2026 NBA summer league: First impressions of rooki...
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- AJ Dybantsa (No. 1 pick, Wizards) posted 27 points and 7 rebounds in a 92-88 debut win over the Jazz, with Washington brass specifically praising his defense — his 7-foot wingspan produced 2 steals and a block.
- Darryn Peterson (No. 2 pick, Jazz) averaged 26.5 points on 52.8% shooting in Salt Lake City but struggled in his Vegas debut: 24 points on 6-of-18 shooting, 8 turnovers, and 9 fouls; a Western Conference scout told ESPN Peterson's perimeter package 'has a chance to set the NBA standard' alongside Anthony Edwards.
- Caleb Wilson (Bulls, No. 4 pick) scored 35 points in his Las Vegas debut — the second-most in a Vegas summer league opener since 2004 — shooting 12-of-21 from the floor and 7-of-11 from three, matching his made 3s from his entire college career.
- Keaton Wagler (No. 5 pick, Clippers) opened with 7 points on 1-of-7 shooting, then bounced back two days later with 23 points and 4 assists in a 104-82 win over the Jazz.
- Darius Acuff Jr. (Kings) is poised to start at point guard on opening night, firing 29 shots in 24 minutes in his debut as Sacramento clears out veterans to hand him the offense.
- Yaxel Lendeborg (Warriors) went 4-of-4 from three in his opener despite playing through an ankle sprain and bone bruise suffered during Michigan's title run, telling reporters he expects to shoot '37% plus' from deep in the NBA.
- Brayden Burries (Bucks) struggled with Miami's full-court pressure in his debut but is set to develop behind Tyler Herro on Milwaukee's depth chart.
Why it matters: Top picks Dybantsa and Peterson are drawing Edwards-level scout praise, and Wilson's 35-point debut gives the rudderless Bulls their first clear direction signal in years. The Kings are already clearing veterans to hand the offense to Acuff — these summer performances carry real rotation weight for opening night.
