All articles tagged with #summer league
AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson headline a strong 2026 lottery class in NBA Summer League, each earning an A grade after standout showings; Boozer, Wilson and Burries delivered high-impact performances as the rookie group impresses, while several other lottery picks posted solid-to-strong showings with room to grow.
Caleb Wilson delivered an eye-opening Bulls Summer League showing, flashing 3-and-D versatility and self-created scoring that led to a 42% 3-point clip (13-of-31) after his college 26% on 27 attempts, while averaging 24 points, 7 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1.3 steals per game; however, he also led with 5.3 turnovers per game and shot just 33% from the free throw line, concerns the piece argues are correctable in season play, and it awards him an A+ grade for proving the Bulls’ faith in him, even as Summer League context remains imperfect.
In Las Vegas, Hugo Gonzalez posted 24 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in an 82-76 Summer League win over Sacramento, signaling NBA-ready potential as Boston weighs two remaining two-way slots. With Amari Williams re-signed to a two-way, Dillon Mitchell emerging as a frontrunner and John Tonje and Milos Uzan in the mix, Uzan’s playmaking and Tonje’s shooting have stood out while Mitchell’s Vegas form keeps him in contention for a standard deal; the Celtics continue to shape depth ahead of next season amid mixed showings from Cenac and DeVries.
SB Nation ranks 11 standout rookies from the Las Vegas Summer League, with Brayden Burries at No. 1 thanks to elite shooting and playmaking, and Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson also among the top performers; the list highlights a mix of high-draft talent delivering early flashes in Vegas and setting the stage for a promising rookie season.
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-87 in a Las Vegas Summer League showdown, moving to 2-2 while OKC sits at 0-4. Dallas built a 22-point cushion in the second/third quarters before a late 13-2 Thunder surge narrowed the gap. Sergio de Larrea ran the offense with 14 assists and 9 rebounds, delivering multiple eye-popping lob passes and flash of playmaking that captivated the crowd, though he went 1-for-6 from the field. Seva Ishchenko contributed 12 points and 7 rebounds, showing length and versatility. First-year coach Dusty May discussed learning the roster, defensive potential, and lauded de Larrea’s progress, while Akobundu-Ehiogu (12 points on 5-for-8) and Cooper Flagg were highlighted for their roles. The piece notes many summer league players may not stay long-term, but the game offered bright ideas about Dallas’ depth and future prospects.
Dallas’ Vegas week highlighted a bright spot in the two-way rook duo Morez Johnson Jr. and Sergio de Larrea, whose on-court chemistry and playmaking stood out as they linked for smart finishes and assists. In contrast, sophomores like Ryan Nembhard, John Poulakidas, and Tyler Smith struggled to find consistency. Seva Ishchenko showed unexpected spark but still needs strength and refinement, suggesting a longer development path before a true NBA role. With these performances, Dallas is weighing end-of-roster spots and considering how long to invest in Ishchenko while keeping Johnson Jr. and de Larrea as potential bench anchors.
Caleb Wilson, a Bulls rookie, sparked buzz by saying he loves playing basketball after his team didn’t get to face top draft hopefuls AJ Dybantsa (Wizards) and Darryn Peterson (Jazz), who were rested or shut down as their Summer League runs ended. Wilson has thrived with 24.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game in three contests, including a 35-point debut, with remaining games against the Lakers and Cavaliers before the playoffs.
The 2026 NBA rookie class has delivered in Las Vegas, with standout showings from top picks such as Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson. Cavaliers’ Meleek Thomas has led scoring at the event, while Caleb Wilson exploded for 35 points in his Bulls debut. Across all teams, rookies earned grades ranging from A+ to F, highlighting a mix of immediate impact and development needs; some clubs (e.g., Hawks, Cavs, Bulls, Lakers, Wizards) posted high marks, others (Timberwolves, Pelicans) faced tougher starts. Portland had no rookie on a standard or two-way contract. The evaluations reflect early impressions through July 13, 2026, and tease how these players might translate to the regular season.
The Lakers defeated the Clippers 99-85 in Las Vegas Summer League to move to 3-0; Cam Carr led with 23 points, Chris Mañon added 17 points and 11 rebounds after an early burst, and Adou Thiero (13) and Arthur Kaluma (15) provided key support as L.A. built a large halftime lead and held on; next up is the Chicago Bulls on Thursday at 3:00 PM PT.
Labaron Philon Jr. carried early offense for the 2026 Summer Sixers in Las Vegas, but the team received little support as they lost 90-64 to a Rockets youth squad. Johni Broome showed promise but was quiet from deep, while the Sixers experimented with Exhibit 10 contracts (Duke Miles signed but underwhelming) and highlighted roster moves ahead of training camp. Off-court notes included Edgecombe and Nelson discussing team direction, with a next game against the Orlando Magic on deck.
Brooklyn rolled to a 115-83 Summer League win over Sacramento in Las Vegas, jumping out 22-6 and forcing eight early turnovers. Egor Dëmin led the Nets with 16 first-half points as Mikel Brown Jr. sparked the offense with timely plays and Drake Powell heated up to finish with 18. Brooklyn built a 56-34 halftime lead, fueled by a 13-0 third-quarter run and 41 points off 28 Kings turnovers. Acuff led Sacramento with 26, but the Nets’ depth carried the night. Sean Marks praised the young group and Brown Jr.’s leadership as Brooklyn eyes its final Summer League game vs the Rockets.
Bleacher Report grades eight top-2026 rookies from Las Vegas Summer League: Cameron Boozer and Mikel Brown Jr. each earn A- and A, Caleb Wilson posts a 35-point debut for an A, AJ Dybantsa sits at B+, Yaxel Lendeborg at B, Darryn Peterson at B-, Keaton Wagler at C-, and Darius Acuff Jr. at D+. The piece notes Wilson’s shooting, Acuff’s early shooting struggles, and Peterson’s high ceiling amid turnover issues, underscoring that while Summer League is not predictive, it still offers useful clues about the class’s potential.
An SB Nation piece highlights eight players who look too good for Las Vegas Summer League 2026: Will Riley (Wizards), Jalen Slawson (Pacers), Egor Demin (Nets), Joan Beringer (Timberwolves), Tre Johnson (Wizards), Khaman Maluach (Suns), Cedric Coward (Grizzlies), and Maxime Raynaud (Kings). The write-up points to Riley’s size and shooting upside, Slawson’s defense and scoring, Demin’s improved jumper, Beringer’s athleticism and emerging handle, Johnson’s high-usage scoring, Maluach’s rare length and post game with shooting, Coward’s defensive impact, and Raynaud’s stretch-five versatility, while noting summer league results can be noisy and shouldn’t be overreacted to.
Utah Jazz guard Trey Alexander was stretchered off late in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls in a Summer League game after clutching his left side. He played 24 minutes (2 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 6 steals); there’s no update on his status yet from the Jazz, and head coach Steve Wojciechowski said he was being treated. Alexander, an undrafted Creighton product, signed a two-way deal with the Jazz on July 7 and had appeared in several Summer League games ahead of Tuesday’s finale vs. the Spurs.
Utah Jazz defeated the Chicago Bulls in a sloggy Summer League game marked by 54 fouls, 39 turnovers, and poor shooting. Hayden Gray and Trey Alexander spearheaded the Jazz with multiple steals, Caleb Wilson found his rhythm late in the 4th, and Jonas Aidoo anchored on the defensive end. A scary neck-injury to Alexander ended the night on a somber note. The Jazz head to a matchup with the Spurs next.