The 2026 NBA Draft is one of the most hyped up classes of the modern era, with a plethora of talented rookies set to make their professional debuts in the Las Vegas Summer League.
While some of the top incoming rookies have already gotten a taste of summer league action in the California Classic or Salt Lake City Summer League, the rest of the best will make their debuts this week in Sin City.
The most highly anticipated showdown of the event will come on Day 1 when the Washington Wizards face the Utah Jazz, featuring the No. 1 (AJ Dybantsa) and 2 (Darryn Peterson) picks squaring off on Thursday.
Peterson and Dybantsa have had a built-in rivalry dating back to high school, with their high school teams facing off against each other earlier this calendar year. Peterson got off to a strong start in that game, recording 19 first-half points, before missing most of the second half due to cramping issues.
This game will be the first of many pro meetings between two of the best prospects of the modern era, and it’s expected to be a highly competitive matchup.
The Benefit of Summer Leagues
The benefit of summer leagues happening outside of Las Vegas is an opportunity to get an early look at some of the best rookies. Multiple lottery picks in this year’s class participated in Salt Lake City and the California Classic, including Peterson, Cameron Boozer, Mikel Brown Jr., Darius Acuff Jr., Kingston Flemings, Brayden Burries, and Yaxel Lendeborg.
Peterson was the star of that group, but Acuff also put together some solid performances. Flemings recorded nine assists in his first summer league outing, while Lendeborg didn’t miss a shot in his first action since the national title game earlier this spring with Michigan.
However, it’s possible that some of these players could be shut down before the event is over, as they’ve already played extra summer league minutes.
Top Games to Watch in Las Vegas
There are several games at this year’s event that will be must-watch TV, including:
- Wizards vs. Jazz (July 9): Peterson vs. Dybantsa. Does this game even need an introduction?
- Bulls vs. Grizzlies (July 10): This game will feature Boozer going up against Caleb Wilson and the Bulls.
- Nets vs. Kings (July 14): There’s always the chance Brown or Acuff don’t play in this game.
- Warriors vs. Thunder (July 12): Former Michigan teammates will face off when the Warriors play the Thunder.
- Clippers vs. Kings (July 9): If you stay up late on opening night, you will get a treat.
Potential Breakout Candidates
Every year, some players emerge as potential stars or summer league standouts. Here are five names to keep an eye on in Las Vegas:
- Cameron Carr, Lakers: Carr had a strong showing in the California Classic, showcasing his shooting and athleticism.
- Khaman Maluach, Suns: This is a big summer for Maluach, and returning to the summer league is absolutely the right call.
- Walter Clayton Jr., Grizzlies: Clayton missed the Salt Lake City Summer League due to a mid-right knee sprain.
- Ebuka Okorie, Pistons: Okorie was one of the best scorers in college basketball at Stanford.
- Labaron Philon, 76ers: Philon might go down as one of the steals of the draft.
Who Will Win the Event?
Last year, the Hornets won the summer league title over the Kings in a thrilling game. That game served as a springboard for good vibes ahead for the Hornets, as the franchise made the play-in after a strong second half to the season.
On paper, Sacramento has a strong roster led by Acuff, former first-round pick Nique Clifford, and All-Rookie selection Maxime Raynaud. The Kings have the third-best odds (+1000 per DraftKings Sportbook) to win the event.
The Jazz, led by Peterson, are the current favorites (+800), followed by the Grizzlies (+900), Kings, and Warriors (+1300).
