NBA Summer League 2026: Rising Stars to Watch

The 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas is set to showcase upcoming talent. Last year’s standout, Kon Knueppel, made waves by earning the Championship Game MVP. He led the Charlotte Hornets to a Summer League title, then propelled them to their first winning season in years, narrowly missing Rookie of the Year honors.

Summer League teams feature second-year players, G League prospects, undrafted free agents, and international talents. This year’s draft class promises exciting rookies. Here are five players to watch closely:

AJ Dybantsa, Washington Wizards

AJ Dybantsa enters Las Vegas as the top overall draft pick. He impressed at BYU, averaging 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 51% from the field and 33.1% from beyond the arc. Standing at 6-foot-9, Dybantsa possesses exceptional athleticism and versatile scoring, earning comparisons to Kevin Durant, Tracy McGrady, and Scottie Pippen.

The Summer League will provide fans their first glimpse of his transition to the professional game and validate Washington’s decision to pick him first.

Darryn Peterson, Utah Jazz

Darryn Peterson was a high draft contender alongside Dybantsa. He excelled at Kansas, scoring 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 43.8% from the floor and 38.2% from deep. His athleticism at 6-foot-6 and shot creation skills sparked comparisons to Devin Booker, Dwyane Wade, and Kobe Bryant.

He recently shone at the Salt Lake City Summer League, promising an exciting performance in Las Vegas.

Caleb Wilson, Chicago Bulls

Caleb Wilson, a 6-foot-9 forward, made a mark at UNC as a five-star recruit. His impressive stats include 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game with a field goal percentage of 57.8%. Wilson’s dynamic play and near 40-inch vertical make him thrilling to watch.

If he improves his shooting, he could emerge as the 2026 Summer League’s standout star.

Darius Acuff Jr., Sacramento Kings

Darius Acuff Jr. was one of several freshman guards picked early in the draft. At Arkansas, he led the SEC in scoring and assists, averaging 23.5 points and 6.4 assists per game. His remarkable performance helped Arkansas secure their first SEC championship in 26 years.

An elite shooter and creator, Acuff’s Summer League showing will bolster his case for a higher draft value.

Labaron Philon Jr., Philadelphia 76ers

Labaron Philon Jr. fell to No. 22 overall but proved his worth with an exceptional season at Alabama, averaging 22.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He earned first-team All-SEC and third-team All-American honors with a shooting rate of 50.1% from the field and 39.9% beyond the arc.

His dynamic playing style is entertaining and effective. He will lead the 76ers’ offense during the 2026 Summer League, despite being behind Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe in the regular season.