By Law Murray | The Athletic, 2026-07-23 17:30:20
在历时16天，于旧金山、盐湖城、萨克拉门托和拉斯维加斯共进行了94场比赛后，NBA夏季联赛正式落下帷幕。金州勇士队和孟菲斯灰熊队打得最久，两队不仅参加了内华达赛区前的邀请赛，还在周日的托马斯&马克中心（Thomas & Mack Center）的总决赛中相遇，最终勇士队笑到了最后。
我必须强调的是，夏季联赛的娱乐性质非常重，千万别太当真。今年由于引入了发展联盟（G League）的罚球规则，让比赛显得更加荒诞。这清楚地表明，这些表演赛确实更接近发展联盟，而不是下赛季开始后，那些有幸进入轮换阵容的极少数球员在面对“新秀墙”时所将经历的真正NBA对抗。
但夏季联赛确实提供了一个观察有组织团队活动的小样本，也为精疲力竭的选秀过程画上了一个不错的句号。让我们延续前两年（2024和2025）的做法，对今年6月选秀中被选中的每位球员进行盘点，并展望他们在训练营结束后可能扮演的角色。
第一轮
1. AJ·迪班萨 (AJ Dybantsa)，奇才： 迪班萨仅获得了两次首发机会，分别出任得分后卫和小前锋，而此前他在杨百翰大学（BYU）主要担任首发大前锋。他的球权非常集中，这导致他很少有机会通过无球跑动来获得更轻松的投篮机会。不过，当他与控球后卫特雷·杨 (Trae Young) 和巴布·卡林顿 (Bub Carrington) 一起打球时，情况不一定还会是这样。
2. 达林·彼得森 (Darryn Peterson)，爵士： 彼得森在两站夏季联赛中共出战五场，其中四场砍下20分以上。爵士尝试让彼得森担任控球后卫，效果喜忧参半：他场均送出5.2次助攻，但同时伴随着高达4.8次的失误。今年秋天，彼得森将与基扬特·乔治 (Keyonte George) 共同分担持球后卫的职责。
3. 卡梅隆·布泽尔 (Cameron Boozer)，灰熊： 入选夏季联赛最佳阵容第一阵的布泽尔在总共九场比赛中出战了八场，包括拉斯维加斯站的所有比赛。他每场比赛至少送出三次助攻，虽然只盖帽两次，但除了首场比赛外，他每场都至少有一次抢断。孟菲斯灰熊将让他无缝融入首发大前锋的位置，他也有望成为灰熊队的主要组织者。
4. 凯莱布·威尔逊 (Caleb Wilson)，公牛： 同样入选夏季联赛最佳阵容第一阵的威尔逊担任首发大前锋，下赛季在芝加哥，他可能会在马塔斯·布泽利斯 (Matas Buzelis) 身边扮演同样的角色。威尔逊非常擅长冲击内线得分并制造罚球，但罚球命中率实在不敢恭维。他的三分命中率（41.9%）甚至高于罚球命中率（33.3%），场均还能贡献1.3次抢断和2.5次盖帽，但他每送出一次助攻就会产生三次失误，这一比例简直惨不忍睹。
5. 基顿·瓦格勒 (Keaton Wagler)，快船： 瓦格勒在控球后卫位置上首发了三场，在背靠背无休的比赛中被安排轮休，随后在收官战中首发出任得分后卫。这种特定的使用方式具有很强的针对性，因为快船选中瓦格勒的意图就是让他既能担任持球控卫，又能与达里厄斯·加兰 (Darius Garland) 搭档。无论是通过更好的掩护者、更准的射手，还是更有帮助的持球点，瓦格勒在职业生涯初期都需要一些外部协助来创造出手空间。
6. 小米克尔·布朗 (Mikel Brown Jr.)，篮网： 布朗在他出战的全部四场比赛中均首发担任控球后卫，且都是与篮网去年选中的乐透秀叶戈尔·德明 (Egor Dëmin) 搭档。布朗在挡拆进攻中的效率并不算高，但在篮网让他参与手递手配合（这是约迪·费尔南德斯 (Jordi Fernández) 战术体系中的核心元素）时表现得更好。布朗在防守端同样表现扎实，共完成了5次抢断。
7. 小达里厄斯·阿卡夫 (Darius Acuff Jr.)，国王： 阿卡夫首发了五场比赛，这位控球后卫表现得极具侵略性，在其中四场比赛中出手了18次或更多。但他的效率并不理想，有三场比赛他的出手次数超过了得分，同时也有三场比赛的失误次数不低于助攻数。阿卡夫很可能会成为萨克拉门托的首发，但在出手权减少的情况下，他需要精简和优化自己的比赛细节。
8. 金斯顿·弗莱明斯 (Kingston Flemings)，老鹰： 在所有前十顺位被选中的后卫中，弗莱明斯是唯一没有单场砍下20分的球员。他在各个区域的投篮都挣扎无比：投篮命中率31.8%，三分命中率28.6%，罚球命中率44.4%。不过，他很好地控制了失误，在四场比赛中场均送出6.8次助攻，并累计贡献了6次抢断和5次盖帽。
9. 小莫雷兹·约翰逊 (Morez Johnson Jr.)，独行侠： 约翰逊仅打了两场比赛，均首发出任中锋，而去年在密歇根大学时他主要担任首发大前锋。独行侠不会要求约翰逊去自主创造得分机会；他的任务是顺下、空切，并在攻防两端扮演搅局者的角色。
