With the California Classic and Salt Lake City summer leagues now finished, the focus shifts to the offseason`s main attraction: the NBA 2K26 Las Vegas Summer League.
This tournament spans 11 days, commencing on Thursday and concluding on July 20 with the championship game.
Headlining the event will be the new talents from the 2025 draft class, alongside recent picks like Bronny James, Reed Sheppard, and Rob Dillingham. Unsigned veterans hoping to secure roster spots across the league will also be participating. Top 2025 selections such as Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and VJ Edgecombe are scheduled to play when games tip off on Thursday.
Following four games played by each team, the top four teams will advance to the playoffs. The semifinals are set for July 19, with the final on July 20. The remaining 26 teams will play an additional fifth game between July 18 and 20.
With the tournament schedule outlined, ESPN analysts Kevin Pelton and Jeremy Woo provide their picks for the top players to keep an eye on from each team in the summer league.
Atlanta Hawks
Kobe Bufkin | SG
2023 draft: Round 1, No. 15
This season is significant for Bufkin, who is returning nearly seven months after undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery as he enters his third NBA year. Drafted in 2023 with considerable promise, the guard from Michigan has played in only 27 regular-season games. The 21-year-old has a critical chance to prove himself as part of Atlanta`s future plans, especially as the Hawks retool under a new front office that didn`t draft him. Bufkin will be closely watched upon his return to the court.
Boston Celtics
Hugo Gonzalez | SG
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 28
Gonzalez finds himself in a favorable situation in Boston as the team`s sole first-round selection in a year with ample playing time available on the wing. After averaging just 10 minutes per game for Real Madrid last season, the 19-year-old will now get significantly more exposure in the NBA, with a much better opportunity for development and minutes. It remains to be seen how Gonzalez performs without restrictions, but he could potentially grow into a valuable role player for the Celtics over time.
Brooklyn Nets
Egor Demin | PG
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 8
As the most prominent player in the Nets` five-player draft group, Demin is the most intriguing prospect in his new environment. Brooklyn is presumably aiming to maximize his potential as a primary ball-handler and playmaker. Expect him to share these responsibilities with the Nets` other rookies, but Demin`s passing ability should particularly stand out in the wide-open setting typical of Vegas summer league games. I`m curious to see how he adapts to this context and would be interested in observing him play creative pick-and-rolls with fellow Nets draft pick Danny Wolf.
Charlotte Hornets
Kon Knueppel | SF
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 4
Knueppel is expected to be the central figure for the Hornets` presence in Las Vegas, providing him a platform to exhibit his exceptional shooting skills (64.8 true shooting percentage at Duke) and his capabilities as a secondary playmaker. He is anticipated to be one of the more NBA-ready rookies from the start, and the summer league should serve as an excellent opportunity for him to take plenty of shots and showcase his offensive game.
Chicago Bulls
Matas Buzelis | SF
2024 draft: Round 1, No. 11
Buzelis will likely participate in only one or two games in Las Vegas, but his strong performance in the second half of last season (averaging 13 points on 46% field goals, 36% 3-pointers, and 83% free throws post-All-Star break) was a crucial development for the Bulls. They plan to rely on him increasingly in the coming seasons. He should have ample chances to score on a summer league roster essentially built around his presence. I am also quite interested in the 2025 No. 12 pick, Noa Essengue, who gives Chicago another large, adaptable forward to integrate into their plans.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Jaylon Tyson | SG
2024 draft: Round 1, No. 20
Since the Cavaliers made only two second-round selections this year, last year`s 20th overall pick, Tyson, stands out as the key player for their summer league squad. He was used sparingly on a strong Cleveland team in the 2024-25 season, but he might see an expanded role next season after the Cavs traded Isaac Okoro to the Bulls for Lonzo Ball. Tyson`s physical build and offensive skills should make him noticeable in Vegas.
Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg | SF
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 1
Drawing inspiration from his approach with Giannis Antetokounmpo as coach of the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd stated his intention for Flagg`s summer development: “I want to make him uncomfortable and see how he reacts. Being able to run the show, being able to play the 2, play the 3.” Flagg, who played power forward at Duke, will need to operate on the perimeter in the NBA due to the Mavericks` crowded frontcourt. We`ll get our initial look at Kidd`s strategy unfolding in Las Vegas.
Denver Nuggets
DaRon Holmes II | PF
2024 draft: Round 1, No. 22 by Phoenix
One of the biggest letdowns of last year`s summer activities was Holmes sustaining an Achilles tear late in his first game for Denver. The subsequent surgery and recovery meant Holmes missed his entire first NBA season. Now, the 2024 first-round pick is ready to return to the court. Holmes` potential contribution as a rookie could be particularly vital if the Nuggets cannot secure Jonas Valanciunas, whom they recently acquired via trade to serve as backup to three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, especially if Valanciunas receives a compelling offer from the Greek club Panathinaikos.
Detroit Pistons
Ron Holland II | SF
2024 draft: Round 1, No. 5
Holland had a limited role in a competitive Pistons wing rotation during his rookie year, but he has an opportunity to establish himself moving forward, having been selected higher than anticipated by Detroit in 2024. Showcasing his abilities in the summer league, where he will be the main name on the Pistons roster, would signal progress, especially if his shooting (28.3% from 3 last season) shows improvement.
Golden State Warriors
L.J. Cryer | PG
2025: Undrafted
Cryer, an All-America selection who nearly led Houston to the national championship last year, is the type of undrafted rookie whose shooting prowess could shine in Las Vegas. Based on his 40% career 3-point shooting in college, Cryer ranked in the top 50 of my pre-draft projections. With an Exhibit 10 contract and a Warriors roster featuring only two of their own draft picks (second-rounders Will Richard and Alex Toohey), Cryer should have plenty of chances to make an impression.
Houston Rockets
Reed Sheppard | PG/SG
2024 draft: Round 1, No. 3
A standout performer at last year`s summer league, Sheppard was named to the All-Summer League first team alongside Kel`el Ware, averaging 20 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.8 steals per game. However, that performance didn`t fully translate to NBA action in his rookie season, where he logged only 654 minutes. Consequently, he is back to compete for increased playing time in his second year on a Rockets squad that is now considered a strong championship contender.
Indiana Pacers
Taelon Peter | SG
2025 draft: Round 2, No. 54
Peter, one of the genuine sleepers in the draft, led Division I in true shooting percentage (73.5%) last season while playing off the bench for Liberty, averaging only 23 minutes per game. Indiana selected him late in the second round, making his adjustment to the significant leap in competition level intriguing to observe. Peter is a gifted run-jump athlete, but he will need to maintain some of his exceptional efficiency against higher-level opponents, with summer league serving as a valuable testing ground.
LA Clippers
Kobe Brown | PF
2023 draft: Round 1, No. 30
This summer is critical for Brown, who has accumulated 666 minutes over two seasons since being drafted by the Clippers in the second round in 2023 (the same draft slot at No. 30 where they picked center Yanic Konan Niederhauser this year). Given the Clippers` focus on financial flexibility, they may be hesitant to exercise the $4.8 million team option on Brown`s contract for 2026-27 by the October 31 deadline, unless he demonstrates he can be a consistent rotation player.
Los Angeles Lakers
Bronny James | SG
2024 draft: Round 2, No. 55
A significant portion of James` development in his rookie year happened away from public view, as he played only 181 NBA minutes. James saw considerably more action with the G League`s South Bay Lakers, where he averaged 18.6 PPG, 4.8 APG, and 4.6 RPG across 18 games. After initial efficiency struggles in the G League Tip-Off Tournament, James showed marked improvement during the regular season, hitting 38% of his 3-pointers. The Lakers will be looking for those positive trends to continue this summer, as they could pave the way for James to become an NBA contributor.
