LAS VEGAS — As summer heats up, the spotlight shifts to the NBA 2K26 Summer League, which tipped off July 5 in Salt Lake City and San Francisco before transitioning to its main stage in Las Vegas on Thursday, July 10. As teams cycle through their opening matchups, several rookies and young prospects are already making early impressions among top-tier competition. While high draft picks are meeting expectations, lesser-known names are also emerging, working to carve out roles in future NBA rotations.
These early flashes—on both ends of the court—offer a glimpse into the league’s next wave of impact players.
Newcomers and Familiar Names Shine Under Vegas Lights
Atlanta Hawks guard Kobe Bufkin took command with a 29-point performance against Miami, going a perfect 15-for-15 from the free-throw line. Now entering his third NBA season, Bufkin has seen limited minutes due to injuries but showed renewed poise and rhythm. The guards controlled the tempo throughout, with Bufkin flashing starter-level maturity and physical readiness.
Photo Cred: NBA
“He kind of organized our group in that fourth quarter,” Hawks Summer League coach Bryan Bailey told Lauren Williams of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “When he got five [fouls], he made his free throws. … He was the leader.”
Charlotte’s Liam McNeely came off the bench and flourished, tallying 22 points and 12 rebounds in a 111–105 win over Utah. The rookie shot 60 percent from the floor and hit 3-of-5 from three-point range.
“I can only control two things: my attitude and my effort,” McNeely said postgame, according to Matt Alquiza of Sports Illustrated’s Hornets coverage. The UConn alum showcased that effort across both ends of the floor.
Utah’s Kyle Filipowski delivered one of the week’s most complete stat lines—32 points, six rebounds, and five assists—while knocking down three triples and displaying impressive decision-making.
Detroit rookie Ron Holland II dropped 28 points and 11 rebounds against the Knicks, including 18 in the third quarter alone, showcasing his growing comfort, skill, and perimeter range.
Top Draft Picks Drawing Early Reviews
Reed Sheppard, entering his second year and drafted by Houston, delivered arguably the most well-rounded showing so far: 28 points, eight rebounds, four steals, and three blocks. Despite a narrow Rockets loss, Sheppard’s versatility and effort stood out. V.J. Edgecombe, selected third overall by Philadelphia, opened with 28 points and 10 rebounds, using his explosiveness to slash through defenders and dominate the glass.
Ace Bailey, who slid to No. 5 after skipping pre-draft workouts with several teams, displayed elite defensive instincts but struggled to find an offensive rhythm. Scouts remain intrigued by his length and feel for the game as he acclimates to pro speed and spacing. Jared Koch of Sports Illustrated reported on Utah head coach Scott Morrison’s postgame thoughts about Bailey following a matchup with Philadelphia.
“I thought he showed some good things,” Morrison said. “He’s rebounded well all week and isn’t afraid to go up in traffic. His length and timing give him a natural feel on the defensive glass.
“His defense dropped a little when he got tired, but when he was fresh and feeling good physically, I thought he pressured the ball pretty well and made a good impact in the gaps with his length.”
Undrafted and International Talent Turning Heads
One of the week’s biggest surprises came from undrafted Dallas guard Ryan Nembhard out of Gonzaga. The newly signed two-way player scored 21 points and drilled the game-winning three-pointer against the Lakers alongside top pick Cooper Flagg.
“Ryan’s incredible,” Flagg said on ESPN’s postgame broadcast, per Cole Forsman of Sports Illustrated’s Gonzaga coverage. “The way he can pass the ball, score the ball, and do it at a high level. He defends at a high level at his size, so he’s gonna have a long career.”
Photo Cred: NBA
International rookies also impressed in early outings. Boston’s Hugo González added 12 points, five assists, and two blocks, while Atlanta’s Eli John Ndiaye contributed 12 points, six rebounds, and a highlight block-three sequence. Miami’s Kasparas Jakucionis rebounded from a slow start to finish with 24 points and five three-pointers.
Rotation Hopefuls Making Their Case
Indiana’s RayJ Dennis and Quenton Jackson powered a comeback win over Cleveland, combining for 34 points—including 10 from Dennis in the fourth quarter alone. Cavs forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin posted one of the week’s most efficient stat lines with 30 points on 12-of-16 shooting. Portland’s Rayan Rupert stuffed the box score in a rout of Golden State, recording 23 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and a perfect 11-for-11 mark from the stripe.
What’s Next
With the tournament play set for July 19–20, every possession will carry increased weight as teams push for the title. Cooper Flagg flashed his upside in limited minutes and continues working into rhythm. Dallas hopes additional reps unlock his full arsenal. In Utah, Kyle Filipowski continues to separate himself, while Ace Bailey looks to adjust and build chemistry within the system. Undrafted standouts like Ryan Nembhard and RayJ Dennis are making serious cases for training camp invites with their consistency and impact.
For many, Summer League isn’t just a showcase—it’s a launchpad to something greater.
