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The 2026 NBA Summer League was an excellent opportunity for lasting impressions. While some lottery picks lived up to the hype, several second-round selections and undrafted players had dominant performances in Las Vegas.
From Summer League MVP Yaxel Lendeborg to breakout scorers like the Los Angeles Lakers’ Arthur Kaluma and Meleek Thomas, every franchise had at least one player who gave fans a reason to be excited heading into training camp.
Here’s the standout performer from each of the 30 NBA teams.
Atlanta Hawks – Kobe Johnson
Kobe Johnson looked every bit like the confident player the Atlanta Hawks envisioned when they scouted Jalen Johnson‘s brother. The explosive forward embraced a massive offensive workload, posting 15.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.4 SPG, and 1.0 BPG on 48.1% FG.
If Summer League was any indication, Atlanta may already have its rotation wing. Obviously, they are praying that the 23-year-old develops as fast as his brother Jalen does, because the 6’6″ rookie from UCLA has the right potential.
Boston Celtics – Hugo Gonzalez
Hugo Gonzalez was asked to run the Boston Celtics’ game plan throughout Summer League, and he handled the responsibility with remarkable confidence. He averaged 34.7 MPG over three games, posting 18.3 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.7 SPG, and .3 BPG on 31.8% FG.
Gonzalez also displayed the poise the Celtics hope he has in the upcoming season. He wasn’t very efficient, but the 6’6″ scorer showed that last season’s rookie campaign (3.9 PPG, 3.3 RPG in 74 games) could be something to build upon.
Brooklyn Nets – Egor Demin
Egor Demin left Las Vegas with hardware after earning All-Summer League Second Team honors while being recognized as the tournament’s top sophomore. The versatile playmaker continued proving why the Brooklyn Nets remain so high on his long-term potential.
Standing well over 6’8″, Demin is showing what made him the No. 8 overall pick last season. Demin was dominant, posting 21.0 PPG (ranked 12th in Summer League), 3.7 RPG, and 4.3 APG on 30.0% from deep.
He still needs to improve his outside shooting, but there is enough for the Nets franchise to have some excitement about the 20-year-old born in Moscow, Russia.
Charlotte Hornets – Liam McNeeley
Liam McNeeley established himself as one of Summer League’s best scorers. The sharpshooting wing averaged an outstanding 21.7 PPG, earning All-Summer League Second Team recognition after repeatedly torching opposing defenses from beyond the arc.
McNeeley wasn’t simply catching and shooting. He confidently created offense off movement, and the Hornets will need that with LaMelo Ball gone. McNeeley added 5.0 RPG and 3.3 APG on a scintillating 52.6% from deep in an elite Summer League showing.
Chicago Bulls – Caleb Wilson
Only a select few players were more entertaining than No. 4 overall pick Caleb Wilson from the Chicago Bulls. The explosive rookie, who has earned comparisons to Kevin Garnett, earned All-Summer League First Team honors while averaging an eye-popping 23.5 PPG (along with 7.3 RPG, 1.3 SPG, and 2.5 BPG), regularly bringing fans to their feet with highlight-reel finishes.
Whether attacking the rim or knocking down jumpers, he consistently looked like the best player on the floor. Wilson looks like a legitimate future superstar because his natural athleticism and confidence make him a standout rookie.
Cleveland Cavaliers – Meleek Thomas
Second-round picks rarely dominate Summer League the way No. 34 overall pick Meleek Thomas did. The Cavaliers guard shocked everyone by leading all players with 27.3 PPG, immediately becoming one of the biggest steals of the draft.
Thomas scored from everywhere on the floor, thriving out of pick-and-roll actions while confidently creating difficult shots late in the shot clock. Thomas shot an incredible 50.0% from the field and 43.8% from deep, and the Cavaliers could have a ton of things to look forward to in the 2026-27 campaign.
Dallas Mavericks – Morez Johnson Jr.
Morez Johnson Jr. was the Dallas Mavericks‘ most impressive performer over his two appearances, even in a small sample size. The No. 9 overall pick consistently controlled possessions, posting 18.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 2.5 SPG, and 3.0 BPG on 64.0% FG.
