The 2026 NBA Summer League showcased several standout performances from draft prospects and recent acquisitions across multiple teams.
The top four draft selections demonstrated the strength of this year’s class over approximately 10 days of competition in Las Vegas. AJ Dybantsa, selected first overall by Washington, validated his position by outperforming Darryn Peterson, the second pick, reversing their head-to-head matchup history. Peterson nonetheless delivered a credible showing, particularly during the California Classic portion of the league. Cameron Boozer, the third selection, exhibited the high-level fundamental play that drew significant media attention, leading his team to the Summer League Final despite lacking flashy aesthetics. Caleb Wilson, picked fourth by Chicago, posted 35 points with seven three-pointers in his Vegas debut, raising his draft stock considerably and suggesting potential as a franchise cornerstone.
Golden State’s Yaxel Lendeborg, taken 11th overall, won the Summer League championship and Finals MVP award, demonstrating immediate NBA readiness. At 6 feet 9 inches with a 7-foot-4-inch wingspan, Lendeborg combined technical skill with confidence in high-pressure moments, having previously won an NCAA championship at Michigan. His age of 23 at draft time may have suppressed his draft position but proved advantageous for a win-focused Warriors roster.
The Los Angeles Lakers identified promising internal solutions to their wing rotation needs. Cameron Carr, selected 24th overall, and Arthur Kaluma, a G-League affiliate player, both displayed encouraging signs, with Kaluma posting a 34-point performance against Dallas. The Lakers finished 4-1 in Vegas, losing only to eventual champion Golden State in the semifinals.
Milwaukee’s rebuilding effort gained momentum through guard Brayden Burries, the 10th overall pick, who averaged 23.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists while hitting a game-winning basket in his final contest. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s Meleek Thomas emerged as a notable second-round discovery, averaging just over 27 points at 50 percent field goal accuracy as the 34th overall selection, commanding respect among higher-drafted peers despite questions surrounding his future rotation role.