The start of the 2026 NBA Summer League gave us the first real chance to see how this lottery class looks against professional competition. Some players needed only one game to make noise, while others already had four appearances between Salt Lake City, the California Classic, and Las Vegas to show a little more of their game.
AJ Dybantsa attacked the basket like a No. 1 pick, even with his jumper completely off. Darryn Peterson scored at least 23 points in every game but also had major turnover problems. Cameron Boozer looked extremely efficient, Caleb Wilson exploded for 35 points in his debut, and several picks outside the top five were just as impressive.
Of course, this isn’t a new evaluation of the 2026 NBA Draft. Two or three Summer League games can’t tell us which players will become stars, starters or long-term projects. These grades are only based on what each lottery pick produced through Sunday, July 12, and how they adjusted from one appearance to the next.
Some grades can change very quickly over the rest of the Summer League. For now, this is how all 14 lottery picks performed during their first weekend as NBA players.
No. 1 Pick – AJ Dybantsa
Summer League Stats: 25.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 2.5 STL, 1.5 BLK, 2.0 TOV, 39.4% FG, 9.1% 3P%, 85.7% FT (2 Games)
AJ Dybantsa began his Summer League career with 27 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block in the Wizards’ 92-88 win over Darryn Peterson’s Jazz. His outside shot wasn’t falling, as he went 0-for-5 from three, but he kept attacking the basket, drew fouls, and used his physical advantage against almost every defender Utah placed in front of him.
The Wizards’ new rookie followed that with 23 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks in a 104-85 win over the Kings. He shot 6-of-15 from the field and 1-of-6 from three, but scored 17 points in the first half and helped the Wizards take control with his defense and transition attacks.
The shooting is the only serious negative so far. Dybantsa has made only one of his 11 triples and is shooting 39.4% from the field. Everything else has been very strong. He has produced 50 points, 14 rebounds, five steals, and three blocks while committing only four turnovers, and the Wizards won both games.
The jumper keeps him away from an A+, but the No. 1 pick has already shown the size, athleticism and aggressive scoring that made him the top prospect in the class.
Grade: A
No. 2 Pick – Darryn Peterson
Summer League Stats: 25.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.0 STL, 1.2 BLK, 5.0 TOV, 43.1% FG, 38.5% 3P%, 77.3% FT (4 Games)
No top-five selection has received a larger opening sample than Darryn Peterson. He started in Salt Lake City with 28 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two blocks against the Hawks, then delivered his best all-around performance with 25 points, 12 assists, two rebounds, and two steals in a win over the Grizzlies.
His two Las Vegas games were less efficient. Peterson finished with 24 points, three rebounds, three assists and one block against the Wizards, but the Jazz lost, and he struggled against Washington’s physical perimeter defense. He closed the weekend with 23 points, five assists, two steals, and two blocks in a 104-82 loss to the Clippers.
Scoring 23 or more points in all four appearances is impressive. Peterson has also shown that he can create for teammates, especially during the 12-assist performance against the Grizzlies. His pull-up shooting, change of pace, and ability to get into the paint already look advanced.
The problem has been ball security. Peterson committed 20 turnovers across four games, including 10 during his two Las Vegas appearances. He also shot only 33.3% from the field after leaving Salt Lake City, compared to 52.8% during his first two games.
The scoring and playmaking were good enough for a positive grade, but five turnovers per game are too many. Peterson looked like a future main creator, just one who still needs to slow down and choose his shots better.
Grade: B+
No. 3 Pick – Cameron Boozer
Summer League Stats: 18.7 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 4.0 APG, 0.7 STL, 0.3 BLK, 3.3 TOV, 62.5% FG, 66.7% 3P%, 87.5% FT (3 Games)
Cameron Boozer has been the most efficient player in the top five. He opened with 15 points, four rebounds and four assists on 7-of-11 shooting as the Grizzlies destroyed the Thunder 111-74. It wasn’t a spectacular debut, but he made quick decisions and didn’t force the offense.
Boozer improved in his second game, recording 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal against the Jazz. He then produced 23 points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block in the Grizzlies’ 97-96 win over the Bulls.
