The NBA’s next generation of prospects will take center stage at the NBA 2K26 Summer League, starting Thursday and running through July 20. Here are the top 15 players to watch in Las Vegas.
Ace Bailey (Utah Jazz) – A projected top-3 pick, Bailey is an elite scorer with pro-level length, making him a strong defender as well.
Walter Clayton Jr. (Utah Jazz) – The Jazz’s new acquisition shows signs of a strong outside game and high-level shot creation ability.
VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers) – A two-way player with impressive athleticism and defensive presence, Edgecombe is an exciting rookie to watch.
Jeremiah Fears (New Orleans Pelicans) – A shifty downhill guard who causes problems around the rim, Fears has a versatile game that makes him a threat on both ends.
Kyle Filipowski (Utah Jazz) – Returning to the Summer League after a strong debut, Filipowski is a multi-faceted scorer with a strong paint presence and outside shooting ability.
Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks) – The No. 1 pick out of Duke brings elite defensive versatility in the paint and scoring ability from multiple levels.
Rasheer Fleming (Phoenix Suns) – A versatile player with upside as a catch-and-shoot specialist, Fleming is also an effective defender who can guard multiple positions.
Yang Hansen (Portland Trail Blazers) – An intriguing rookie with unique playmaking and scoring abilities, Hansen has the potential to stretch the floor for the Blazers.
Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs) – The No. 2 pick out of Rutgers brings high-level playmaking ability and athleticism, making him a valuable asset to the Spurs.
Bronny James (Los Angeles Lakers) – Showing improvement from last season, James uses his athleticism and defensive presence to make an impact on both ends.
Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets) – A sharpshooting specialist with a great pace for the game in the paint, Knueppel is an exciting player to watch in Las Vegas.
Khaman Maluach (Phoenix Suns) – A premier shot blocker with tremendous upside, Maluach has the potential to dominate on the glass and protect the rim.
Asa Newell (Atlanta Hawks) – A strong finisher with a smooth mid-range game, Newell is also an athletic defender who can guard all five positions.
Derik Queen (New Orleans Pelicans) – A compelling driver with creativity, Queen uses his frame to finish and has impressive playmaking ability for a non-guard.
Cole Swider (Los Angeles Lakers) – An underrated prospect coming into Summer League, Swider has a great feel for the game and can create shots for himself off the dribble.
Source: https://www.nba.com/news/15-players-to-watch-during-nba-2k26-summer-league-in-las-vegas