NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
**•Get the NBA App•Summer League: Comprehensive Coverage**
From Thursday until July 20, the NBA’s upcoming talent will display their skills at the NBA 2K26 Summer League. Here are 15 standout players to keep an eye on as they head to Las Vegas.
The players are organized in alphabetical order:
Bailey, projected to be a top 3 selection, was selected 5th overall by the Jazz. An exceptional scorer, Bailey adds professional-level length to Utah and shows great potential to develop into an elite defender. In his second Summer League match in Salt Lake City against the Grizzlies, he recorded 18 points and seven rebounds while hitting 50% of his shots. Anticipate significant attention on Bailey in Las Vegas.
The Jazz acquired the 18th pick, Walter Clayton Jr., in a deal with the Wizards. Clayton Jr. is an exciting player demonstrating a solid outside shooting capability. He is efficient from beyond the arc and possesses excellent shot creation skills. Additionally, he is effective at driving to the basket, showcasing his athleticism and playmaking to create open opportunities. In his last Summer League match in Salt Lake City, Clayton Jr. tallied 20 points and four assists against the Thunder.
Edgecombe’s two-way prowess made him an enticing prospect for the Sixers. His high-level athleticism and formidable defensive skills make him a daunting opponent for newcomers. The third overall pick excels in transition, making acrobatic plays at the rim. In his Summer League debut, Edgecombe scored 28 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out four assists against the Jazz.
Fears is a dynamic guard who poses challenges near the basket with his quickness. His versatility allows him to draw fouls easily and find favorable spots on the court. Fears also has an effective spot-up shooting game that enables him to create opportunities for himself and others.
Filipowski returns to the 2K Summer League following impressive showings in Salt Lake City. In his initial game, he posted 22 points and collected six rebounds. Over his rookie season, he averaged 9.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, shooting 50% from the field. Filipowski is capable of scoring from all three levels, has a robust presence in the paint, can shoot from long range, and has a knack for locating open teammates.
At 6-foot-8, the top pick from Duke adds exceptional defensive versatility in the paint while effectively guarding perimeter players. Flagg’s scoring talents made him a pivotal player for Duke during critical moments. He creates chaos offensively as a three-level scorer, initiating fast breaks and using his athleticism and speed to position himself where needed. The Mavericks have secured a valuable asset to their already strong lineup.
The Suns obtained the 31st pick, Fleming, in a trade with the Timberwolves. Fleming is a versatile player showing promise as a catch-and-shoot talent alongside being a defensive stalwart. His athleticism allows him to be a lob threat and effective in ball screen situations. On defense, he is capable of playing support in weak-side positions while covering various roles.
The Blazers obtained No. 16 pick Yang Hansen in a deal with the Grizzlies. Hansen is an intriguing rookie with distinctive playmaking and scoring skills for a player of his height. Standing at 7-foot-1, he can move well and spread the floor with his 3-point shooting.
The second overall pick from Rutgers, Harper, brings substantial playmaking skills to San Antonio. He’s a nimble guard who utilizes his physique in one-on-one scenarios and can finish adeptly at the basket. With excellent court vision, Harper can find open teammates. He missed the California Classic due to a groin injury, and his status for Las Vegas remains uncertain.
In his second Summer League, Bronny James is displaying significant growth since last year. He scored 10 points against the Heat, hitting 2 of 5 from 3-point range. James leverages his athleticism to drive to the basket and provides defensive support with rim protection. He’s gaining confidence in his long-range shooting, making him a compelling player to watch as he returns to Las Vegas.
The fourth pick was viewed as an all-around talent at Duke, but Knueppel’s exceptional shooting ability will have him making an immediate impact with the Hornets. He possesses great game pacing in the paint and finds scoring opportunities efficiently. Expect Knueppel’s shooting skills to be prominent in Las Vegas.
Standing at 7-foot-2, the No. 10 pick demonstrates remarkable potential as a top shot-blocker in the NBA. Maluach’s height and wingspan make him a significant defensive presence, effectively limiting opposing offenses. The big man excels in rebounding, showcasing his ability to clean the boards and finish lob plays.
The Hawks obtained the 23rd pick, Asa Newell, in a transaction with the Pelicans. Newell is a tough finisher with a smooth mid-range jumper. Defensively, he is agile and versatile enough to guard all five positions, and he exemplifies hustle on the boards, displaying tenacity around the rim. He has the potential to influence both ends of the court.
The Pelicans acquired the 11th pick, Derick Queen, in a trade with the Hawks. Queen is an intriguing driver who uses his build to finish creatively at the basket. He possesses a crafty post game, attacking his defender with determination. Queen also demonstrates impressive playmaking skills for a non-guard player, suggesting he has the potential to develop into a top passer.
Cole Swider is an underrated prospect entering Summer League. Having spent time in the G League and accumulated experience in the NBA, Swider, at 26 years old, is a 6-foot-9 sharpshooter. He has a keen understanding of the game, moving effectively without the ball to position himself for shots, and elevating over defenders to create scoring opportunities. Swider delivered impressive performances in the California Classic, scoring a game-high 24 points with eight rebounds, shooting 6-of-8 from 3-point range against the Warriors. He is an exciting player to follow in Las Vegas as he aims to secure a contract with the Lakers.