His scoring increased in every appearance, but his passing has been just as impressive. Boozer recorded exactly four assists in each game and rarely stopped the offense for a difficult isolation. He has shot 20-of-32 from the field, 6-of-9 from three, and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line.
The outside percentages obviously won’t remain this high, but Boozer has looked comfortable scoring inside, spacing the floor, and finding cutters from the middle of the court. Ten turnovers in three games are a little high, although that is the only clear negative.
Boozer hasn’t needed one crazy scoring night to stand out. He has been consistently efficient and productive in three different games, which gives him the strongest opening grade of the top five.
Grade: A+
No. 4 Pick – Caleb Wilson
Summer League Stats: 35.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 0.0 APG, 2.0 STL, 3.0 BLK, 6.0 TOV, 57.1% FG, 63.6% 3P%, 33.3% FT (1 Game)
One game was enough for the No. 4 pick to produce the most explosive debut of the opening weekend. Caleb Wilson finished with 35 points, five rebounds, two steals and three blocks in the Bulls’ 97-96 loss to the Grizzlies.
Wilson shot 12-of-21 from the field and made seven of his 11 three-point attempts. That was especially surprising because he shot only 25.9% from three at North Carolina and made seven triples during his entire freshman season. He matched that total in one Summer League game.
The defense also looked good. Wilson used his length to contest shots around the rim, jumped passing lanes, and created transition chances for the Bulls. There were still some rookie mistakes. Wilson committed six turnovers, didn’t record an assist, and shot only 2-of-6 from the free-throw line.
One performance isn’t enough to say his jumper is completely fixed, but seven threes and five combined steals-blocks are impossible to ignore. The turnovers keep the grade below A+, although Wilson gave the Bulls almost everything they could have wanted from his first appearance.
Grade: A
No. 5 Pick – Keaton Wagler
Summer League Stats: 15.0 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.5 STL, 0.0 BLK, 2.0 TOV, 30.4% FG, 41.7% 3P%, 75.0% FT (2 Games)
Keaton Wagler had a rough introduction against the Kings. He finished with seven points, two rebounds, and one assist while shooting 1-of-7 from the field and 1-of-5 from three. The Clippers lost 91-85, and Wagler struggled to create space once the Kings pressured him higher on the court.
His second game was a much better response. Wagler scored 23 points with four assists, one rebound and one steal in the Clippers’ 104-82 win over the Jazz. He shot 6-of-16 from the field, made four of seven triples, and helped the Clippers break the game open during a dominant third quarter.
The overall field-goal percentage still looks poor because Wagler has made only seven of his 23 shots. His three-point shooting has been much better at 41.7%, and five of his seven total field goals have come from behind the arc.
The 23-point response saved his weekend after a bad first game. It wasn’t enough for a high grade, but showing that adjustment after only two days was a positive sign.
Grade: B-
No. 6 Pick – Mikel Brown Jr.
Summer League Stats: 15.0 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.0 STL, 0.5 BLK, 2.0 TOV, 43.5% FG, 45.5% 3P%, 75.0% FT (2 Games)
After missing several months because of the lower back injury that ended his season at Louisville, the Nets delayed Mikel Brown Jr.’s Summer League debut until their final California Classic game. He finished with 10 points, four assists, and one rebound in 19 minutes against the Warriors, shooting 4-of-11 from the field and 2-of-5 from three. The Nets won 100-79, and Brown showed good patience even without a huge scoring night.
His Las Vegas opener was much better. Brown scored 20 points with three assists, two steals, and one block in a 91-65 win over the Knicks. He shot 6-of-12 from the field, 3-of-6 from three, and 3-of-3 at the free-throw line, while committing only two turnovers.
Grade: A-
No. 7 Pick – Darius Acuff Jr.
Summer League Stats: 19.5 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.0 STL, 1.0 BLK, 3.5 TOV, 31.7% FG, 25.8% 3P%, 70.6% FT (4 Games)
Darius Acuff Jr. has produced big scoring numbers, but almost every game has required a lot of shots. He opened the California Classic with 25 points and four assists against the Nets, then added 22 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in a win over the Bucks. Acuff scored 47 points across those two games, although he shot only 33.3% from the field.
