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Rookies Are Making a Statement — Here’s What Summer League Has Revealed So Far

The NBA Summer League is well and underway and the rookies from the 2026 draft class are already proving their brilliance on the court.

Testimony Okeyode
Testimony Okeyode
13/07/2026
5 min read

The 2026 NBA Summer League has been everything fans could have asked for:

The first meaningful look at the rookie class that is poised to change the league.

The highlight was the Round 1 battle between No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa and No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson. Dybantsa was aggressive from the start, scoring a game-high 27 points for Washington

Peterson responded with 24 points for Utah but also had eight turnovers, a figure Utah will want cleaned up as the tournment continues on.

Cam Boozer for Grizzlies
Cam Boozer for Grizzlies

Boozer Shines in Memphis

Meanwhile, Memphis fans got their first lengthy glimpse at No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer, who has become swiftly the offensive hub of a Grizzlies team moving on from Ja Morant.

For his debut, Boozer showed passing, scoring and playmaking from all three levels

Maluach Delivers For The Suns

Not every plotline has been about the star power.

The Pheonix Suns have relied on Khaman Maluach, who has recorded consecutive double-doubles to open his summer, showcasing rim defense and floor-spacing in equal measure.

The Suns’ offense surrounding him has been weak, shooting below 25 percent from three through two games

Later picks have also left their mark elsewhere.

Boston’s No. 40 pick Dillon Mitchell filled up the stat sheet, and Detroit’s Chaz Lanier and Brice Williams combined to burn Cleveland from deep.

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Next Steps

Vegas Summer League continues until July 19, so there’s still plenty of time for new names to surface.

But the writing is on the wall early: This rookie class is absolutely elite

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