The upcoming 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas promises to be a showcase for emerging talent. Last year’s standout, Kon Knueppel, was named the Championship Game MVP after leading the Charlotte Hornets to the title. He maintained this success into the regular season, guiding the Hornets to their first winning season in four years and placing second in the Rookie of the Year standings.
The Summer League rosters feature second-year players, G League prospects, undrafted free agents, and international professionals. However, the current draft class is packed with intriguing rookies. Here are five players to keep your eye on.
AJ Dybantsa, Washington Wizards
AJ Dybantsa, the top pick of the draft, heads to Las Vegas as its most talked-about player. As a highly-ranked high school player, he fulfilled expectations at BYU by averaging 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 51% from the field and 33.1% from beyond the arc. A 6-foot-9 forward, Dybantsa boasts exceptional athleticism, guard skills, and scoring versatility. He has drawn comparisons to renowned players like Kevin Durant, Tracy McGrady, and Scottie Pippen. Fans will have their first opportunity to assess how his game adapts to a professional setting.
Darryn Peterson, Utah Jazz
Darryn Peterson was a close contender with Dybantsa for the top draft spot. Selected second by Utah, he had an impressive freshman year at Kansas, averaging 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. He shot 43.8% overall and 38.2% from three-point range. As a 6-foot-6 scoring guard, Peterson is likened to Devin Booker, Dwyane Wade, and Kobe Bryant. With exceptional shot-making ability and lead-guard instincts, he impressed at the Salt Lake City Summer League and is expected to wow spectators in Las Vegas.
Caleb Wilson, Chicago Bulls
Caleb Wilson exceeded expectations at UNC as a five-star recruit. Standing 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot wingspan, he averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, shooting 57.8% from the field. His accolades include second-team All-American and first-team All-ACC honors. Known for his high energy and impressive vertical leap, Wilson offers a compelling presence on the court. If he develops his jump shot further, he could emerge as a top player in the 2026 Summer League.
Darius Acuff Jr., Sacramento Kings
Darius Acuff Jr. stood out among the freshman guards in the draft, possibly being the most prominent. He excelled at Arkansas, leading the SEC with 23.5 points and 6.4 assists per game. As a talented guard from the John Calipari system, he played a pivotal role in Arkansas’s first SEC title win in 26 years, securing 30 points and 11 assists in the championship game. Acuff is known for his shooting range, quick release, and ability to create plays. Summer League will be his platform to prove he deserved a higher draft pick than seventh overall.
Labaron Philon Jr., Philadelphia 76ers
Labaron Philon Jr. was a fortunate selection for the 76ers at No. 22. His stellar performance at Alabama included 22.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, along with a 50.1% field goal completion and a 39.9% three-point success rate. These efforts earned him first-team All-SEC and third-team All-American honors. Philon is exciting to watch, with impressive dribbling skills and a commanding court presence. Although he will play behind Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe next season, the Summer League will see him as the key player for the 76ers’ offense.