NBA-ийн зуны лиг өндөрлөв

NBA Summer League is over after 94 games played in San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Sacramento and Las Vegas over 16 days. The Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies put in extra time, with both teams playing in a pre-Nevada invitational and then meeting in Sunday’s championship at Thomas & Mack Center, where the Warriors prevailed.

I can’t stress enough how unserious summer-league hoops can be. This year was made even sillier by implementing the G League free-throw rules, making it clear that these exhibition games are indeed closer to the developmental league than they are to what you will see when the rookie wall approaches the small percentage of these players fortunate enough to see rotation minutes to begin next season.

But summer league did provide a small sample size of organized team activities and a nice coda to an exhausting draft process. Let’s do what we have done the previous two years (2024 and 2025) and draw some takeaways on each player selected in June’s draft, with an eye toward potential roles coming out of training camp.

First round

1. AJ Dybantsa, Wizards: Dybantsa only got two starts, one each at shooting guard and small forward, after primarily starting at power forward for BYU. The ball was in his hands for a heavy amount of time, leaving him with few opportunities to work for easier shots off the ball. That won’t necessarily be the case when he plays with point guards Trae Young and Bub Carrington.

2. Darryn Peterson, Jazz: Peterson played five games between two summer leagues, dropping more than 20 points in four of them. The Jazz experimented with Peterson at point guard, and the results were mixed: He averaged 5.2 assists per game to go with a ghastly 4.8 turnovers. Peterson will be sharing on-ball guard duties with Keyonte George this fall.

3. Cameron Boozer, Grizzlies: Boozer, an All-Summer League First Team selection, played eight of a possible nine games, including all of the games in Las Vegas. He had at least three assists in each game, and while he blocked only two shots, he had at least one steal in all but his first game. Memphis will slide him into the starting power forward spot seamlessly, and he could be the primary playmaker for the Grizzlies, as well.

4. Caleb Wilson, Bulls: Wilson, another All-Summer League First Team selection, was the starting power forward, a role that he could have in Chicago next season next to Matas Buzelis. Wilson was great at putting the ball inside the basket and getting to the free-throw line, aside from making the free throws themselves. He shot better from 3 (41.9 percent) than the foul line (33.3 percent) and added 1.3 steals and 2.5 blocks per game, but he had a horrendous ratio of three turnovers for every assist.

5. Keaton Wagler, Clippers: Wagler started three games at point guard, was held out of a zero-day-rest game, then started the finale at shooting guard. That particular bit of usage has heightened relevance, as Wagler was drafted with the intention of using him both on the ball at point guard and in tandem with Darius Garland. Whether it’s from better screeners, better shooters or more helpful on-ball presences, Wagler is going to need some early assistance in creating separation.

6. Mikel Brown Jr., Nets: Brown started all four of his games at point guard, and all of them were next to Egor Dëmin, last year’s Nets lottery pick. Brown wasn’t particularly efficient out of ball screens but was better when the Nets got him into handoffs, a staple of Jordi Fernández’s offense. Brown was also solid defensively, collecting five steals.

7. Darius Acuff Jr., Kings: Acuff started five games, and the point guard was quite aggressive, attempting 18 or more shots in four of those games. The efficiency wasn’t great, as Acuff had more shots than points in three games while having at least as many turnovers as assists in three games. Acuff will likely be Sacramento’s starter, but he’ll need to clean up some components of his game with fewer shots on the menu.

8. Kingston Flemings, Hawks: Of all of the guards taken in the top 10, Flemings was the only one who didn’t record a 20-point game. He struggled to convert from everywhere: 31.8 percent field goals, 28.6 percent 3s, 44.4 percent free throws. He did keep the turnovers down while averaging 6.8 assists and totaling six steals and five blocks in four games.

9. Morez Johnson Jr., Mavericks: Johnson played only two games, starting at center in both after starting at power forward last year at Michigan. The Mavericks aren’t going to ask Johnson to be a shot creator; he’s there to roll, cut and otherwise blow things up on both sides of the ball.