His first Las Vegas performance was probably his best complete game. Acuff finished with 19 points, seven assists, three rebounds, two steals, and one block in a 91-85 victory over the Clippers. The shot still wasn’t efficient, but he controlled the offense and created several important baskets late.
The Wizards gave him a much tougher night. Acuff recorded 12 points and four assists, but shot 4-of-14 from the field, missed all four of his triples and committed several mistakes as the Kings lost 104-85.
Acuff is averaging almost 20 points and has already shown that he can run an offense, but 31.7% from the field and 25.8% from three can’t be ignored. He has taken 82 shots in four games and committed 14 turnovers.
Grade: B-
No. 8 Pick – Kingston Flemings
Summer League Stats: 10.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 6.8 APG, 1.5 STL, 1.2 BLK, 2.2 TOV, 31.8% FG, 30.8% 3P%, 50.0% FT (4 Games)
The scoring numbers haven’t been efficient, but the passing and defensive production have made Kingston Flemings one of the most interesting guards from the opening weekend. He began in Salt Lake City with 14 points, nine assists, and four steals against the Jazz. Flemings then added 12 points and five assists in his second appearance, finishing that portion of Summer League with 14 assists against only two turnovers.
His Las Vegas numbers haven’t been as strong offensively. Flemings scored five points on 2-of-7 shooting against the Spurs, but he still delivered eight assists, one steal, and one block in the Hawks’ 93-66 win. He followed that with nine points, seven rebounds, five assists, and one block as the Hawks beat the Nets 83-76.
Flemings has now recorded 27 assists, six steals and five blocks across four games. The playmaking has translated immediately, and he has shown that he can affect games without scoring 20 points. The Hawks also won three of his four appearances.
Grade: B+
No. 9 Pick – Morez Johnson Jr.
Summer League Stats: 18.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 2.5 STL, 3.0 BLK, 1.5 TOV, 64.0% FG, 20.0% 3P%, 75.0% FT (2 Games)
Morez Johnson Jr. had one of the best debuts from any lottery pick. The Mavericks big man finished with 27 points, eight rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks against the Warriors. He shot 12-of-17 from the field and scored through cuts, offensive rebounds, and physical finishes around the basket.
His second game wasn’t as explosive offensively, but the defensive impact remained strong. Johnson recorded 10 points, five rebounds, two steals, and four blocks against the Lakers, shooting 4-of-8 from the field. The Mavericks lost both games, although Johnson was easily one of their most productive players.
Through two appearances, Johnson has made 16 of his 25 shots and produced 11 combined steals-blocks. That defensive activity is the biggest positive. He has protected the rim, switched onto smaller players, and created extra possessions without needing the Mavericks to run many plays for him.
The fouls and shooting are small negatives, but 18.5 points on 64.0% from the field with six blocks and five steals make this an easy strong grade.
Grade: A
No. 10 Pick – Brayden Burries
Summer League Stats: 18.7 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.0 STL, 0.7 BLK, 0.0 TOV, 46.2% FG, 42.9% 3P%, 81.8% FT (3 Games)
Three games were enough for Brayden Burries to show clear improvement every time he stepped on the floor. He began with 12 points, two rebounds, and one assist in 16 minutes against the Kings, shooting 3-of-8 from the field. It was a quiet debut, but he didn’t commit a turnover and looked comfortable playing without controlling the ball.
Burries increased his production against the Heat, finishing with 18 points, three rebounds, and three assists. He then had his best game against the Spurs, scoring 26 points with three rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. Burries made four triples and was the Bucks’ only consistent scorer during the 90-80 loss.
The most impressive number might be zero turnovers. Burries has scored 56 points and produced seven assists without giving the ball away once. He has also made six of his 14 triples and nine of his 11 free throws.
Burries has probably been the better performer from picks No. 6 through No. 10. The Bucks haven’t won yet, but their lottery pick has looked efficient, controlled, and more confident in every game.
Grade: A
No. 11 Pick – Yaxel Lendeborg
Summer League Stats: 16.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.2 STL, 0.8 BLK, 2.5 TOV, 52.3% FG, 61.9% 3P%, 50.0% FT (4 Games)
Yaxel Lendeborg has been one of the most complete lottery picks in Summer League. He started the California Classic with 19 points, five rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block against the Lakers, shooting 6-of-9 from the field and making six triples.
