Several Young NBA Players Impress at 2026 Las Vegas Summer League
Eight recent draft picks and young veterans stood out in the 2026 NBA Summer League, showing scoring, defensive, and developmental progress that could impact their teams' upcoming seasons.
A group of recent draft selections and early-career players delivered notable performances in the 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, suggesting they may earn larger roles with their clubs. Washington’s 20-year-old wing Will Riley displayed a versatile scoring arsenal, combining drives, spot-up threes and rebounding, while his shooting remained inconsistent. Indiana forward Jalen Slawson, a former NCAA tournament hero, posted a 26-point game and recorded multiple blocks, emphasizing defense as his primary path to a roster spot.
Brooklyn guard Egor Demin, once criticized as an overrated prospect, improved his shooting efficiency, scoring 20 or more points in each of his three Summer League games and posting a 61 % true-shooting rate. Minnesota center Joan Beringer impressed with athleticism, rim protection and an expanded ball-handling skill set after limited rookie minutes. Washington’s Tre Johnson, the No. 6 overall pick in 2025, led his team’s opening game with deep shooting and aggressive dribble penetration.
Phoenix’s rookie center Khaman Maluach, standing nearly 7 feet tall, used his size to dominate the paint on both ends and showed a developing three-point shot. Memphis forward Cedric Coward, an All-Rookie First-Team member, continued to showcase defensive versatility and three-point shooting in full-court drills. Finally, Sacramento’s Maxime Raynaud, a second-round pick, demonstrated a diverse offensive game with post moves and perimeter shooting, though his rim-protecting ability remains a concern.
These performances indicate that several young players are exceeding typical Summer League expectations and could influence roster decisions ahead of the regular season.