Top 2026 NBA rookies impress in summer league debut

The first week of the 2026 NBA summer league in Las Vegas highlighted a strong rookie class, with multiple first-round selections delivering standout numbers. Washington’s No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa recorded 27 points, seven rebounds, two steals and a block in a 92-88 win over Utah, while also showing defensive intensity that the Wizards emphasized after his selection. > "Do they play defense? That's the one thing that's really got my attention," Wizards owner Ted Leonsis said.

Utah’s No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson posted 24 points in his Vegas debut but struggled with turnovers and fouls. Jazz summer-league coach Steve Wojciechowski noted that opponents will target him, and Peterson expressed enjoyment in handling the ball after a limited role at Kansas.

Chicago’s No. 4 pick Caleb Wilson set a Las Vegas debut scoring record with 35 points, adding three blocks, two steals and seven made three-pointers, signaling a potential offensive boost for a Bulls team seeking direction.

Other notable performances included Memphis forward Cameron Boozer’s 23 points, six rebounds and four assists in a narrow win over Chicago, and Sacramento point guard Darius Acuff Jr.’s 29-point, 24-minute effort that underscored his projected role as the Kings’ primary playmaker.

Los Angeles rookie Keaton Wagler admitted nerves in his first game, scoring seven points, but rebounded with a 23-point outing against Utah. The Clippers view his development as a learning process amid roster changes.

The league also saw contributions from undrafted players such as Arthur Kaluma, who scored 34 points for the Lakers, and from second-round selections like Zuby Ejiofor, who posted a solid 13-point, six-rebound performance for Atlanta.

Fantasy analysts highlighted Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer, Wilson and Acuff as early-season candidates for significant impact, noting that the depth of the rookie class could produce a competitive race for Rookie of the Year.