10. 布雷登·伯里斯 (Brayden Burries)，雄鹿： 在亚利桑那大学担任得分后卫的伯里斯，在夏季联赛中尝试了两个后卫位置的首发，且在进攻端表现极其出色。他一共尝试了26次罚球，同时送出18次助攻，仅有3次失误。他三分球26投9中（命中率34.6%），并抢下20个篮板和8次抢断。虽然密尔沃基的后卫线已经人满为患，但入选夏季联赛最佳阵容第一阵的伯里斯证明了自己已经做好了在有球和无球端随时登场的准备。
11. 雅克塞尔·兰德伯格 (Yaxel Lendeborg)，勇士： 我在这届选秀中最喜欢的球员，冠军赛MVP，整个夏季联赛的MVP，绝对配得上“雅克塞尔”这个单名。勇士队得到了一名大龄新秀，但也是一名即插即用的即战力。兰德伯格将在9月份满24岁，他首发了全部八场比赛，送出32次助攻，同时三分命中率高达46%。他将非常完美地融入金州勇士的体系。
12. 阿戴·马拉 (Aday Mara)，雷霆： 在所有乐透秀中，马拉的夏季联赛表现可能是最让我失望的。不过，在经历开局20投8中的挣扎后，他最后12次出手命中了10球，而且他显然非常渴望展示自己在禁区外的传球和投篮能力。但马拉并没有在比赛中展现出足够的统治力，尽管展示了各种技巧，但他没有投进任何三分球，且失误数（17次）依然多于助攻数（16次）。
13. 内特·阿门特 (Nate Ament)，雄鹿： 由于选秀签约权与扬尼斯·阿德托昆博 (Giannis Antetokounmpo) 的交易绑定，阿门特很晚才向球队报到。他在拉斯维加斯首发了全部五场比赛，出任小前锋，但阿门特唯一一次出手超过10次的比赛，是他没有与伯里斯搭档的那场。他的决策能力还需要提高，因为他的失误数是助攻数的两倍，但他展现了不错的效率，投篮命中率达到50%，三分命中率也有38.9%。
14. 汉内斯·斯坦巴赫 (Hannes Steinbach)，黄蜂： 在莱恩·卡尔克布伦纳 (Ryan Kalkbrenner) 担任首发中锋期间，斯坦巴赫替补出战了三场比赛。但当他获得首发机会时，他在两场比赛中砍下了惊人的数据（49分和26个篮板）。斯坦巴赫在防守端会遇到麻烦；他不是一个天生的射手，而且目前是个失误机器。但他是一名强壮的终结者，拼抢篮板能力极强，并且具备低位背身单打的能力。
15. 戴林·斯温 (Dailyn Swain)，公牛： 斯温在拉斯维加斯度过了一段噩梦般的时光，31次出手投丢了27球，三分球更是7投0中。他可是个小前锋。芝加哥，或许别再让他打控球后卫了？
16. 贝内特·斯蒂尔茨 (Bennett Stirtz)，雷霆： 斯蒂尔茨在他出战的全部五场比赛中均首发担任控球后卫。在雷霆训练营开始时，面对受伤的前乐透秀尼古拉·托皮奇 (Nikola Topić)，他很可能会占据先机。除了在犹他站对阵老鹰时打出14投4中的糟糕表现外，斯蒂尔茨在其余四场比赛中的命中率恰好为50%。
17. 埃布卡·奥科里 (Ebuka Okorie)，活塞： 奥科里是活塞夏季联赛阵容中无可争议的首发控卫，他将在训练营中争夺一个轮换席位。奥科里在进攻端的效率非常挣扎（88次出手仅得83分），但在五场比赛中，他的抢断数（12次）和失误数一样多。
18. 小克里斯蒂安·安德森 (Christian Anderson Jr.)，黄蜂： 安德森曾被宣传为本届选秀中投射最好的后卫之一，但这在夏季联赛中完全没有体现出来，他的32次三分出手仅命中了21.9%。黄蜂在全部五场比赛中都让安德森首发担任控卫。在经历了前三场3次助攻、9次失误的糟糕表现后，安德森在最后两场比赛中打出了18次助攻、5次失误的亮眼数据。
19. 艾伦·格雷夫斯 (Allen Graves)，猛龙： 格雷夫斯在出战的全部四场比赛中均首发担任大前锋，他用极其亮眼的数据证明了自己为何能被选中：场均贡献16.5分、3次助攻、2.3次抢断、1次盖帽和2.8个三分球，投篮命中率达51%，三分命中率50%，罚球命中率100%。多伦多猛龙可以轻松地将格雷夫斯放入第二阵容，与科林·默里-博伊尔斯 (Collin Murray-Boyles) 搭档。
艾伦·格雷夫斯似乎已经做好了下赛季在多伦多获得轮换时间的准备。(Caleb Bowlin / 盖蒂图片社)
20. 杰登·昆坦斯 (Jayden Quaintance)，马刺： 昆坦斯接受了右膝手术，缺席了整个夏季联赛，下赛季可能会面临红衫新秀赛季。
21. 卡里姆·洛佩斯 (Karim López)，灰熊： 左大腿后侧肌群拉伤导致洛佩斯仅为灰熊出战了一场比赛，他也是最后一个签署合同的首轮秀。但那唯一的一场比赛却令人惊叹，洛佩斯在第一节结束时灰熊32-2领先的情况下登场。他在11分钟的上场时间里贡献了1次抢断和2次盖帽。
22. 小拉巴伦·菲隆 (Labaron Philon Jr.)，76人： 菲隆在他出战的四场夏季联赛中均首发担任控球后卫，场均送出5.8次助攻。他的表现并不算高效，投篮命中率仅为38.2%，三分命中率25.8%，罚球命中率62.5%。他应该会成为费城排在泰雷斯·马克西 (Tyrese Maxey)、VJ·艾奇库姆 (VJ Edgecombe) 和安芬尼·西蒙斯 (Anfernee Simons) 之后的第四后卫。
