2026 NBA Summer League Highlights Rookie Performances Across Teams

The NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has offered an early look at the 2026 rookie class, with several first-round picks posting impressive numbers while others have struggled to find consistency. The Portland Trail Blazers were the only franchise without a rookie on a standard or two-way contract in the tournament.

Atlanta's eighth-overall pick Kingston Flemings tied for fourth in assists with 6.5 per game but shot just 33.3 percent and averaged 3.5 turnovers, raising questions about his role in the Hawks' rotation. Charlotte's 23rd-overall selection Zuby Ejiofor displayed a balanced game, hitting 42.9 percent from three, pulling down five rebounds and recording three blocks and steals in two outings. By contrast, the Hornets' 18th pick Christian Anderson has been shaky, averaging 9.7 points on 36.4 percent shooting with four turnovers per game.

Cleveland's top scorer, 19-year-old Brandon Thomas, leads the league with 28.3 points per game and has accumulated 85 points in three contests, also contributing 4.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.3 steals and 45.8 percent from three. The Cavaliers may consider giving him a larger role if his production translates to the regular season.

Among the frontcourt prospects, 52nd-overall Henri Veesaar has emerged as a potential steal, averaging 13.3 points while shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc. Boston's 27th pick Chris Cenac Jr. has shown versatility in the pick-and-roll and can drive from the perimeter, complementing Mitchell Robinson.

The Memphis Grizzlies' third-overall pick Cameron Boozer is averaging 22 points, 7 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2 steals in his first two games, positioning him as a primary scoring option. Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons' 17th pick Ebuka Okorie has displayed quickness but shot only 35.3 percent overall.

In the draft’s later rounds, several players have stood out. The 49th pick Bryce Hopkins posted 20 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks while shooting 57.7 percent. The 54th pick Lajae Jones contributed 10.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in under 15 minutes, shooting 63.6 percent.

Notable struggles include the 15th pick Dailyn Swain, who has shot 15.8 percent in two games, and the 5th pick Keaton Wagler, who is scoring 15 points on 30.4 percent shooting while turning the ball over frequently. The league’s top scorer, AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 overall pick, posted 25 points per game with strong defensive numbers but made only one of 11 three-point attempts.

Overall, the early Summer League results suggest a rookie class with high offensive upside, mixed shooting efficiency and a range of defensive potential as teams evaluate their newest talent.