10. Brayden Burries, Bucks: Burries started games in both guard spots after being a shooting guard at Arizona, and he was superb offensively, attempting 26 free throws while compiling 18 assists and only three turnovers. He made 9 of 26 from 3 (34.6 percent) while adding 20 rebounds and eight steals. There are way too many guards in Milwaukee, but Burries, an All-Summer League First Team selection, showed that he can be ready to play both on and off the ball.

11. Yaxel Lendeborg, Warriors: My favorite player in this draft, the MVP of the championship game, the MVP of the whole summer event and worthy of the mononym YAXEL. The Warriors got an old rookie, but they got a rookie who is ready to play. Lendeborg, who turns 24 in September, started all eight games and racked up 32 assists while shooting 46 percent from 3. He’s going to fit Golden State’s system quite well.

12. Aday Mara, Thunder: Mara probably had my least favorite summer league among the lottery picks. He did, however, make 10 of his last 12 shots after starting 8-for-20 from the field, and he is certainly eager to show that he can pass and make shots outside of the paint. But Mara didn’t exactly impose his will on games, and for all of his skill exhibition, he didn’t make any 3s and still had more turnovers (17) than assists (16).

13. Nate Ament, Bucks: Ament got a late start due to his draft rights being tied to the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. Ament started all five games in Las Vegas at small forward, but the only game in which Ament attempted more than 10 shots was the lone game he played without Burries in the lineup. The decision-making has to be better, as Ament had twice as many turnovers as assists, but he shot 50 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from 3.

14. Hannes Steinbach, Hornets: Steinbach came off the bench for three games while Ryan Kalkbrenner was starting at center, but when Steinbach got to start, he put up massive numbers in two games (49 points, 26 rebounds). Steinbach is going to have issues defensively; he’s not a natural shooter, and he’s a turnover machine right now. But he’s a strong finisher who inhales rebounds and can play with his back to the basket.

15. Dailyn Swain, Bulls: Swain had a nightmare of a time in Las Vegas, missing 27 of 31 shots and all seven of his 3s. He’s a small forward. Maybe don’t put him at point guard, Chicago?

16. Bennett Stirtz, Thunder: Stirtz started all five of his games at point guard, where he’ll likely have a head start on injured former lottery pick Nikola Topić entering Thunder camp. Other than a 4-of-14 shooting game in Utah against the Hawks, Stirtz made exactly 50 percent of his shots in the other four games he played.

17. Ebuka Okorie, Pistons: Okorie was the undisputed starting point guard for the summer Pistons, and he will compete for a rotation spot in camp. It was a real struggle for Okorie to be efficient offensively (83 points on 88 shots), but he did have as many steals (12) as turnovers in five games.

18. Christian Anderson Jr., Hornets: Anderson was billed as one of the best guard shooters in the draft, but that did not translate to summer at all, as he made only 21.9 percent of his 32 3-point attempts. The Hornets started Anderson at point guard for all five games, and after a terrible 3:9 assist-to-turnover ratio through three games, Anderson finished up with an 18:5 ratio in the final two games.

19. Allen Graves, Raptors: Graves started at power forward in all four of his games, and he did what helped him get drafted by putting up outstanding numbers: averages of 16.5 points, three assists, 2.3 steals, one block and 2.8 3s while shooting 51 percent overall, 50 percent from 3 and 100 percent from the line. Toronto could easily slot Graves next to Collin Murray-Boyles in the second unit.

20. Jayden Quaintance, Spurs: Quaintance had right knee surgery, missed all of summer league and is possibly headed to a redshirt rookie season.

21. Karim López, Grizzlies: A left hamstring injury prevented López from playing all but one game for the Grizzlies, and he was the last first-round pick to sign his contract. But what a game that was, as López entered during a game the Grizzlies led 32-2 at the end of one quarter. He collected a steal and two blocks in 11 minutes.

22. Labaron Philon Jr., 76ers: Philon was the starting point guard for his four summer-league games, and he averaged 5.8 assists per game. It wasn’t the cleanest outing, with Philon making only 38.2 percent from the field, 25.8 percent from 3 and 62.5 percent from the free-throw line. He should be Philadelphia’s fourth guard behind Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Anfernee Simons.

23. Zuby Ejiofor, Hawks: Ejiofor started at center in all four of his games, and he filled the stat sheet, notably making six 3s. He struggled to finish inside the arc, though. Ejiofor should have the inside track to Atlanta’s backup center job.