23. 祖比·埃吉奥福 (Zuby Ejiofor)，老鹰： 埃吉奥福在出战的全部四场比赛中均首发担任中锋，他的数据单非常漂亮，尤其是投进了6个三分球。不过，他在三分线内的终结能力有些挣扎。埃吉奥福应该在亚特兰大替补中锋的竞争中处于领先位置。
24. 卡梅隆·卡尔 (Cameron Carr)，湖人： 卡尔在出战的全部七场比赛中均首发担任小前锋，湖人在帮助他在最佳位置接球方面显得非常有创意。他利用无球掩护反跑切入三分线内，效果极佳，同时球队也尝试通过手递手配合让他完成顺下突破。卡尔制造了大量的犯规，很好地控制了失误，并且在定点投篮时表现出色。
25. 塞尔希奥·德·拉雷亚 (Sergio de Larrea)，独行侠： 德·拉雷亚展现了极佳的传球视野，在四场比赛中送出了35次助攻，期间他在控球后卫和侧翼之间轮换首发，并展现出了敏锐的球感。然而，得分对他来说是个大问题，德·拉雷亚的失误数（12次）甚至比他的进球数（33投9中，命中率27.3%）还要多。
26. 小塔里斯·里德 (Tarris Reed Jr.)，马刺： 里德是一名干脏活累活的蓝领中锋，但他必须大幅提升自己的终结能力，因为尽管他的出手绝大多数都集中在禁区，但他的投篮命中率仅为40.9%。马刺很可能会将他定位为第三中锋。
27. 小克里斯·塞纳克 (Chris Cenac Jr.)，凯尔特人： 在出战的四场比赛中，塞纳克有三场是阿马里·威廉姆斯 (Amari Williams) 的替补，仅获得了一次首发中锋的机会。他拼抢下了大量篮板（32个）并送出11次盖帽，但在进攻端表现得一团糟，41次出手仅得38分，同时出现了12次失误，却只有4次助攻。
28. 约书亚·杰斐逊 (Joshua Jefferson)，篮网： 杰斐逊的选秀签约权被卷入了将朱利叶斯·兰德尔 (Julius Randle) 送往布鲁克林的四方交易中。他仅打了三场比赛，其中一场首发出任小前锋，其余时间替补出任大前锋。较晚的报到时间让他很难融入球队，他的失误数（5次）多于助攻数（4次），同时8次三分出手仅命中1球。
29. 亚历克斯·卡拉班 (Alex Karaban)，国王： 卡拉班没有在萨克拉门托站出战，随后在拉斯维加斯站首发了全部五场比赛，出任小前锋。他花了一些时间才找到状态，前三场比赛他15投仅得7分，但随后在最后两场比赛中27投13中砍下35分。目前的卡拉班在场上基本上还只是一个纯射手。
30. 寇阿·皮特 (Koa Peat)，太阳： 皮特在他出战的全部四场比赛中均担任太阳的首发大前锋，经常与2025届乐透中锋卡曼·马鲁阿奇 (Khaman Maluach) 以及2025届次轮前锋拉希尔·弗莱明 (Rasheer Fleming) 搭档。虽然皮特获得了一些持球进攻的机会，但他表现最好时依然是作为一名空切手，他在投篮和决策能力上还有很长的路要走。
第二轮
31. 布鲁斯·桑顿 (Bruce Thornton)，火箭： 桑顿首发担任控球后卫，承担了球队大部分的得分和组织重任，同时在五场比赛中贡献了13次抢断。
32. 里奇·桑德斯 (Richie Saunders)，灰熊： 桑德斯目前正处于前交叉韧带（ACL）撕裂的恢复期，未在夏季联赛中出场。
我们仍在等待里奇·桑德斯作为职业球员的赛场首秀。(Chris Gardner / 盖蒂图片社)
33. 伊赛亚·埃文斯 (Isaiah Evans)，森林狼： 由于选秀签约权涉及兰德尔的交易，埃文斯很晚才向球队报到，随后在他出战的四场比赛中表现得挣扎无比（投篮命中率27.3%，三分命中率20.5%），不过在最后两场比赛中状态有所回暖。他目前已签下合同。
34. 米里克·托马斯 (Meleek Thomas)，骑士： 他的任务就是上场得分，而他完成得极其出色，在四场比赛中场均砍下25.3分，同时贡献3.8次助攻和2次抢断。托马斯入选了夏季联赛最佳阵容第一阵。他目前已签下合同。
35. 特雷冯·布拉齐尔 (Trevon Brazile)，掘金： 布拉齐尔开局慢热，并且打出了糟糕的1:8助攻失误比，但在最后两场比赛中他合砍51分，展现出了令人瞩目的射程与运动能力的结合。他目前已签下合同。
36. 巴巴·米勒 (Baba Miller)，快船： 在米勒的祖国夺得世界杯冠军的同时，他在夏季联赛中展现了一定的多功能性，首发出任过大前锋和中锋。不过，他的场上角色大多局限于定点投篮和空切，未能像他自身技术所允许的那样去进行更多的自主创造。他目前已签下合同。
37. 莱恩·康威尔 (Ryan Conwell)，热火： 康威尔在球队身处北加州期间出战了大部分比赛，他在场上只要有机会就会毫不犹豫地出手。他的手感有些起伏，但相比于定点投篮，他在运球后出手时显得更加自如。他目前已签下合同。