Memphis Grizzlies
GG Jackson | PF
2023 draft: Round 2, No. 45
The Grizzlies are unlikely to have their No. 11 pick, Cedric Coward, who is considered doubtful due to ongoing rehab from shoulder surgery in December, according to Drew Hill of the Daily Memphian. Memphis` 2024 second-rounders, Cam Spencer and Jaylen Wells, are expected to play, despite Wells finishing third in NBA Rookie of the Year voting. Nevertheless, I am most eager to see the 20-year-old Jackson, who remains the youngest player on the Grizzlies roster by a considerable margin, after he was limited to 29 games in his second NBA season due to injury. Both Jackson and Wells scored 20 points each in Saturday`s summer league debut.
Miami Heat
Kasparas Jakucionis | SG
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 20
Jakucionis` unexpected slide on draft night made him a great value pick for the Heat, providing them with the kind of playmaking guard their roster needed. He had a slow start in the California Classic, but better performances are expected. He should receive significant opportunities to create plays in Las Vegas and has a potential route to contributing eventually, as Miami trends younger and only Tyler Herro, recent addition Norman Powell, and Davion Mitchell are clearly ahead of him in the guard rotation hierarchy.
Milwaukee Bucks
Mark Sears | PG
2025 draft: Undrafted
The Bucks have limited backcourt depth after trading Damian Lillard, relying primarily on veteran players with affordable contracts to fill minutes. Sears, signed to a two-way contract out of Alabama, has a potential path to securing a back-end roster spot if he can make enough shots and perform well this summer, despite his smaller stature. He will presumably be given the primary ball-handling duties for the summer league offense.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Rob Dillingham | PG
2024 draft: Round 1, No. 8 by San Antonio
Nickeil Alexander-Walker`s departure to the Hawks opens up opportunities for several of Minnesota`s young perimeter players who will be participating in Las Vegas, including Terrence Shannon Jr. and Jaylen Clark. Among this group, Dillingham saw the least action as a rookie (just 16 total minutes after returning from an ankle sprain) and has the best chance of stepping into a role alongside or potentially backing up Mike Conley. This makes the summer crucial for Dillingham`s development and bid for minutes.
New Orleans Pelicans
Jeremiah Fears | PG
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 7
The Pelicans` decision to draft Fears in the top 10 was somewhat overshadowed by their subsequent trade, sending a 2026 first-round pick to move up from No. 23 to No. 13 to also acquire Maryland center Derik Queen. While Queen`s specific skills might not be best showcased in the often-chaotic summer league environment, the setting should be well-suited for Fears. He ranked fifth in points per game (17.1) and fourth in assists per game (4.1) among one-and-done prospects.
New York Knicks
Tyler Kolek | PG
2024 draft: Round 2, No. 34
Even as a high second-round pick, Kolek saw limited minutes off the Knicks` bench last season. His path to playing time remains restricted, with Jordan Clarkson and Deuce McBride ahead in the depth chart. However, Kolek should have the opportunity to lead the team in Las Vegas and build his case for a greater role. He is a skilled playmaker deserving of more chances, though he doesn`t offer significant physical advantages when leading the second unit.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Nikola Topic | PG
2024 draft: Round 1, No. 12
More than a year after being drafted by the Thunder in the first round while recovering from ACL surgery, Topic finally made his debut in an Oklahoma City uniform over the weekend at the Salt Lake City Summer League. He scored 14 points on Saturday but also committed seven turnovers. The Thunder will be without this year`s No. 15 pick, Thomas Sorber, who is still rehabbing from toe surgery in February that ended his only college season.
Orlando Magic
Jase Richardson | SG
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 25
The Magic secured good value with Richardson falling to their pick, potentially finding a viable younger option to replace Cole Anthony`s bench minutes. Richardson can handle both guard positions, but his size is best suited for the point guard role, a position he didn`t play full-time at Michigan State. Orlando will likely aim to maximize his ball-handling opportunities in summer league, providing a good setting to assess his readiness to lead a second unit. He could become an important reserve player for the Magic as they contend in the Eastern Conference.