24. Cameron Carr, Lakers: Carr started all seven of his games at small forward, and the Lakers were quite creative in getting him touches in optimal spots. He curled inside the arc to great effect on off-ball screens, while there were attempts to get Carr downhill on handoffs, as well. Carr drew heaps of fouls, kept turnovers down and shot well when his feet were set.

25. Sergio de Larrea, Mavericks: De Larrea racked up the dimes, dropping 35 assists in four games while splitting starts between point guard and the wings and showing a strong nose for the ball. Scoring was a real issue, though, as de Larrea had more turnovers (12) than buckets (9-of-33, 27.3 percent shooting).

26. Tarris Reed Jr., Spurs: Reed is a nuts-and-bolts center, but he has to be much better as a finisher, as he made only 40.9 percent of his field-goal attempts despite being mostly paint-bound. The Spurs will likely slot him in as a third-string center.

27. Chris Cenac Jr., Celtics: Cenac was a backup to Amari Williams in all but one of his four games, earning one start at center. He racked up rebounds (32) and blocks (11) but was a mess offensively, scoring only 38 points on 41 shots while totaling 12 turnovers against only four assists.

28. Joshua Jefferson, Nets: Jefferson’s draft rights were tied up in the four-team trade that sent Julius Randle to Brooklyn, and he only played three games, starting one at small forward while coming off the bench at power forward. The late start didn’t help him get involved much, as he had more turnovers (five) than assists (four) while missing all but one of his eight 3-point attempts.

29. Alex Karaban, Kings: Karaban didn’t play in Sacramento, then started all five games in Las Vegas at small forward. It took him a while to get going, but he went from only seven points on 15 shots in his first three games to 35 points on 13-of-27 shooting from the field. Karaban isn’t much more than a shooter right now.

30. Koa Peat, Suns: Peat was the starting power forward with the Suns in all four games he appeared, commonly lining up with 2025 lottery center Khaman Maluach and 2025 second-round forward Rasheer Fleming. While Peat had several looks on the ball, he was at his best as a cutter, and he has a long way to go as a shooter and decision-maker.

Second round

31. Bruce Thornton, Rockets: Thornton started at point guard and took on the bulk of scoring and playmaking duties while adding 13 steals in five games.

32. Richie Saunders, Grizzlies: Saunders is recovering from a torn ACL and did not play in summer league.

We’re still waiting to see Richie Saunders on the court as a pro. (Chris Gardner / Getty Images)

33. Isaiah Evans, Timberwolves: Evans got a late start because of draft rights involved in the Randle trade, then struggled mightily in his four games (27.3 percent field goals, 20.5 percent 3s), though he was a little better in the last two games. He’s under contract.

34. Meleek Thomas, Cavaliers: He’s out there to get buckets, and he did that superbly, averaging 25.3 points in four games while adding 3.8 assists and two steals. Thomas was an All-Summer League First Team selection. He’s under contract.

35. Trevon Brazile, Nuggets: Brazile got off to a slow start and had a poor 1:8 assist-to-turnover ratio, but he scored 51 points in his last two games while flashing an intriguing blend of range and athleticism. He’s under contract.

36. Baba Miller, Clippers: Miller’s country won the World Cup while he showed some versatility as a starter at both power forward and center, though he was limited to spotting up and cutting instead of creating as much as his skills suggest he could. He’s under contract.

37. Ryan Conwell, Heat: Conwell played most of his games while the team was in Northern California, and he’s going to shoot the ball without asking questions. He’s streaky but was arguably more comfortable moving off the bounce than when his feet were set. He’s under contract.

38. Braden Smith, Pacers: Smith averaged seven assists but made only 26.5 percent from the field and looked diminutive on the court. He’s currently the highest second-round pick without a contract.

39. Jack Kayil, Knicks: Kayil wound up splitting playmaker duties with Dillon Jones, which he was adequate at, though his own offense suffered (33 points on 40 shots). He doesn’t want to be stashed but might have been drafted to the wrong team for that.

40. Dillon Mitchell, Celtics: Mitchell flew around and made plays on defense while starting at small forward. He even made three 3s, though he missed four of five free throws. He’s still unsigned.