Lendeborg followed that with 11 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks against the Spurs. His scoring dropped, but he continued to defend several positions, rebound, and move the ball without needing many touches.
His Las Vegas debut was his best game. Lendeborg finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in the Warriors’ 101-90 win over the Mavericks. He shot 8-of-13 from the field and controlled the game through his passing, physical drives, and work on the glass.
The No. 11 pick then added 14 points, four assists and three steals in a 104-79 win over the Thunder. He made four of eight triples and helped the Warriors improve to 4-0 across his four appearances.
The 61.9% three-point shooting obviously won’t continue, but Lendeborg has shown much more than a hot jumper. He has 18 assists, 25 rebounds, and eight combined steals-blocks while shooting 52.3% from the field.
Grade: A+
No. 12 Pick – Aday Mara
Summer League Stats: 8.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.5 STL, 2.2 BLK, 3.5 TOV, 46.2% FG, 0.0% 3P%, 44.4% FT (4 Games)
The defensive flashes have been the best part of Aday Mara’s opening four appearances. He started the Salt Lake City Summer League with 10 points, three rebounds, four assists, one steal, and two blocks against the Grizzlies. He followed that with 10 points, nine rebounds, one assist, and four blocks against the Hawks, giving the Thunder a strong defensive presence around the rim.
His first Las Vegas game was much more difficult. Mara finished with only two points, seven rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks against the Lakers. He missed all three of his shots, committed three turnovers, and struggled with the speed of the game.
Mara responded with his best all-around performance against the Warriors. He recorded 10 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and one block while shooting 4-of-6 from the field. The Thunder lost 104-79, but Mara looked more comfortable passing from the middle of the floor and finishing around the basket.
Defense has clearly been the main positive. Mara has nine blocks in four games and has shown the passing touch that made him an interesting offensive prospect at Michigan. The problems have also been clear, with 14 turnovers, poor free-throw shooting, and no made triples.
Mara hasn’t been terrible, but he also hasn’t looked ready for regular NBA minutes. The defensive production saves his grade, while the turnovers and limited scoring keep it below the B range.
Grade: C+
No. 13 Pick – Nate Ament
Summer League Stats: 6.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.0 STL, 0.0 BLK, 2.0 TOV, 42.9% FG, 20.0% 3P%, 0.0% FT (2 Games)
Once Giannis’ trade from the Bucks became official, Nate Ament made his debut against the Heat, which was quiet. He finished with six points, three rebounds and two assists in 17 minutes, shooting 3-of-7 from the field and missing all three of his three-point attempts. The Bucks were competitive at first, but they collapsed after halftime and lost 119-86.
Ament received a larger role against the Spurs, but the production barely changed. He recorded seven points and five rebounds in 25 minutes, shooting 3-of-7 from the field and 1-of-2 from three. He didn’t register an assist, steal, or block and committed three turnovers as the Bucks lost 90-80.
The No. 13 pick has made six of his 14 shots, but he hasn’t created much offense, reached the free-throw line or made a defensive impact. Ament entered the Draft as a long-term prospect who still needed more strength and polish, and his first two games have supported that evaluation.
Grade: C-
No. 14 Pick – Hannes Steinbach
Summer League Stats: 10.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.3 STL, 1.0 BLK, 3.7 TOV, 56.3% FG, 0.0% 3P%, 100.0% FT (3 Games)
Hannes Steinbach began Summer League with an excellent performance against the Magic. He produced 15 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks in only 22 minutes, helping the Hornets earn an 86-74 win. Steinbach shot 4-of-7 from the field and created several extra possessions through his work on the offensive glass.
His next two performances were quieter. Steinbach finished with seven points, six rebounds and one block in a 95-91 loss to the Pelicans, shooting 2-of-5 from the field. He then added eight points, three rebounds, and two assists against the Celtics, making three of his four shots as the Hornets lost 87-75.
The opening game showed why the Hornets selected him in the lottery. Steinbach has good size, attacks the glass, and can score inside. His production declined during the next two games, though, and the turnovers have been too high.
Grade: B-