38. 布雷登·史密斯 (Braden Smith)，步行者： 史密斯场均送出7次助攻，但投篮命中率仅为26.5%，且在场上显得身材有些矮小。他目前是顺位最高但尚未签约的次轮秀。
39. 杰克·卡伊尔 (Jack Kayil)，尼克斯： 卡伊尔最终与迪伦·琼斯 (Dillon Jones) 共同分担了组织重任，他完成得还算合格，但自身的进攻受到了影响（40次出手仅得33分）。他并不想被海外放养，但就这一点而言，他可能被选进了一支不那么合适的球队。
40. 迪伦·米切尔 (Dillon Mitchell)，凯尔特人： 首发出任小前锋的米切尔在防守端无处不在，频频做出贡献。他甚至投进了3个三分球，尽管罚球线上5投仅1中。他目前仍未签约。
41. 奥特加·奥韦 (Otega Oweh)，雷霆： 奥韦只打了前两场比赛，在进攻端几乎没有参与感，随后因左脚踝受伤缺席了余下的夏季联赛。他是签下双向合同的球员中顺位最高的新秀。
42. 贾科比·吉莱斯皮 (Ja’Kobi Gillespie)，马刺： 吉莱斯皮在防守端就像一只甩不掉的牛皮糖。作为首发控卫，他场均送出5次助攻，并在七场比赛中完成了13次抢断，不过他的投篮命中率仅为37.3%。他签下的是一份双向合同。
43. 泰勒·比洛多 (Tyler Bilodeau)，篮网： 比洛多在场上的任务非常明确，作为备份大前锋，他40次出手中有25次是三分球，命中率为36%。他签下的是一份双向合同。
44. 马利克·布朗 (Maliq Brown)，马刺： 布朗在场上兢兢业业，拼抢下了20个前场篮板，并在七场比赛中贡献了13次抢断。当里德在场时，他首发出任大前锋；当里德缺阵时，他则顶替出任中锋。他的三分球8投3中，这有助于他未来与传统中锋搭档。布朗签下的是一份双向合同。
45. 埃马纽埃尔·夏普 (Emanuel Sharp)，国王： 夏普是一名极其强悍的防守者，在七场比赛中贡献了18次抢断（但也领到了29次犯规）。作为一名得分后卫，他在无球端的威胁远大于持球端。他目前已签下合同。
46. 菲利克斯·奥克帕拉 (Felix Okpara)，奇才： 奥克帕拉是奇才的首发中锋。鉴于他既不是持球进攻的选择，也不是一名射手，他需要提高自己的终结效率（目前投篮命中率仅为46.7%）。他签下的是一份双向合同。
47. 泰勒·尼克尔 (Tyler Nickel)，尼克斯： 尼克尔是一名定位极其清晰的小前锋，他深知自己的职责，56次出手中有46次是三分球，命中率高达41.3%。他目前仍未签约。
48. 托比·拉瓦尔 (Tobi Lawal)，独行侠： 拉瓦尔是一名身体素质极其劲爆的大前锋，但在进攻端他几乎没有任何战术角色。他签下的是一份双向合同。
49. 布赖斯·霍普金斯 (Bryce Hopkins)，掘金： 霍普金斯在布拉齐尔身边首发出任小前锋，并成为了球队高效的主要得分点，投篮命中率达到52.9%，三分命中率也有38.5%。他目前仍未签约。
50. 杰登·布拉德利 (Jaden Bradley)，猛龙： 布拉德利在前两场比赛中作为查基·赫普伯恩 (Chucky Hepburn) 的替补登场，随后接管了首发控卫的位置。他在防守端表现扎实，但在进攻端表现平平，两场比赛中仅有的两次三分出手均未命中，整体投篮命中率也仅为32.4%。他签下的是一份双向合同。
51. 伊赛亚·内尔森 (Izaiyah Nelson)，魔术： 内尔森在第三场比赛中遭遇左脚踝骨折并接受了手术，这很可能会推迟他新秀赛季的开始时间。他签下的是一份双向合同。
52. 亨里·维萨尔 (Henri Veesaar)，老鹰： 亚特兰大希望利用维萨尔的空间拉开能力，他也很好地完成了任务，在八场比赛中三分球27投10中（命中率37%），同时送出了8次盖帽。他已经签下了一份为期四年的合同，其中前两年为全额保障。
53. 乌戈纳·奥尼恩索 (Ugonna Onyenso)，活塞： 奥尼恩索三分球4投2中，并打出过单场5次盖帽的表现，但他作为一名中锋在三分线内的得分能力几乎为零（15次出手仅得13分）。他签下的是一份双向合同。
54. 拉杰·琼斯 (Lajae Jones)，勇士： 琼斯在拉斯维加斯仅有一场比赛出场时间超过20分钟，尽管那场比赛他首发出任得分后卫，但他的四次三分出手全部打铁。他拥有足够的运动天赋和持球潜力，值得未来继续观察他能否将这些天赋转化为即战力。他目前仍未签约。
55. 尼克·马蒂内利 (Nick Martinelli)，快船： 马蒂内利在罚球时甚至会起跳，但他绝对是一个球风强悍的“硬汉”，即便不是场上的第一进攻选择，他也非常擅长把球送进篮筐（投篮命中率高达60.4%）。他签下的是一份双向合同。
56. 弗谢沃洛德·伊先科 (Vsevolod Ishchenko)，独行侠： 伊先科在场上就像一个旋转的陀螺，在五场比赛中制造了令人震惊的30次犯规，但他也出现了18次失误，仅送出15次助攻。他很可能会被“放养”在海外联赛。
57. 纳西斯·恩戈伊 (Narcisse Ngoy)，快船： 快船在选中恩戈伊时，就已经知道他承诺加盟奥本大学。他属于本土选秀放养球员，并未参加本次夏季联赛。