41. Otega Oweh, Thunder: Oweh played the first two games and was uninvolved offensively before missing the rest of summer league with a left ankle injury. He’s the highest draft pick signed to a two-way contract.

42. Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Spurs: Gillespie is an absolute gnat on defense who racked up five assists per game as a starting point guard to go with 13 steals in seven games, though he made only 37.3 percent from the field. He’s on a two-way contract.

43. Tyler Bilodeau, Nets: It’s not complicated for Bilodeau, as 25 of his 40 shot attempts were made 3s at a 36 percent clip as a backup power forward. He’s a two-way contract.

44. Maliq Brown, Spurs: Brown put on his hard hat and hit the glass for 20 offensive rebounds and also had 13 steals in seven games. He started at power forward when Reed was playing and center when Reed was out, and he was 3-for-8 from 3, which will help him play with centers. Brown is on a two-way contract.

45. Emanuel Sharp, Kings: Sharp is a tenacious defender who had 18 steals (and 29 fouls) in seven games. He’s far more effective off the ball than on the ball as a shooting guard. He’s under contract.

46. Felix Okpara, Wizards: Okpara was the Wizards’ starting center, and he will need to be more efficient (46.7 percent field goals) given that he is not an on-ball option nor is he a shooter. He’s on a two-way contract.

47. Tyler Nickel, Knicks: Nickel is a small forward who knows what he’s out there to do, as 46 of his 56 shot attempts were 3s made at a 41.3 percent clip. He’s still unsigned.

48. Tobi Lawal, Mavericks: Lawal is a power forward and standout athlete who has pretty much no role whatsoever out there offensively. He’s on a two-way contract.

49. Bryce Hopkins, Nuggets: Hopkins started at small forward next to Brazile and was an effective primary scoring threat while converting 52.9 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from 3. He’s still unsigned.

50. Jaden Bradley, Raptors: Bradley came off the bench behind Chucky Hepburn for two games before assuming starting point guard duties. He’s solid defensively but missed his only two 3-point attempts while making only 32.4 percent from the field overall in what was a nondescript offensive showing. He’s on a two-way contract.

51. Izaiyah Nelson, Magic: Nelson fractured his left ankle in the third game and had surgery that will likely delay the start of his rookie season. He’s on a two-way contract.

52. Henri Veesaar, Hawks: Atlanta wanted to utilize Veesaar’s stretch capabilities, and he obliged, making 10 of 27 3s (37 percent) while blocking eight shots in eight games. He’s signed a four-year deal, with the first two years guaranteed.

53. Ugonna Onyenso, Pistons: Onyenso made 2 of 4 3s and had a five-block game but couldn’t score at all inside the arc (only 13 points on 15 shots as a center). He’s on a two-way contract.

54. Lajae Jones, Warriors: Jones only played one game in Las Vegas for more than 20 minutes, and he missed all four 3-point attempts in that game despite starting at shooting guard. He has enough athletic tools and on-ball utility to see if he can put something together at some point. He’s still unsigned.

55. Nick Martinelli, Clippers: Martinelli jumps on his free throws, but he is an absolute dawg who is clearly used to getting buckets even if he’s not the top option on the court (60.4 percent field goals). He’s on a two-way contract.

56. Vsevolod Ishchenko, Mavericks: Ishchenko is a whirling dervish of a player who drew an astounding 30 fouls in five games but also had a problematic 18 turnovers to go with 15 assists. He likely will be stashed overseas.

57. Narcisse Ngoy, Clippers: The Clippers drafted Ngoy while already aware that he was committed to Auburn. He’s a domestic draft-and-stash and did not play in summer league.

58. Jaron Pierre Jr., Pelicans: Pierre started at small forward in his third and final game after coming off the bench. He only had 28 points on 37 shots while making only 17.6 percent from 3. He’s still unsigned.

59. Trey Kaufman-Renn, Timberwolves: Kaufman-Renn came off the bench for all five games behind power forward Enrique Freeman. He’s still unsigned.

60. Malique Lewis, Bucks: Lewis was the starting small forward in California with Ament unsigned, then played sparingly in Las Vegas. He had more shots than points and more turnovers than assists in four games. He likely will be stashed overseas.