Philadelphia 76ers
VJ Edgecombe | SG
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 3
In his Utah summer league debut, Edgecombe fully showcased the explosive and fluid scoring ability attacking the basket that the Sixers were looking for. Although he missed the next two games in Utah due to a minor thumb injury, he will have ample space to create offense and drive to the rim, assuming he plays in Vegas. It`s already clear that NBA spacing will make it even harder for defenders to stay in front of him when he builds momentum. His positive first game underscored why Philadelphia placed a priority on him during the pre-draft process.
Phoenix Suns
Khaman Maluach | C
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 10
It`s a new era in Phoenix, where the Suns` summer roster is loaded with draft picks, including three from this year`s class. None is more significant than Maluach, whose selection at No. 10 represents Phoenix`s highest draft addition since Jalen Smith in 2020. Despite also adding center Mark Williams on draft night, the Suns are optimistic Maluach can contribute as a rookie, leveraging his defensive flexibility and ability to finish above the rim.
Portland Trail Blazers
Yang Hansen | C
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 16
Yang gained summer league experience even before being drafted 16th overall last month. He participated with the China national team in the California Classic last year at age 19, averaging 8.7 PPG and 5.0 RPG in three games. Both turnovers (4.7 per game) and fouls (4.0 per game in 20.9 minutes) were areas of concern for Yang. We will be watching closely to see how much he has improved between his summer league appearances.
Sacramento Kings
Nique Clifford | SG
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 24
Clifford is quite familiar with the Thomas & Mack Center court, having played against UNLV there during the college regular season. More notably, he averaged 25.0 PPG, 10.3 RPG, and 4.3 APG at the arena as Colorado State won the Mountain West tournament title in March. These performances significantly boosted Clifford`s profile, helping to solidify him as a first-round selection for the Kings.
San Antonio Spurs
Dylan Harper | SG
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 2
It is hoped that we will see the No. 2 pick play in Las Vegas, after he missed the California Classic due to a “minor” groin injury, as described by San Antonio`s summer coach Mike Noyes. Harper would have the opportunity to run the Spurs` offense this summer in a way that won`t be possible during the regular season, when he will play alongside De`Aaron Fox and reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle. Fellow lottery pick Carter Bryant did play over the weekend but is less advanced in his overall development compared to Harper.
Toronto Raptors
Collin Murray-Boyles | PF
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 9
Murray-Boyles was a divisive prospect within the scouting community over the past year. He showed considerable production, clear intelligence, and defensive versatility. However, he lacked a consistent jump shot and possessed only average size for a power forward, all within the context of a losing team at South Carolina. It will be interesting to see how he adapts to what should be a more structured team environment in Vegas, and how the Raptors choose to utilize him offensively. Key things to watch include how much they involve him as a passer and whether he demonstrates confidence in taking 3-pointers.
Utah Jazz
Ace Bailey | SF
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 5
After much discussion leading up to the draft due to his decision not to work out for any teams, Bailey landed in Utah without issue. Now we will begin to see whether Bailey justified the attention he received after a season at Rutgers. There, he displayed significant strengths like shot-making and rim protection for his size, but also showed poor shot selection and limited playmaking for teammates. His debut, where Bailey shot 1-of-5 on mid-range shots, wasn`t particularly encouraging in this regard.
Washington Wizards
Tre Johnson | SG
2025 draft: Round 1, No. 6
Johnson is expected to be a prominent scorer in summer league, given he is one of the draft`s more polished perimeter scorers and a potential cornerstone for the developing Wizards roster. The aspect of his game to observe will be his playmaking. While he is likely to draw significant defensive attention, making sound decisions and becoming a more willing passer are essential next steps in his development. Washington boasts arguably the most talented roster in Vegas, featuring five first-round picks from 2024 in addition to Johnson and Will Riley. However, Johnson is anticipated to have a featured role in the Wizards` offense, both this week and in the upcoming season.