His ability to balance scoring with elite defense stood out all tournament long. Johnson rarely forced the issue, instead making smart decisions on both ends that helped Dallas look balanced. The 6’9″ forward also showed he has the natural frame (251 lbs) to be an impact player immediately.
Detroit Pistons – Chaz Lanier
Chaz Lanier, 6’3″, continued building on his rookie campaign by taking home honors as Summer League’s Best Second-Year Player, selected in the second round. His efficient 17.4 PPG on 46.8% FG and 51.1% 3-PT FG highlighted an offensive game that kept defenders guessing.
Lanier also brought relentless energy defensively, generating 0.8 SPG with active hands and fueling the Pistons‘ transition. His two-way production means Lanier could be looking to improve upon his 7.7 MPG of action last season.
Denver Nuggets – Trevon Brazile
In three games, Trevon Brazile averaged 18.7 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 0.7 SPG, and 1.3 BPG for the Denver Nuggets. The 6’10” forward was selected No. 35 overall in the second round, averaging 27.9 MPG in the tournament.
The rookie is also nearly 24 years old, so he doesn’t have the kind of immaturity that comes with very young players. Cracking the forward rotation on the Nuggets won’t be easy heading into next season, but there is enough to be excited about.
Golden State Warriors – Yaxel Lendeborg
No player had a better Summer League than No. 11 overall pick Yaxel Lendeborg. The versatile forward captured Summer League MVP honors after leading the Warriors to a championship while averaging 14.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, and 4.0 APG while adding 1.5 SPG and 0.7 BPG.
Lendeborg impacted winning in every possible way. He defended multiple positions, acted as a point forward, controlled the glass, and consistently made winning plays.
Golden State may have landed one of the biggest steals of the entire offseason because the 6’9″ forward has the tools to develop into a star under Draymond Green.
Houston Rockets – Bruce Thornton
Bruce Thornton orchestrated the Rockets‘ offense with complete control throughout Las Vegas. Averaging 18.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 4.4 APG, the talented guard consistently dictated tempo while carving defenses apart in pick-and-roll situations.
Thornton’s advanced decision-making stood out as much as his scoring. He patiently read defensive coverages and seems to be a controlled point guard who doesn’t turn it over much. Thornton only averaged 1.6 TOV over five games, and the Rockets could not have done better with the No. 31 overall pick.
Indiana Pacers – Jalen Slawson
Jalen Slawson looked physically ready for the new season from day one. The 6’7″, 215-lb forward already has two NBA seasons under his belt, playing 12 games with the Kings in 2023-24 and 13 with the Pacers in 2025-26.
Slawson averaged 20.8 PPG (13th in the Summer League), 6.4 RPG, 2.6 APG, 0.6 SPG, and 3.2 BPG in five appearances. We are unsure if Slawson will get enough reps to prove himself behind Pascal Siakam, but his Summer League performances were impressive nonetheless.
Los Angeles Clippers – Keaton Wagler
Keaton Wagler put together one of the steadiest Summer League performances in Las Vegas. While he didn’t produce the gaudy all-around numbers of some of his peers, Wagler consistently led the Clippers‘ offense.
His greatest strength was his offensive creation. He posted 18.0 PPG on 36.8% FG and 33.3% 3-PT FG, so he had a solid tournament in scoring the ball. For a Clippers team that values dependable guard play, Wagler may have earned himself a longer look heading into training camp.
Los Angeles Lakers – Arthur Kaluma
Arthur Kaluma entered Summer League without hearing his name called on draft night. He left Las Vegas with a contract and a growing reputation as one of the biggest steals of the entire offseason.
Named the tournament’s Best Undrafted Player, Kaluma averaged 18.6 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.8 APG, and 0.2 SPG while shooting an incredible 60.9% from the field and 50.0% from three-point range.
His combination of physicality, defensive versatility, and efficient scoring immediately convinced the Lakers he belonged, leading to a well-deserved two-way contract. Hopefully, the 6’7″ forward can play a pivotal role for the team next season.
