The 2026 NBA Summer League has been a thrilling showcase of the league's newest talent, with rookie classes across the league making their mark. In this article, we'll dive into the performances of these young players and grade each team's rookie class so far.
The Rising Stars
The 2026 NBA draft class has certainly lived up to the hype. Top picks like Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, and Caleb Wilson have dominated the Summer League, showcasing their skills and potential. But it's not just the highly touted players who are making waves; second-round pick Meleek Thomas has stolen the show, surpassing Damian Lillard's record for most points by a rookie in the first three Summer League games.
Team-by-Team Breakdown
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks have impressed with their draft picks, particularly No. 8 overall, Kingston Flemings. While Flemings needs to improve his shooting and reduce turnovers, he's shown great passing skills. The big men, Zuby Ejiofor and Henri Veesaar, have also stood out, with Veesaar's outside shooting and rebounding a pleasant surprise. Atlanta's draft class looks like a potential rotation-boosting trio.
Grade: A
Boston Celtics
Chris Cenac Jr. has shown versatility and a good fit alongside Mitchell Robinson. Dillon Mitchell's all-around game, including his defensive instincts, is a welcome addition. The Celtics' rookie class has the potential to make an impact.
Grade: B+
Brooklyn Nets
Mikel Brown Jr. has hit the ground running, showcasing his energy and all-around game. However, the Nets' other picks, Joshua Jefferson and Tyler Bilodeau, have struggled, particularly with their shooting. The Nets may need to address these concerns.
Grade: C
Charlotte Hornets
No. 18 pick Christian Anderson has not lived up to expectations, struggling with turnovers and shooting. Hannes Steinbach has been more reliable, but the Hornets' draft class as a whole feels underwhelming compared to last year's success.
Grade: C-
Chicago Bulls
Caleb Wilson has been the standout performer for the Bulls, dominating with his athleticism and surprising outside shooting. However, No. 15 pick Dailyn Swain has disappointed, and undrafted rookie Jaylin Sellers has outplayed him. Wilson's performance is a bright spot for Chicago.
Grade: A
Cleveland Cavaliers
Meleek Thomas, a second-round pick, has been the talk of the town with his scoring prowess. His all-around game, including steals and assists, has him knocking on the door of the Cavaliers' rotation. Thomas' performance is a testament to the depth of this draft class.
Grade: A+
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks' first-round picks, Morez Johnson Jr. and Sergio De Larrea, have shown great chemistry. De Larrea's passing is NBA-ready, but both need to improve their three-point shooting. Tobi Lawal and Vsevolod Ishchenko have also contributed, with Ishchenko holding his own against top pick Cameron Boozer.
Grade: B
Denver Nuggets
Trevon Brazile's rebounding skills could be a valuable asset, especially with the departure of Jonas Valančiūnas. Bryce Hopkins has been a pleasant surprise, showcasing his all-around game and speed. The Nuggets' draft class has the potential to contribute immediately.
Grade: B+
Detroit Pistons
Ebuka Okorie and Ugonna Onyenso have shown flashes of potential, with Okorie's quickness and Onyenso's rebounding and blocking skills. However, their shooting struggles are a concern. The Pistons' rookie class needs to find consistency.
Grade: C
Golden State Warriors
Yaxel Lendeborg has been a dominant force for the Warriors, averaging a near triple-double and shooting efficiently. Lajae Jones has also made the most of his minutes. The Warriors' rookie class looks like an immediate plug-and-play unit.
Grade: A
Houston Rockets
Bruce Thornton, a second-round pick, has been a revelation, excelling on both ends of the court. His steals and scoring ability have been impressive. Thornton's struggles with shooting inside the arc are a minor concern, but he looks ready for a rotation role.
Grade: A-
Indiana Pacers
Braden Smith's passing and defense are NBA-ready, but his shooting struggles are a major concern. Smith needs to find his shot if he wants to have a long NBA career.
Grade: C-
Los Angeles Clippers
No. 5 pick Keaton Wagler has had a rough start, struggling with his shooting. However, Baba Miller and Nick Martinelli have shown promise. The Clippers can be patient with Wagler, as they have veteran guards ahead of him.
Grade: B-
Los Angeles Lakers
Cameron Carr, a late first-round pick, has been a pleasant surprise, showcasing his shooting and defensive skills. Carr looks like a rotation player for the new-look Lakers.
Grade: A
Memphis Grizzlies
No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer has been dominant, showcasing his all-around game and smooth play. The Grizzlies' future looks bright with Boozer as the hub of their scoring attack.
Grade: A
Miami Heat
Ryan Conwell, despite a hip injury, has shown his potential as a floor spacer. His aggressive approach to scoring is a welcome addition to the Heat's offense. Conwell's three-point shooting needs improvement, but he's a promising piece.
Grade: B
Milwaukee Bucks
Brayden Burries has been fantastic, exceeding expectations. Nate Ament, while not as successful, still has potential. The Bucks' rookie class is a crucial part of their future, and Burries looks ready for a significant role.
Grade: B+
Minnesota Timberwolves
Isaiah Evans, known as a shooter, has struggled with his shot in Summer League. Trey Kaufman-Renn has been a limited contributor. The Timberwolves' rookie class has not made the impact they hoped for.
Grade: F
New Orleans Pelicans
Jaron Pierre Jr., a late second-round pick, has not lived up to expectations, struggling with his shooting and overall contribution. The Pelicans may need to look elsewhere for rotation players.
Grade: F
New York Knicks
The Knicks' rookie class has been a bright spot, with Jack Kayil and Tyler Nickel showing promise. Kayil's passing and scoring, and Nickel's three-point shooting, have been impressive. The defending champions have reason to be optimistic.
Grade: B+
Oklahoma City Thunder
Aday Mara, a 7'3