58. 小贾伦·皮埃尔 (Jaron Pierre Jr.)，鹈鹕： 皮埃尔在前两场替补登场后，在第三场也是最后一场比赛中首发出任小前锋。他37次出手仅得28分，三分命中率更是低至17.6%。他目前仍未签约。
59. 特雷·考夫曼-雷恩 (Trey Kaufman-Renn)，森林狼： 考夫曼-雷恩在全部五场比赛中均作为大前锋恩里克·弗里曼 (Enrique Freeman) 的替补登场。他目前仍未签约。
60. 马利克·刘易斯 (Malique Lewis)，雄鹿： 在阿门特尚未签约期间，刘易斯在加州站担任首发小前锋，随后在拉斯维加斯站出场时间寥寥。在四场比赛中，他的出手次数多于得分，失误次数也多于助攻。他很可能会被“放养”在海外联赛。
由生成式 AI 翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
查看原文：What NBA Summer League told us about AJ Dybantsa, Yaxel Lendeborg and each 2026 draft pick
What NBA Summer League told us about AJ Dybantsa, Yaxel Lendeborg and each 2026 draft pick
NBA Summer League is over after 94 games played in San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Sacramento and Las Vegas over 16 days. The Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies put in extra time, with both teams playing in a pre-Nevada invitational and then meeting in Sunday’s championship at Thomas & Mack Center, where the Warriors prevailed.
I can’t stress enough how unserious summer-league hoops can be. This year was made even sillier by implementing the G League free-throw rules, making it clear that these exhibition games are indeed closer to the developmental league than they are to what you will see when the rookie wall approaches the small percentage of these players fortunate enough to see rotation minutes to begin next season.
But summer league did provide a small sample size of organized team activities and a nice coda to an exhausting draft process. Let’s do what we have done the previous two years (2024 and 2025) and draw some takeaways on each player selected in June’s draft, with an eye toward potential roles coming out of training camp.
First round
1. AJ Dybantsa, Wizards: Dybantsa only got two starts, one each at shooting guard and small forward, after primarily starting at power forward for BYU. The ball was in his hands for a heavy amount of time, leaving him with few opportunities to work for easier shots off the ball. That won’t necessarily be the case when he plays with point guards Trae Young and Bub Carrington.