Memphis Grizzlies – Cameron Boozer
Cameron Boozer showed exactly why he was one of the most anticipated rookies entering Summer League. The No. 3 overall pick led the Memphis Grizzlies to the championship game while averaging 18.5 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.8 SPG, and 0.3 BPG per contest.
Boozer looked far more polished than most first-year players. He scored inside and out, defended multiple positions, and played with the confidence of a veteran. His All-Summer League First Team selection only reinforced the belief that Memphis has found the core of its rebuild.
Miami Heat – Jahmir Young
Young put opposing defenses on high alert every time he crossed half court. The 6’0″ point guard repeatedly got his shots off, posting 22.0 PPG, 4.8 RPG, and 4.5 APG on an incredible 19.0 field-goal attempts per game. No question, Young didn’t have an issue shooting the ball.
When defenders closed out too aggressively, Bethea attacked off the bounce and created his own offense with confidence. The Miami Heat have built a reputation for developing overlooked talent, and Young certainly looks like another player who could outperform expectations.
Milwaukee Bucks – Brayden Burries
Burries showcased exactly why scouts rave about his offensive potential as a 6’4″ shooting guard who made the All-Summer League First Team. His first step consistently blew past defenders, posting 23.5 PPG (ranking 5th among players) and adding 4.5 RPG and 4.3 APG on 50.0% FG and 36.4% 3-PT FG.
Offensively, Burries repeatedly collapsed defenses before making the right read, and the Bucks appear to have a dynamic young athlete capable of impacting both ends of the floor. Hopefully, the No. 10 overall pick can be an impact player for the rebuilding roster.
Minnesota Timberwolves – Zyon Pullin
Zyon Pullin played like one of the most complete point guards in Summer League. The crafty floor general averaged 21.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 7.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, and 0.4 BPG on 35.7% from deep while carving apart opposing defenses with patience and precision.
Pullin’s ability to stay composed under pressure consistently stood out as he looks to become a member of the Timberwolves‘ ever-changing depth chart next season. The 6’4″ shooting guard was aggressive all tournament long, earning a well-deserved place on the All-Summer League Second Team.
New Orleans Pelicans – Kobe Bufkin
The 3-year NBA veteran brought nonstop energy every time he stepped onto the floor. He averaged 21.3 PPG (10th among all players), 5.3 RPG, 3.0 APG, 2.0 SPG, and 1.0 BPG on 45.2% FG in three games.
Bufkin also impacted games without needing the ball. His hustle plays and willingness to defend gave the Pelicans exactly the right attitude they need next season. Bufkin already has 43 NBA appearances under his name, and it showed in his Summer League performances.
New York Knicks – Pacome Dadiet
Pacome Dadiet’s impact was impossible to ignore throughout Summer League. Few players changed the pace of a game faster, as the 6’9″ shooting guard from France averaged 15.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 0.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, and 0.8 BPG on 36.4% FG.
His defensive intensity was equally impressive. Jackson applied relentless on-ball pressure and forced opposing guards into uncomfortable decisions. The Knicks might employ Dadiet throughout the regular season after the former No. 25 overall pick impressed this summer after playing 47 games over two seasons with the Knicks.
Oklahoma City Thunder – Bennett Stirtz
Stirtz fit perfectly into the Oklahoma City Thunder‘s identity. He did well with the ball in his hands, averaging 17.7 PPG, 3.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, and 0.7 BPG on 50.0% FG and 30.0% 3-PT FG in three games. Playing 27.9 MPG, Stirtz was given his chances to shine.
As the tournament progressed, Stirtz became increasingly confident handling the ball. The No. 16 overall pick’s poise and handling of the ball suggest he’s developing into another versatile weapon for one of the NBA’s best rosters.
Orlando Magic – Jase Richardson
Jase Richardson established himself as the Magic’s defensive tone-setter, and we loved to see it. Richardson didn’t get enough reps with the Magic last season, playing 54 games with an average of 10.9 MPG, but he showed out in Summer League.
Offensively, he played well. Richardson averaged 18.3 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4.7 APG, and 1.7 SPG on 54.1% FG and 50.0% 3-PT FG in three games. Playing 30.1 MPG, Jase showed enough that he should earn at least 15 MPG next season.
