The 2026 NBA Summer League has provided an early glimpse into the potential of the rookie class, with some standout performances and others who have yet to find their footing. As an expert commentator, I'll be offering my insights and opinions on the grades given to each team's rookie class, highlighting the key takeaways and what they imply for the future of these franchises.
Atlanta Hawks: A
The Hawks have added three potential rotation players in a single draft, with Kingston Flemings, Zuby Ejiofor, and Henri Veesaar all showing promise. Flemings' passing ability and Ejiofor's outside shooting and defense are particularly encouraging, while Veesaar's size and scoring prowess make him a steal.
Boston Celtics: B+
Chris Cenac Jr. and Dillon Mitchell both showed potential in the Celtics' frontcourt and backcourt, respectively. Cenac Jr.'s diverse offensive options and Mitchell's overall game are notable, although both could benefit from improved shooting.
Brooklyn Nets: C
Mikel Brown Jr. had a strong debut, but the Nets' other rookies, Joshua Jefferson and Tyler Bilodeau, have struggled. Jefferson's rehab from an ankle injury and Bilodeau's lack of outside shooting are concerns, while Brown Jr.'s energy and scoring ability are positives.
**Charlotte Hornets: C-
The Hornets' rookie class has been a mixed bag, with Christian Anderson struggling and Hannes Steinbach being a more reliable option. Anderson's shaky performance and Steinbach's reliability are the main takeaways, with the team looking OK so far.
Chicago Bulls: A
Caleb Wilson has outshined his classmates, showcasing his athleticism and outside shooting. The Bulls have a future star to build around, while Dailyn Swain's struggles and Jaylin Sellers' two-way contract are notable.
Cleveland Cavaliers: A+
Meleek Thomas has been the leading scorer in Las Vegas, averaging 28.3 points per game and passing Damian Lillard for the most points by a rookie. While he still has vets in front of him, Thomas' scoring ability could make him a key rotation player.
Dallas Mavericks: B
The Mavericks' first-round picks, Morez Johnson Jr. and Sergio De Larrea, have shown chemistry and passing ability. De Larrea's assists and Johnson Jr.'s halfcourt creation are positives, although both could benefit from improved outside shooting.
Denver Nuggets: B+
Trevon Brazile's rebounding and Bryce Hopkins' scoring and versatility are notable, while Hopkins' fast play and size make him a pleasant surprise. The Nuggets may need to find a role for Brazile after waiving Jonas Valančiūnas.
Detroit Pistons: C
Ebuka Okorie and Ugonna Onyenso have both shown potential, with Okorie's quickness and Onyenso's rebounding and blocking. However, both could benefit from improved shooting.
Golden State Warriors: A
Yaxel Lendeborg has looked at ease, averaging 17.5 points and 6.0 rebounds while hitting 50.0% of his threes. Lendeborg's immediate plug-and-play ability and potential to start at small forward for the injured Jimmy Butler are notable.
**Houston Rockets: A-
Bruce Thornton has been a menace on both ends, averaging 22.0 points and 4.0 steals while shooting 42.9% from three. His struggles inside the arc and limited minutes are concerns, but Thornton looks ready for a rotation role.
**Indiana Pacers: C-
Braden Smith's passing and defense are NBA-ready, but his size and shooting ability are concerns. Smith's 6.0 assists and 2.3 steals are encouraging, but he needs to improve his shooting to have an NBA career.
**Los Angeles Clippers: B-
Keaton Wagler has struggled, averaging 15.0 points on 30.4% shooting, while Baba Miller has looked mobile and able to get to the rim. Nick Martinelli's shooting and playmaking are positives, but Wagler's play is a concern.
Los Angeles Lakers: A
Cameron Carr has played just one game, but his 18 points and engaged defense are encouraging. Carr's long pro career potential and immediate rotation player ability are notable.
Memphis Grizzlies: A
Cameron Boozer has looked like a varsity player, averaging 22.0 points and 7.0 rebounds while showcasing his versatility. Boozer's smooth game and potential to be the hub of the Grizzlies' scoring attack are positives.
Miami Heat: B
Ryan Conwell's scoring and pressure on the defense are notable, although his 2-of-8 performance from three was a disappointment. Miami needs reliable floor-spacers, and Conwell's performance may not be a cause for alarm.
Milwaukee Bucks: B+
Brayden Burries has been fantastic, averaging 22.3 points and 4.7 rebounds while committing just one turnover. Ament's struggles and the Bucks' need for a significant role for Burries are notable.
Minnesota Timberwolves: F
Isaiah Evans and Trey Kaufman-Renn have struggled, with Evans going 2-of-15 overall and 0-of-9 from three in his debut. The Timberwolves's rookie class has yet to find its footing.
New Orleans Pelicans: F
Jaron Pierre Jr. has struggled, averaging 10.0 points and 0.7 assists on 27.0% shooting. His lack of contribution and shooting ability are concerns, with Pierre's audition for the Pelicans' rotation in doubt.
New York Knicks: B+
Jack Kayil and Tyler Nickel have both shown promise, with Kayil's passing and scoring and Nickel's shooting and playmaking. The Knicks' defending champions have added depth and talent to their roster.
**Oklahoma City Thunder: B-
Aday Mara has shown potential, with his ability to contribute in other areas and his size. Bennett Stirtz's shooting and role in the rotation are concerns, but Mara's versatility is a positive.
Orlando Magic: D
Izaiyah Nelson's ankle fracture has limited his impact, with the 6'10" forward/center averaging 2.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in three games. The Magic's only draft pick has yet to find his footing.
**Philadelphia 76ers: A-
Labaron Philon Jr. has shown threat and scoring ability, averaging 21.0 points and 6.5 assists while shooting 40.0% from three. Philon's weak spot is his finishing inside, but his overall performance is encouraging.
Phoenix Suns: B+
Koa Peat has averaged 16.0 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 52.8% overall. Peat's shooting ability and potential to let fly from three are positives, although he has attempted just one three-pointer in three games.
**Sacramento Kings: C-
Darius Acuff Jr. has been a dynamic scorer, but his shooting and defense are concerns. Alex Karaban's struggles and Emmanuel Sharp's solid play are notable, with the Kings' experiment with Acuff Jr. a roller coaster.
San Antonio Spurs: C
Tarris Reed Jr. and Ja'Kobi Gillespie have shown potential, with Reed's rebounding and Gillespie's playmaking. However, both have struggled with shooting and defense, with the Spurs' rookie class a mixed bag.
Toronto Raptors: B+
Allen Graves has outplayed his draft position, making 43.8% of his threes and averaging 14.7 points and 7.0 rebounds. The Raptors' need for shooting and Graves' ability to provide it are positives.
Utah Jazz: B+
Darryn Peterson has shown potential, with his footwork and ability to score. His turnovers and shooting efficiency are concerns, but Peterson's defense and engagement are encouraging.
Washington Wizards: A
AJ Dybantsa has averaged 25.0 points and 7.0 rebounds while showcasing his versatility and defense. Dybantsa's potential to become an All-Star and Felix Okpara's rebounding and shot-blocking prowess are notable.