2. Darryn Peterson, Jazz: Peterson played five games between two summer leagues, dropping more than 20 points in four of them. The Jazz experimented with Peterson at point guard, and the results were mixed: He averaged 5.2 assists per game to go with a ghastly 4.8 turnovers. Peterson will be sharing on-ball guard duties with Keyonte George this fall.
3. Cameron Boozer, Grizzlies: Boozer, an All-Summer League First Team selection, played eight of a possible nine games, including all of the games in Las Vegas. He had at least three assists in each game, and while he blocked only two shots, he had at least one steal in all but his first game. Memphis will slide him into the starting power forward spot seamlessly, and he could be the primary playmaker for the Grizzlies, as well.
4. Caleb Wilson, Bulls: Wilson, another All-Summer League First Team selection, was the starting power forward, a role that he could have in Chicago next season next to Matas Buzelis. Wilson was great at putting the ball inside the basket and getting to the free-throw line, aside from making the free throws themselves. He shot better from 3 (41.9 percent) than the foul line (33.3 percent) and added 1.3 steals and 2.5 blocks per game, but he had a horrendous ratio of three turnovers for every assist.
5. Keaton Wagler, Clippers: Wagler started three games at point guard, was held out of a zero-day-rest game, then started the finale at shooting guard. That particular bit of usage has heightened relevance, as Wagler was drafted with the intention of using him both on the ball at point guard and in tandem with Darius Garland. Whether it’s from better screeners, better shooters or more helpful on-ball presences, Wagler is going to need some early assistance in creating separation.
6. Mikel Brown Jr., Nets: Brown started all four of his games at point guard, and all of them were next to Egor Dëmin, last year’s Nets lottery pick. Brown wasn’t particularly efficient out of ball screens but was better when the Nets got him into handoffs, a staple of Jordi Fernández’s offense. Brown was also solid defensively, collecting five steals.
7. Darius Acuff Jr., Kings: Acuff started five games, and the point guard was quite aggressive, attempting 18 or more shots in four of those games. The efficiency wasn’t great, as Acuff had more shots than points in three games while having at least as many turnovers as assists in three games. Acuff will likely be Sacramento’s starter, but he’ll need to clean up some components of his game with fewer shots on the menu.
8. Kingston Flemings, Hawks: Of all of the guards taken in the top 10, Flemings was the only one who didn’t record a 20-point game. He struggled to convert from everywhere: 31.8 percent field goals, 28.6 percent 3s, 44.4 percent free throws. He did keep the turnovers down while averaging 6.8 assists and totaling six steals and five blocks in four games.
9. Morez Johnson Jr., Mavericks: Johnson played only two games, starting at center in both after starting at power forward last year at Michigan. The Mavericks aren’t going to ask Johnson to be a shot creator; he’s there to roll, cut and otherwise blow things up on both sides of the ball.
10. Brayden Burries, Bucks: Burries started games in both guard spots after being a shooting guard at Arizona, and he was superb offensively, attempting 26 free throws while compiling 18 assists and only three turnovers. He made 9 of 26 from 3 (34.6 percent) while adding 20 rebounds and eight steals. There are way too many guards in Milwaukee, but Burries, an All-Summer League First Team selection, showed that he can be ready to play both on and off the ball.
11. Yaxel Lendeborg, Warriors: My favorite player in this draft, the MVP of the championship game, the MVP of the whole summer event and worthy of the mononym YAXEL. The Warriors got an old rookie, but they got a rookie who is ready to play. Lendeborg, who turns 24 in September, started all eight games and racked up 32 assists while shooting 46 percent from 3. He’s going to fit Golden State’s system quite well.
12. Aday Mara, Thunder: Mara probably had my least favorite summer league among the lottery picks. He did, however, make 10 of his last 12 shots after starting 8-for-20 from the field, and he is certainly eager to show that he can pass and make shots outside of the paint. But Mara didn’t exactly impose his will on games, and for all of his skill exhibition, he didn’t make any 3s and still had more turnovers (17) than assists (16).
13. Nate Ament, Bucks: Ament got a late start due to his draft rights being tied to the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. Ament started all five games in Las Vegas at small forward, but the only game in which Ament attempted more than 10 shots was the lone game he played without Burries in the lineup. The decision-making has to be better, as Ament had twice as many turnovers as assists, but he shot 50 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from 3.
14. Hannes Steinbach, Hornets: Steinbach came off the bench for three games while Ryan Kalkbrenner was starting at center, but when Steinbach got to start, he put up massive numbers in two games (49 points, 26 rebounds). Steinbach is going to have issues defensively; he’s not a natural shooter, and he’s a turnover machine right now. But he’s a strong finisher who inhales rebounds and can play with his back to the basket.
15. Dailyn Swain, Bulls: Swain had a nightmare of a time in Las Vegas, missing 27 of 31 shots and all seven of his 3s. He’s a small forward. Maybe don’t put him at point guard, Chicago?
