The 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas is poised to showcase emerging talents. Rookies steal the spotlight, and last year’s performance is indicative of their potential. Kon Knueppel turned heads by winning the Championship Game MVP, propelling the Charlotte Hornets to victory in the Summer League. His momentum continued into the regular season, leading to the Hornets’ first winning season in four years, and he secured the second spot in the Rookie of the Year voting.
Summer League teams comprise second-year players, G League hopefuls, undrafted free agents, and overseas professionals. This year’s draft class features several rookies worth focusing on. Below are five players likely to draw attention.
AJ Dybantsa, Washington Wizards
AJ Dybantsa enters Las Vegas as the top overall pick and a major prospect in the class. As the No. 1-ranked high school player, he excelled at BYU, averaging 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game with 51% shooting accuracy and 33.1% from beyond the arc. Standing 6-foot-9, Dybantsa boasts elite athleticism, guard skills, and versatile scoring capabilities. He has been compared to Kevin Durant, Tracy McGrady, and Scottie Pippen, earning the title of a generational superstar. Summer League offers fans the first chance to evaluate how his game adapts to professional play and if Washington made a wise decision selecting him first.
Darryn Peterson, Utah Jazz
Darryn Peterson closely follows Dybantsa on the draft board, with some scouts considering him the most skilled player. The Utah Jazz picked him No. 2 after an outstanding freshman season at Kansas, where he posted 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game alongside 43.8% shooting accuracy and 38.2% from deep. Standing 6-foot-6, he is an athletic scoring guard who drew comparisons to Devin Booker, Dwyane Wade, and Kobe Bryant. Expectations are high, but scouts praise his top-tier shot creation and lead-guard abilities. His recent performance at the Salt Lake City Summer League promises an exciting showing in Las Vegas.
Caleb Wilson, Chicago Bulls
Caleb Wilson, a 6-foot-9 forward with a 7-foot wingspan, arrived at UNC as a standout recruit and exceeded expectations. He delivered 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.4 blocks across 24 games, achieving 57.8% field accuracy. He earned consensus second-team All-American, first-team All-ACC, and ACC All-Rookie Team accolades. Known for highlight-worthy moments, his 40-inch vertical leap makes him a player to watch every possession. With relentless energy, Wilson’s potential fills anticipation among fans. Refining his shot could elevate him to stardom in the 2026 Summer League.
Darius Acuff Jr., Sacramento Kings
Darius Acuff Jr. joined a remarkable group of freshman guards drafted early, potentially the best among them. At Arkansas, he led the SEC in scoring (23.5 points per game) and assists (6.4 per game). As another elite prospect from the John Calipari coaching lineage, Acuff proved adept at stepping up when crucial. He spearheaded Arkansas to its first SEC championship victory in 26 years with a 30-point, 11-assist double-double. Acuff shines as an outstanding shooter with a swift release and deep range. The Summer League presents a platform for Acuff to prove why he deserved a higher draft position than seventh overall.
Labaron Philon Jr., Philadelphia 76ers
If not for a deep draft class, Labaron Philon Jr. wouldn’t have slid to 22nd overall. Philadelphia snagged a bargain considering his impactful season at Alabama, where he registered 22.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He achieved 50.1% floor efficiency and 39.9% accuracy from beyond the arc, earning first-team All-SEC and third-team All-American honors. Philon dazzles with exceptional ball-handling skills and plays with confidence, ensuring viewers remain glued to his play. Although he’ll initially support Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe in the upcoming season, the 2026 Summer League will afford him control of the offense.