaged 25 points per game and showcased dynamic athleticism, creating space for pull-up jumpers. Peterson also exhibited passing skills, averaging 5.5 assists per game, including a notable performance against Cameron Boozer and the Memphis Grizzlies. While he frequently settled for floaters rather than consistently driving to the rim, he drew fouls at a high rate in Las Vegas, averaging eight free-throw attempts in two games. Peterson’s shot-making ability was particularly noteworthy.
Cameron Boozer, the No. 3 pick for the Memphis Grizzlies, played five games across his two summer league appearances. He averaged 18 points, seven rebounds, and nearly four assists per game, with shooting percentages of 51 percent from the field, 45 percent from three, and 80 percent from the free-throw line over 27 minutes per game. Boozer’s play was described as translatable to actual NBA games, characterized by structurally sound decisions and consistent offensive threats. He made shots from distance and showed versatility in various offensive roles, including out of ball screens, as a roller, and as a passing hub. Boozer is considered a strong candidate for rookie of the year based on his summer league performances.
Caleb Wilson, the No. 4 pick for the Chicago Bulls, was a highly anticipated player in Las Vegas. Wilson’s competitive nature was highlighted, and he was expected to make a significant impact. His performance included a 35-point game in Las Vegas.
Evaluating Summer League Performances
The NBA Summer League serves as an important evaluation opportunity, allowing players to compete against higher-level talent within NBA spacing. However, the games are often characterized by a lack of defensive cohesion and a high degree of chaos, making defensive evaluations challenging. Additionally, summer league statistics are not always indicative of future NBA success. For instance, in 2018, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 19 points, shooting 46 percent from the field, 25 percent from three, and 64 percent from the line, but his performance did not immediately suggest future MVP status. Similarly, Cade Cunningham’s 2021 summer league performance, where he averaged 2.3 assists against four turnovers, was questioned, yet he later finished second in the NBA in assists per game. Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, who averaged 12 and 10.5 points respectively in the 2022 summer league, became key players on an NBA title team three years later.
This year, Dybantsa, Peterson, and Wilson all finished among the top six in summer league scoring, suggesting a potential shift in the trend of summer league scoring leaders becoming future All-Stars. The NBA Summer League in Las Vegas tipped off on July 9 with a matchup between Dybantsa and Peterson.
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Source: nytimes.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.