NBA rookie class shows promise in summer league, top performers identified

The 2026 rookie class made a strong impression in the Las Vegas summer league, with most first-round picks logging minutes despite injuries to two late-round selections. Analyst Zach Kram evaluated the top eleven draft picks based on their current performance, acknowledging the small sample size and the provisional nature of the rankings.

Cleveland’s Meleek Thomas led the league in scoring at 28.3 points per game, while Philadelphia’s Labaron Philon Jr. impressed as a smooth offensive operator and Toronto’s Allen Graves distinguished himself with a high steal rate. Among the ranked players, AJ Dybantsa of the Washington Wizards secured the top spot, praised for his highlight-reel plays and ability to finish at the rim, though his mid-range shot selection was flagged for improvement. Cameron Boozer of the Memphis Grizzlies ranked second, noted for his size, speed and well-rounded stat line that could place him in the Rookie of the Year conversation.

Other notable performances included Caleb Wilson of the Chicago Bulls, who showed a dramatic increase in three-point attempts compared with his college career, and Brayden Burries of the Milwaukee Bucks, who posted 22.3 points per game on 50 percent shooting with a strong assist-to-turnover ratio. Mikel Brown Jr. of the Brooklyn Nets and Yaxel Lendeborg of the Golden State Warriors were highlighted for their two-way contributions and NBA-ready skill sets.

The rankings also pointed out areas of concern: Darius Acuff Jr. of the Sacramento Kings struggled defensively and posted low shooting percentages, while Keaton Wagler of the LA Clippers displayed inconsistent effort and limited explosiveness. Overall, the early assessments suggest a mix of immediate contributors and developmental prospects as the rookie class transitions to the regular season.