16. Bennett Stirtz, Thunder: Stirtz started all five of his games at point guard, where he’ll likely have a head start on injured former lottery pick Nikola Topić entering Thunder camp. Other than a 4-of-14 shooting game in Utah against the Hawks, Stirtz made exactly 50 percent of his shots in the other four games he played.
17. Ebuka Okorie, Pistons: Okorie was the undisputed starting point guard for the summer Pistons, and he will compete for a rotation spot in camp. It was a real struggle for Okorie to be efficient offensively (83 points on 88 shots), but he did have as many steals (12) as turnovers in five games.
18. Christian Anderson Jr., Hornets: Anderson was billed as one of the best guard shooters in the draft, but that did not translate to summer at all, as he made only 21.9 percent of his 32 3-point attempts. The Hornets started Anderson at point guard for all five games, and after a terrible 3:9 assist-to-turnover ratio through three games, Anderson finished up with an 18:5 ratio in the final two games.
19. Allen Graves, Raptors: Graves started at power forward in all four of his games, and he did what helped him get drafted by putting up outstanding numbers: averages of 16.5 points, three assists, 2.3 steals, one block and 2.8 3s while shooting 51 percent overall, 50 percent from 3 and 100 percent from the line. Toronto could easily slot Graves next to Collin Murray-Boyles in the second unit.
Allen Graves seems primed to see rotation minutes for Toronto next season. (Caleb Bowlin / Getty Images)
20. Jayden Quaintance, Spurs: Quaintance had right knee surgery, missed all of summer league and is possibly headed to a redshirt rookie season.
21. Karim López, Grizzlies: A left hamstring injury prevented López from playing all but one game for the Grizzlies, and he was the last first-round pick to sign his contract. But what a game that was, as López entered during a game the Grizzlies led 32-2 at the end of one quarter. He collected a steal and two blocks in 11 minutes.
22. Labaron Philon Jr., 76ers: Philon was the starting point guard for his four summer-league games, and he averaged 5.8 assists per game. It wasn’t the cleanest outing, with Philon making only 38.2 percent from the field, 25.8 percent from 3 and 62.5 percent from the free-throw line. He should be Philadelphia’s fourth guard behind Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Anfernee Simons.
23. Zuby Ejiofor, Hawks: Ejiofor started at center in all four of his games, and he filled the stat sheet, notably making six 3s. He struggled to finish inside the arc, though. Ejiofor should have the inside track to Atlanta’s backup center job.
24. Cameron Carr, Lakers: Carr started all seven of his games at small forward, and the Lakers were quite creative in getting him touches in optimal spots. He curled inside the arc to great effect on off-ball screens, while there were attempts to get Carr downhill on handoffs, as well. Carr drew heaps of fouls, kept turnovers down and shot well when his feet were set.
25. Sergio de Larrea, Mavericks: De Larrea racked up the dimes, dropping 35 assists in four games while splitting starts between point guard and the wings and showing a strong nose for the ball. Scoring was a real issue, though, as de Larrea had more turnovers (12) than buckets (9-of-33, 27.3 percent shooting).
26. Tarris Reed Jr., Spurs: Reed is a nuts-and-bolts center, but he has to be much better as a finisher, as he made only 40.9 percent of his field-goal attempts despite being mostly paint-bound. The Spurs will likely slot him in as a third-string center.
27. Chris Cenac Jr., Celtics: Cenac was a backup to Amari Williams in all but one of his four games, earning one start at center. He racked up rebounds (32) and blocks (11) but was a mess offensively, scoring only 38 points on 41 shots while totaling 12 turnovers against only four assists.
28. Joshua Jefferson, Nets: Jefferson’s draft rights were tied up in the four-team trade that sent Julius Randle to Brooklyn, and he only played three games, starting one at small forward while coming off the bench at power forward. The late start didn’t help him get involved much, as he had more turnovers (five) than assists (four) while missing all but one of his eight 3-point attempts.
29. Alex Karaban, Kings: Karaban didn’t play in Sacramento, then started all five games in Las Vegas at small forward. It took him a while to get going, but he went from only seven points on 15 shots in his first three games to 35 points on 13-of-27 shooting from the field. Karaban isn’t much more than a shooter right now.
30. Koa Peat, Suns: Peat was the starting power forward with the Suns in all four games he appeared, commonly lining up with 2025 lottery center Khaman Maluach and 2025 second-round forward Rasheer Fleming. While Peat had several looks on the ball, he was at his best as a cutter, and he has a long way to go as a shooter and decision-maker.
Second round
31. Bruce Thornton, Rockets: Thornton started at point guard and took on the bulk of scoring and playmaking duties while adding 13 steals in five games.
32. Richie Saunders, Grizzlies: Saunders is recovering from a torn ACL and did not play in summer league.
We’re still waiting to see Richie Saunders on the court as a pro. (Chris Gardner / Getty Images)
33. Isaiah Evans, Timberwolves: Evans got a late start because of draft rights involved in the Randle trade, then struggled mightily in his four games (27.3 percent field goals, 20.5 percent 3s), though he was a little better in the last two games. He’s under contract.
