In late June, 30 players had the honour of walking across the stage in New York City as their names were called in the first round of the NBA Draft. Another 30 athletes heard their names the following day in the second round, earning an opportunity to prove themselves in the best basketball league in the world. Every draft night is special – but it only marks the beginning.
The journey begins immediately as the newest prospects prepare to showcase their skills against NBA competition for the first time. Summer League offers the perfect opportunity to establish themselves and send a clear message: they belong.
Every July, all 30 teams compete in a 76-game tournament in Las Vegas, where rookies, second-year players, G League standouts, and undrafted free agents battle for roster spots, rotation minutes, and recognition. Some live up to the hype, while others struggle to make an early impression.
Prospects want to ensure their teams that drafting them – or signing them – wasn’t a mistake. Who has excelled on the hardwood so far, and who has struggled to live up to the hype?
Winners:
Brayden Burries, G, Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee’s roster has undergone a major reconstruction following the franchise’s decision to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo. With the former superstar gone, a massive void in production has opened, giving the organisation’s young prospects a chance to claim meaningful minutes. Burries, selected 10th overall, is already making several teams drafting ahead of the Bucks wonder if they missed out.
The former Arizona standout is averaging 22.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.3 steals while shooting 50 percent from the field. He has played with poise on both ends of the floor, serving as both a facilitator and a scorer.
Burries has shown the ability to create for teammates while also taking over offensively when needed. Through three games, he has looked every bit like a player ready to contribute at the next level and is already an early contender for Summer League MVP.
AJ Dybantsa, F, Washington Wizards
On opening night in Las Vegas, the No. 1 overall pick squared off against second overall selection Darryn Peterson. Washington edged Utah 92-88 behind Dybantsa’s game-high 27 points. He also recorded seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block. He struggled from beyond the arc as he went 0-for-6 but impressed in another area: defence.
At BYU, the versatile forward wasn’t necessarily known as a defensive menace. But ever since drafting him first overall, the Wizards have emphasised the importance of defence to Dybantsa, even picking up players full court.
The prodigy listened and delivered. In his second contest, Dybantsa had three steals and a block, and even guarded a 7-foot-1 centre, Maxime Raynaud, with ease. The forward showcased that Washington didn’t make a mistake taking him first overall, and that he has the tools to lift up the franchise from the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
Meleek Thomas, G, Cleveland Cavaliers
Thomas fell into the second round and landed with the Cavaliers. But during his stint in Sin City, he’s been playing like a lottery pick. Through three games, Thomas has been averaging 28.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.3 steals per game while shooting 50 % from the floor and 46 % from downtown. He also hasn’t missed a free throw yet.
In his third game, Thomas exploded for 35 points and currently leads the Summer League in scoring. Rather than dwelling on the 33 players selected ahead of him, he has let his play do the talking. Thomas has emerged as one of the tournament’s most dangerous offensive players and is making a compelling case for regular-season minutes in Cleveland.