Philadelphia 76ers – Labaron Philon Jr.
Philon Jr., drafted No. 22 overall in the 2026 Draft, looked far more comfortable than we expected him to. Rather than forcing anything, he allowed the game to come naturally, posting 18.5 PPG and 5.8 APG while adding 1.5 SPG.
His defensive instincts also stood out. Philon Jr consistently jumped passing lanes, and the Philadelphia 76ers have every reason to believe a leap is coming this season. If it happens, Labaron has a chance to be a solid role player for a title contender.
Phoenix Suns – Khaman Maluach
Khaman Maluach may have shown the biggest year-over-year improvement of anyone in Summer League. After entering the NBA as a raw prospect, the 7’1″ big man looked dramatically more polished on both ends of the floor.
Named the tournament’s Most Improved Sophomore and an All-Summer League Second Team selection, Maluach dominated the paint with elite rim protection while flashing improved touch around the basket.
The Suns‘ patience appears to be paying off because Maluach only averaged 8.9 MPG last season and ended up averaging 19.5 PPG, 12.8 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.3 SPG, and 2.0 BPG on 53.2% FG and 40.0% 3-PT FG.
Portland Trail Blazers – Yang Hansen
With Portland lacking a first-round pick, much of the spotlight shifted toward Yang Hansen. The 7’1″ center embraced the attention, showcasing impressive footwork, passing, and interior scoring throughout the tournament.
Hansen wasn’t simply a traditional back-to-the-basket center. He moved the ball well and averaged 13.0 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 3.8 APG, and 1.5 BPG on 56.8% FG and 44.4% 3-PT FG in four games. The Trail Blazers are lucky to have this type of competition at their center position next season.
Sacramento Kings – Darius Acuff Jr.
The No. 7 overall pick, Darius Acuff Jr., played with swagger from the opening tip. The 6’3″ point guard averaged 19.0 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.0 SPG, and 1.0 BPG on 36.5% FG and 26.3% 3-PT FG.
His creativity with the basketball made him one of Summer League’s most entertaining players. Now, he has to work on his efficiency and looks very raw offensively, but he has natural instincts as a lead guard, and we are excited to see him get his reps with the Kings next season.
San Antonio Spurs – Ja’Kobi Gillespie
Gillespie had a promising point guard-like showing throughout Las Vegas. His calmness was shown at times, although he looked a little raw. He averaged 16.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 4.3 APG, and 2.0 SPG on 40.0% FG and 30.8% 3-PT FG in four games in Summer League.
The Spurs will be patient with their No. 42 overall pick because he won’t find it easy to crack the rotation behind De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper. As long as Gillespie learns the ropes, he should be fine, though.
Toronto Raptors – Seth Lundy
Lundy was surprisingly great at Summer League, posting 20.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, and 0.3 BPG on 52.0% FG and 43.8% 3-PT FG over four games. Playing 27.1 MPG, Lundy had his chances to impress scouts, and he did.
The Raptors could certainly use another 6’4″ wing to push the envelope, but Lundy needs to show his talents in the NBA to make an impact. After appearing in 9 games last season, he hopes to get more reps in 2026-27.
Utah Jazz – Darryn Peterson
Few rookies attracted more defensive attention than Darryn Peterson, yet it rarely slowed him down. Despite constant double teams, Peterson consistently created quality shots while displaying elite scoring ability.
His confidence never wavered. Darryn Peterson is the future of the Jazz franchise, and he averaged 20.7 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, and 1.3 BPG on 30.8% FG over three games. We don’t need to go on much about Peterson, because he will likely challenge AJ Dybantsa all season long for Rookie of the Year.
Washington Wizards – AJ Dybantsa
Finally, Wizards fans have plenty to be excited about. AJ Dybantsa is the favorite for Rookie of the Year, and he averaged 25.0 PPG (3rd) to go along with 7.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 2.5 SPG, and 1.5 BPG in 25.4 MPG in two games.
If his Summer League performance is any indication, Washington has a future superstar on its hands. Credit should also go to Tre Johnson, who posted 26 points in his only game in the Summer League, and also Will Rely, who added 25.0 PPG over two games.
