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**NBA 2K26 Summer League Timeline**
Over the last two days, 59 aspirations of aspiring basketball players were realized during the 2025 NBA Draft.
The draft embodies a fascinating duality: it represents the apex of years of relentless effort and commitment to the game, as well as the dawn of a fresh opportunity to showcase talent at a higher level.
It’s a moment to treasure and a milestone worth celebrating. However, that triumph is fleeting. It’s time to refocus and prepare for what’s next.
The NBA 2K26 Summer League is just around the corner, scheduled from July 10-20 in Las Vegas, featuring all 30 franchises, and offering the first glimpse of the newly drafted talent in action.
Over the course of 11 days, a total of 76 games will unfold amidst the desert backdrop. Here are five matchups you won’t want to overlook.
On July 8, 2024, at just 17 years old, Flagg impressed spectators in Las Vegas as a member of the USA Basketball Select Team, where he scrimmaged against the U.S. Olympic Team in preparation for the upcoming Paris Games.
His seamless integration alongside NBA All-Stars and future Hall of Famers hinted at the potential that has generated excitement among scouts, teams, and fans eager to witness his NBA journey.
Fast forward one year and two days, Flagg is ready to make his debut with the Mavericks on the inaugural night of the NBA 2K26 Summer League, going up against the Los Angeles Lakers.
In the Entertainment Capital of the World, Flagg’s first game will be the must-see event of the season. For those unable to attend in Vegas, the game will lead an ESPN primetime doubleheader.
What could be better than the top draft pick making his first summer appearance during an opening night doubleheader? How about featuring the top three picks?
Following Flagg’s debut for Dallas, attention will shift to the number two pick, Dylan Harper, and the number three pick, VJ Edgecombe, as the Spurs and Sixers wrap up Night 1 in Las Vegas.
Before sharing the court with the last two Kia Rookie of the Year winners, Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, Harper will spearhead San Antonio’s Summer League team, showcasing his skills as a lead guard and his knack for creative scoring.
Edgecombe, renowned for his athleticism and an arsenal of breathtaking moves, will have the opportunity to unveil his impressive talents for the Sixers.
On Night 2, the Summer League debuts of the top five picks from the 2025 Draft will be rounded out, as the fourth pick, Kon Knueppel, and the Hornets take on the fifth pick, Ace Bailey, and the Jazz. Both players are capable of scoring, but they each have their distinct styles.
Knueppel is a deadly three-point shooter, yet his skill set extends beyond the arc as he can drive into mid-range or finish at the rim.
On the other hand, Bailey excels at creating his own shots, capable of pulling up for jumpers from various spots on the floor and hitting difficult shots with consistency.
As a bonus, the exciting matchups among top picks continue on Saturday, with Flagg facing Harper when Dallas goes up against San Antonio (4 ET, ESPN), followed by Edgecombe and Knueppel battling when Philly takes on Charlotte (6:30 ET, ESPN2).
The Friday night doubleheader will also feature Tre Johnson, the sixth pick, potentially facing off against the tenth pick, Khaman Maluach, who is regarded as one of the premier defensive stalwarts in the draft.
Although Maluach was selected by Houston, his draft rights are on the verge of being acquired by Phoenix in relation to the Kevin Durant trade, which is set to finalize in the first week of July, clearing the path for him to make his summer debut with the Suns.
Johnson, who showcased his scoring prowess in a year at Texas, demonstrated his ability to score off the catch, off the dribble, and in numerous other ways. This game will serve as an initial test of those skills against NBA-level competition.
On Wednesday, the Brooklyn Nets made history by becoming the first team to select five players in the opening round of the NBA Draft.
Will they manage to field a complete five-man lineup in Las Vegas, featuring G/F Egor Demin (8th pick), G Nolan Traoré (19th), G/F Drake Powell (22nd), G Ben Saraf (26th), and F/C Danny Wolf (27th) — all from the 2025 first round?
It may also shape up to be a rookies-versus-sophomores matchup, as the Knicks bring five 2024 draft picks to their roster: Pacôme Dadiet (25), Tyler Kolek (34), Anton Watson (54), Kevin McCullar Jr. (56), and Ariel Hukporti (58) — ready to challenge Brooklyn’s 2025 quintet.
