Dybansta, Wilson Show Off Big in NBA Summer League
We're nearing the midway point of the 2026 NBA Summer League, which runs from July 9-19 in Las Vegas. All 30 teams are fielding a roster, and while the wins and losses won't be remembered, we are getting a few impressive glimpses on what may be to come for some of the higher-profile players.
Here are three notable happenings in Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League
1. AJ Dybantsa playing like a No. 1 pick
The Washington Wizards chose BYU's AJ Dybantsa with the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. It wasn't a hugely controversial choice, though the Wizards could have taken high-upside guard Darryn Peterson of Kansas instead.
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So far, Dybantsa has done it all and been the best player on the floor. Against the Jazz in his Summer League opener, Dybantsa had 27 points and seven rebounds. Then versus the Kings, he produced 23 points, seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Both were in Wizards winning efforts, too.
Dybantsa, 19, showcased a well-rounded game, scoring efficiently inside and out with playmaking flair (including behind-the-back passes) and elite defensive. Wizards fans are buzzing about the culture shift.
Peterson, for his part, scored 24 points for the Jazz in that opening loss to Dybantsa's Wizards. Right now, it's AJ making headlines.
2. Caleb Wilson's explosive debut
Chicago Bulls selected Caleb Wilson out of North Carolina with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. He showed up in Vegas and immediately turned heads, scoring 35 points with five rebounds, three blocks and two steals in the Bulls' first game.
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While unofficial, it's believed to be the highest-scoring game in a debut in Summer League history. What was just as impressive was his reaction to the mark: "We lost."
Many experts believe Wilson would be polished and NBA-ready from the jump, and he looked the part, stealing the spotlight with No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer, who himself has a nice debut with 23 points, six rebounds and four assists.
3. Other rookies building buzz
Beyond the top four picks, all of whom were impressive in their debuts, other rookies have stood out to build excitement around the 2026 class.
Former Michigan teammates Morez Johnson Jr. (Mavericks, 27 points, eight rebounds) and Yaxel Lendeborg (Warriors, 21 points, 10 rebounds, six assists) each delivered against one another.
The Cavaliers' Meleek Thomas, second-round pick out of Arkansas, scored 30 points on the Pistons on July 12, with seven assists, four rebounds and four steals.
Summer League has reinforced that multiple teams got immediate rotation pieces or developmental gems.
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This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 1:07 PM.