Second-year Summer League players show progress and lingering doubts in Vegas
Several 2025 draft picks returning for a second Summer League impressed with improved performances, while others still need to address consistency and shooting issues.
Returning 2025 draft picks used the opening weekend of the 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas to demonstrate growth and address questions about their NBA prospects. Hugo Gonzalez (Boston) posted a near triple-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists in an overtime win over Toronto, followed by a solid 14-point effort against Charlotte, despite a 23% shooting rate. Minnesota’s Joan Beringer recorded 18 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks in the Wolves’ opening victory, showcasing the two-way skills that made him a first-round pick. Egor Dëmin (Brooklyn) returned after adding muscle, scoring 23 points on 55.6% shooting at the California Classic and 20 points in his Vegas debut. Cedric Coward (Memphis) delivered a versatile line of 17 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocks against Chicago, reinforcing his role after missing his rookie Summer League due to shoulder surgery. Phoenix’s C Khaman Maluach posted 17 points, 13 rebounds and multiple defensive stats over two games, while Charlotte’s Liam McNeeley exploded for 28 points on 7-of-8 three-pointers in his first outing and is averaging 21.7 points on 52.6% from deep. Orlando’s Noah Penda contributed 17.5 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2.5 blocks per game, and Jase Richardson added 15 points, 4.5 rebounds and a team-high five assists while limiting turnovers.
"He shot 0-for-7 from three, just 57% from the free-throw line and 40% from the floor," noted a Lakers analyst on forward Adou Thiero, highlighting the shooting work needed for the former first-rounder.
Portland’s Yang Hansen posted 12 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists against Phoenix but struggled with four turnovers and defensive lapses, echoing concerns from his rookie season. Chicago’s Noa Essengue showed defensive activity with 10 points, 5 rebounds, 4 blocks and 2 steals in his debut but was criticized for limited offensive aggression. Brooklyn’s Ben Saraf managed 15 points and 5 assists against the Hawks but shot just 27.3% from the field and 1-of-7 from three, prompting questions about his fit in a crowded backcourt. Charlotte’s Sion James recorded 7.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists while committing nine turnovers and shooting only 27% from the field, indicating a need for better decision-making and shooting efficiency.