The 2026 NBA Summer League is only a few games old, but several young stars from this year’s draft class have already shown fans a glimpse of their talent. Some have put up big scoring games, while others have shown their playmaking or defensive instincts, and a few are already NBA-ready.
Here’s a look at the rookies making the biggest early impression.
Darryn Peterson (No. 2 overall pick, Utah Jazz)
Stats: 28 PTS, 5 REB, 2 AST, 2 BLK, 11-21 FG, 4-7 3PT FG
Peterson looked like every bit the future franchise guard for the Utah Jazz. In the 103-102 overtime win over the Atlanta Hawks, Peterson put up 18 points in the second half and even buried the go-ahead triple in overtime. He did have eight turnovers, but the confidence and shot-making stood out.
Cameron Boozer (No. 3 overall pick, Memphis Grizzlies)
Stats: 15 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST, 7-11 FG
In the dominant 111-74 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Boozer showed his class. He didn’t force shots and simply made the right play every time, and looked comfortable in his first professional appearance.
Darius Acuff (No. 7 overall pick, Sacramento Kings)
Stats: 25 PTS, 4 AST, 2 REB, 9-29 FG
Acuff showed off his aggressive style, even if he didn’t have a great shooting night. He ended up with the game-winning assist in the 79-76 win over the Brooklyn Nets. His shot selection needs some work, but Summer League is the place to learn.
Kingston Flemings (No. 8 overall pick, Atlanta Hawks)
Stats: 14 Points, 9 AST, 4 STL, 4-16 FG
Flemings did struggle with his jumper all game in the 103-102 loss to the Jazz, but he still found ways to impact the game. His playmaking was on point, and he was a constant disruptor in the passing lanes. These are winning qualities, even if his shot isn’t falling.
Yaxel Lendeborg (No. 11 overall pick, Golden State Warriors)
Game 1 Stats: 19 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST, 6-6 FG, 4-4 3PT FG
Game 2 Stats: 11 PTS, 8 REB, 2 AST, 2 BLK, 1 STL, 4-11 FG, 3-5 3PT FG
Lenderborg might have the most efficient opening weekend out of anyone. The Warriors rookie torched the Los Angeles Lakers in the 104-72 win. He followed it up with another good night in the 98-69 win over the San Antonio Spurs. His all-around game is vastly comparable to a young Draymond Green.
Aday Mara (No. 12 overall pick, Oklahoma City Thunder)
Stats: 10 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST, 2 BLK, 5-8 FG
Aday Mara impressed a few people with his soft touch around the basket while protecting the rim on the other end in the 111-74 loss to the Warriors. His passing out of the post might have been the biggest surprise.
Cameron Carr (No. 24 overall pick, Los Angeles Lakers)
Game 1 Stats: 26 PTS, 8 REB, 7-16 FG, 4-9 3PT FG
Game 2 Stats: 19 PTS, 2 REB, 1 BLK, 7-15 FG, 5-11 3PT FG
No rookie raised his stock more than the Lakers star. After going off against the 104-72 loss to the Warriors, he followed it up with an even better performance in a 93-91 double-overtime loss to the Miami Heat. After 2 games, he looks like the biggest steal in the draft.
Bennet Stirtz (No. 17 overall pick, Oklahoma City Thunder)
Stats: 10 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL
Strirz showed off his composure and poise in the 111-74 defeat to the Grizzlies. His confidence handled his off-ball and on-ball responsibilities, while his decision-making looked good for a rookie.
Zuby Ejiofor (No. 23 overall pick, Atlanta Hawks)
Stats: 8 PTS, 11 REB, 2 AST, 3 STL, 2-7 FG
Ejiofor didn’t have a great shooting night, but he dominated on the glass in the 103-102 overtime loss to the Jazz. His constant disruption and offensive rebounding gave the Hawks extra possessions.
Tarris Reed Jr. (No. 26 overall pick, San Antonio Spurs)
Stats: 10 PTS, 7 REB, 1 BLK, 3-10 FG
Reed had a tough shooting night, but he still battled in the 104-72 loss to the Warriors. But he did the dirty work and showed great toughness, which made him one of college basketball’s most dependable interior players.
It’s still only Summer League, and nobody should overreact to one or two games. But first impressions matter, and this rookie class has wasted little time showing why teams invested so heavily in them. Some have already looked comfortable under NBA lights, while others have flashed the raw tools that could turn into something special over the next few seasons.
