The NBA Summer League has come and gone, and the rookie class has left a lasting impression. The 2026 NBA Draft class, which had built significant enthusiasm throughout the last year, did not disappoint as fans got to see these players in NBA jerseys for the first time. All of the top-four prospects played exceptionally well, and many selected beyond that top group also impressed.
As an expert analyst, I want to share my insights and commentary on the top rookies who stood out during the Summer League. I will break down their performances, highlight their strengths, and provide my perspective on their potential impact in the NBA.
AJ Dybantsa: The Star Wing
AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 overall pick by the Washington Wizards, lived up to the hype in his two games in Las Vegas. The 6-foot-9 wing showcased his downhill driving ability, consistently breaking down the defense and getting out on the break. His on-ball reps displayed solid poise and patience, allowing plays to develop around him before exploding to score at the rim. Dybantsa's performance was impressive, and he looked like a star wing in the making.
However, Dybantsa still needs to refine his skills and craftiness. He drew an excessive number of free-throw attempts, which won't be sustainable in the NBA. His jumper needs improvement, as he struggled from 3-point range in Las Vegas. Dybantsa's mechanics were messy, and he'll need to work on his shooting form in the next two years to become a reliable scorer.
Despite these concerns, Dybantsa's performance was a positive sign. He looked like a dynamic athlete with star wing upside, drawing fouls and showcasing his athleticism. I believe he has the potential to be a future superstar, but he must continue to develop his skills and adjust to the NBA level.
Darryn Peterson: The Shooting Guard
Darryn Peterson, the No. 2 overall pick by the Utah Jazz, played four games in the Summer League and looked every bit as advertised. He drilled 3s with ease, hitting 38.5% of his nearly seven attempts from distance per game. Peterson's dynamic athleticism and ability to separate from his man made him a threat on the ball, averaging 25 points per game. He showcased passing acumen, dishing out 5.5 assists per game, and his performance against the Memphis Grizzlies was particularly impressive.
However, Peterson struggled to get to the rim consistently, often settling for floaters instead of driving to the bucket. This is an area he needs to improve upon moving forward. Despite this, Peterson displayed everything you'd look for in a potential superstar, with exceptional shotmaking ability and positive moments on defense.
Cameron Boozer: The Versatile Forward
Cameron Boozer, the No. 3 overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies, played five quietly superb games in the Summer League. He scored 18 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished out nearly four assists per game while shooting 51% from the field, 45% from 3, and 80% from the line. Boozer's game was structurally sound, as he consistently made the right decisions while threatening defenses from various positions.
Boozer's performance was highly translatable to actual NBA games. He consistently made the right decisions, drilled shots from distance, and provided versatile reps out of ball screens. The Grizzlies will be able to pop Boozer into NBA games, and I believe he will average about 20 points, nine rebounds, and four assists next season. Boozer remains my pick for rookie of the year after his impressive Summer League performances.
Caleb Wilson: The Shooting Guard
Caleb Wilson, the No. 4 overall pick by the Chicago Bulls, had the most explosive performance in Las Vegas. He put up 35 points in his opener against Cameron Boozer and the Grizzlies, hitting seven of his 11 3-point attempts. Wilson's competitive character and desire to put on a show were evident throughout the event. His improvement in 3-point shooting was remarkable, as he simplified his mechanics and showcased a cleaner, more fluid form.
Wilson's performance was a massive leap in an incredibly important skill. While there will be growing pains, I feel more confident in his jumper now than I expected entering Summer League. He looked the part of a future superstar, and his ability to score will be a significant asset for the Bulls. However, there were some process issues and ballhandling concerns that need to be addressed against legitimate NBA competition.
Keaton Wagler: The Point Guard
Keaton Wagler, the No. 5 overall pick by the LA Clippers, was one of the more divisive rookies in Summer League. He dealt well with pressure from a ball-control perspective but often struggled to get anywhere on the court due to hand-checking and physical on-ball defense. Wagler's decision-making in the face of pressure was superb, as he made timely passes and found his teammates.
In his second game, Wagler got hot in the third quarter, outplaying Darryn Peterson. The Clippers' strategy of running Wagler off the ball also helped him drill four 3s. I'm more positive about Wagler's Summer League performance than most, and I believe he's a problem-solver who can adapt to the NBA level. While there are flaws, his game isn't built for Summer League, and I'm not selling based on what we saw.
Brayden Burries: The Shooting Guard
Brayden Burries, the No. 10 overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks, was one of the best players I saw at Summer League. He scored 67 points in three games, shot 50% from the field and 44% from 3, and dished out 12 assists with only one turnover. Burries' comfort level and lack of fear stood out, and he looked poised and ready to make an impact for the Bucks.
Burries' footwork, polish, and suddenness in his moves to separate from his man have improved from last season at Arizona. He's a polished defender who will be a reliable asset for new coach Taylor Jenkins. I wouldn't be surprised to see him compete for a first-team All-Rookie berth this season.
In conclusion, the NBA Summer League provided a glimpse into the future of the league, with several top rookies showcasing their talents and potential. While some players may have more work to do, their performances were impressive and left a lasting impression on fans and analysts alike. The future of the NBA looks bright, and these rookies will play a significant role in shaping the league's future.
