Rising Stars: Key Players to Watch in the 2026 NBA Summer League

The 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas is set to showcase emerging talent, particularly from the rookie class. Last year’s event highlighted the potential of newcomers, with Kon Knueppel earning Championship Game MVP honors. Knueppel led the Charlotte Hornets to victory and continued to excel during the regular season, contributing to the Hornets’ first winning year in four years. He was the runner-up for Rookie of the Year.

Summer League rosters feature second-year players, G League prospects, undrafted free agents, and international professionals. However, this year’s rookies promise exciting performances. Below, we highlight five players worth watching closely.

AJ Dybantsa, Washington Wizards

AJ Dybantsa emerges as the No. 1 overall pick, attracting significant attention. As a top-ranked high school player, he excelled at BYU, averaging 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Shooting 51% from the field and 33.1% from beyond the arc, Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9 forward, exhibits remarkable athleticism and versatile skills. His resemblance to Kevin Durant, Tracy McGrady, and Scottie Pippen positions him as a generational talent. Summer League offers fans the chance to assess his professional transition and validate Washington’s draft decision.

Darryn Peterson, Utah Jazz

Darryn Peterson stood alongside Dybantsa as a top draft prospect. Utah selected him second, following Peterson’s strong freshman performance at Kansas, where he averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game, shooting 43.8% overall and 38.2% from three-point range. As a 6-foot-6 scoring guard, he’s been likened to Devin Booker, Dwyane Wade, and Kobe Bryant. His impressive shot creation and leadership were evident during the Salt Lake City Summer League in early July, raising expectations for his Vegas debut.

Caleb Wilson, Chicago Bulls

Caleb Wilson, a 6-foot-9 forward with a 7-foot wingspan, joined UNC as a five-star recruit and surpassed projections. Wilson recorded 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, shooting 57.8% from the field. He earned second-team All-American and first-team All-ACC honors. Known for his dynamic energy and nearly 40-inch vertical leap, Wilson consistently delivers thrilling performances. Enhancing his shooting ability could propel him to stardom at the Summer League.

Darius Acuff Jr., Sacramento Kings

Darius Acuff Jr., part of a prominent freshman guard draft class, emerged from Arkansas as an elite prospect. Acuff led the SEC with 23.5 points and 6.4 assists per game. His role in Arkansas’s SEC championship victory, with a 30-point, 11-assist double-double performance, showcases his offensive prowess. As an accurate shooter with deep range, Acuff’s Vegas performance will demonstrate whether he deserved a higher draft ranking than seventh overall.

Labaron Philon Jr., Philadelphia 76ers

Labaron Philon Jr. slipped to 22nd overall, yet his dominant season at Alabama suggests a draft steal for Philadelphia. Philon averaged 22.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, shooting 50.1% overall and 39.9% from three-point range. He earned first-team All-SEC and third-team All-American honors. Known for his dynamic playmaking and confident style, Philon promises to captivate viewers throughout the Summer League as he takes charge of the 76ers’ offense.