NBA Summer League Grades: AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and the 2026 Rookie Class

The 2026 NBA Summer League has been a showcase for the top rookies from this year’s draft class. The event has seen some of the most talented players take the court, with the top two picks, AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, delivering impressive performances.

AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 overall pick, has been a standout for the Washington Wizards. Despite playing in only two games before being shut down due to injury concerns, Dybantsa showed enough to earn an ‘A’ grade. His ability to draw contact and get to the free-throw line will be a valuable asset for the Wizards. With 50 points in just two games, Dybantsa’s scoring potential is undeniable.

Darryn Peterson, the No. 2 overall pick, has also impressed in his summer league debut. Playing in the Utah Jazz’s fourth game, Peterson showed why he was a top prospect coming out of Kansas. His ability to put pressure on the rim and distribute the ball will make him an immediate impact player in the NBA.

The 2026 rookie class has been one of the most impressive in recent years, with several players showcasing their skills in the summer league. Here are the grades for every lottery pick:

No. 1 Pick: AJ Dybantsa, Washington Wizards

AJ Dybantsa has been a standout for the Washington Wizards, earning an ‘A’ grade in his limited time in the summer league. His ability to draw contact and get to the free-throw line will be a valuable asset for the Wizards.

No. 2 Pick: Darryn Peterson, Utah Jazz

Darryn Peterson has impressed in his summer league debut, showing why he was a top prospect coming out of Kansas. His ability to put pressure on the rim and distribute the ball will make him an immediate impact player in the NBA.

No. 3 Pick: Cameron Boozer, Memphis Grizzlies

Cameron Boozer has been a consistent performer for the Memphis Grizzlies, earning an ‘A’ grade in his summer league debut. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc and his high basketball IQ make him a valuable asset for the Grizzlies.

Boozer’s performance in the summer league has been impressive, with 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 10-13 FGM in his final game. His versatility and ability to play both the four and the five will make him a valuable asset for the Grizzlies.

No. 4 Pick: Caleb Wilson, Chicago Bulls

Caleb Wilson has been a standout for the Chicago Bulls, earning an ‘A’ grade in his summer league debut. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc and his high motor make him a valuable asset for the Bulls.

Wilson’s performance in the summer league has been impressive, with 35 points, 7 three-pointers, and a 40% shooting percentage from beyond the arc. His ability to play both the three and the four will make him a valuable asset for the Bulls.

No. 5 Pick: Keaton Wagler, Los Angeles Clippers

Keaton Wagler has struggled in his summer league debut, earning a ‘C+’ grade. However, his ability to shoot from beyond the arc and his high IQ make him a valuable asset for the Clippers.

Wagler’s performance in the summer league has been inconsistent, but his ability to play off the ball and create his own shot will make him a valuable asset for the Clippers.

No. 6 Pick: Mikel Brown Jr., Brooklyn Nets

Mikel Brown Jr. has been a consistent performer for the Brooklyn Nets, earning a ‘B+’ grade in his summer league debut. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc and his high IQ make him a valuable asset for the Nets.

Brown’s performance in the summer league has been impressive, with 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in his final game. His ability to play both the two and the three will make him a valuable asset for the Nets.

No. 7 Pick: Darius Acuff Jr., Sacramento Kings

Darius Acuff Jr. has struggled in his summer league debut, earning a ‘B-‘ grade. However, his ability to shoot from beyond the arc and his high IQ make him a valuable asset for the Kings.

Acuff’s performance in the summer league has been inconsistent, but his ability to play off the ball and create his own shot will make him a valuable asset for the Kings.

No. 8 Pick: Kingston Flemings, Atlanta Hawks

Kingston Flemings has been a consistent performer for the Atlanta Hawks, earning a ‘B’ grade in his summer league debut. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc and his high IQ make him a valuable asset for the Hawks.

Flemings’ performance in the summer league has been impressive, with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in his final game. His ability to play both the two and the three will make him a valuable asset for the Hawks.

No. 9 Pick: Morez Johnson Jr., Dallas Mavericks

Morez Johnson Jr. has been a standout for the Dallas Mavericks, earning an ‘A-‘ grade in his summer league debut. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc and his high IQ make him a valuable asset for the Mavericks.

Johnson’s performance in the summer league has been impressive, with 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in his final game. His ability to play both the two and the three will make him a valuable asset for the Mavericks.