34. Meleek Thomas, Cavaliers: He’s out there to get buckets, and he did that superbly, averaging 25.3 points in four games while adding 3.8 assists and two steals. Thomas was an All-Summer League First Team selection. He’s under contract.
35. Trevon Brazile, Nuggets: Brazile got off to a slow start and had a poor 1:8 assist-to-turnover ratio, but he scored 51 points in his last two games while flashing an intriguing blend of range and athleticism. He’s under contract.
36. Baba Miller, Clippers: Miller’s country won the World Cup while he showed some versatility as a starter at both power forward and center, though he was limited to spotting up and cutting instead of creating as much as his skills suggest he could. He’s under contract.
37. Ryan Conwell, Heat: Conwell played most of his games while the team was in Northern California, and he’s going to shoot the ball without asking questions. He’s streaky but was arguably more comfortable moving off the bounce than when his feet were set. He’s under contract.
38. Braden Smith, Pacers: Smith averaged seven assists but made only 26.5 percent from the field and looked diminutive on the court. He’s currently the highest second-round pick without a contract.
39. Jack Kayil, Knicks: Kayil wound up splitting playmaker duties with Dillon Jones, which he was adequate at, though his own offense suffered (33 points on 40 shots). He doesn’t want to be stashed but might have been drafted to the wrong team for that.
40. Dillon Mitchell, Celtics: Mitchell flew around and made plays on defense while starting at small forward. He even made three 3s, though he missed four of five free throws. He’s still unsigned.
41. Otega Oweh, Thunder: Oweh played the first two games and was uninvolved offensively before missing the rest of summer league with a left ankle injury. He’s the highest draft pick signed to a two-way contract.
42. Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Spurs: Gillespie is an absolute gnat on defense who racked up five assists per game as a starting point guard to go with 13 steals in seven games, though he made only 37.3 percent from the field. He’s on a two-way contract.
43. Tyler Bilodeau, Nets: It’s not complicated for Bilodeau, as 25 of his 40 shot attempts were made 3s at a 36 percent clip as a backup power forward. He’s a two-way contract.
44. Maliq Brown, Spurs: Brown put on his hard hat and hit the glass for 20 offensive rebounds and also had 13 steals in seven games. He started at power forward when Reed was playing and center when Reed was out, and he was 3-for-8 from 3, which will help him play with centers. Brown is on a two-way contract.
45. Emanuel Sharp, Kings: Sharp is a tenacious defender who had 18 steals (and 29 fouls) in seven games. He’s far more effective off the ball than on the ball as a shooting guard. He’s under contract.
46. Felix Okpara, Wizards: Okpara was the Wizards’ starting center, and he will need to be more efficient (46.7 percent field goals) given that he is not an on-ball option nor is he a shooter. He’s on a two-way contract.
47. Tyler Nickel, Knicks: Nickel is a small forward who knows what he’s out there to do, as 46 of his 56 shot attempts were 3s made at a 41.3 percent clip. He’s still unsigned.
48. Tobi Lawal, Mavericks: Lawal is a power forward and standout athlete who has pretty much no role whatsoever out there offensively. He’s on a two-way contract.
49. Bryce Hopkins, Nuggets: Hopkins started at small forward next to Brazile and was an effective primary scoring threat while converting 52.9 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from 3. He’s still unsigned.
50. Jaden Bradley, Raptors: Bradley came off the bench behind Chucky Hepburn for two games before assuming starting point guard duties. He’s solid defensively but missed his only two 3-point attempts while making only 32.4 percent from the field overall in what was a nondescript offensive showing. He’s on a two-way contract.
51. Izaiyah Nelson, Magic: Nelson fractured his left ankle in the third game and had surgery that will likely delay the start of his rookie season. He’s on a two-way contract.
52. Henri Veesaar, Hawks: Atlanta wanted to utilize Veesaar’s stretch capabilities, and he obliged, making 10 of 27 3s (37 percent) while blocking eight shots in eight games. He’s signed a four-year deal, with the first two years guaranteed.
53. Ugonna Onyenso, Pistons: Onyenso made 2 of 4 3s and had a five-block game but couldn’t score at all inside the arc (only 13 points on 15 shots as a center). He’s on a two-way contract.
54. Lajae Jones, Warriors: Jones only played one game in Las Vegas for more than 20 minutes, and he missed all four 3-point attempts in that game despite starting at shooting guard. He has enough athletic tools and on-ball utility to see if he can put something together at some point. He’s still unsigned.
55. Nick Martinelli, Clippers: Martinelli jumps on his free throws, but he is an absolute dawg who is clearly used to getting buckets even if he’s not the top option on the court (60.4 percent field goals). He’s on a two-way contract.
56. Vsevolod Ishchenko, Mavericks: Ishchenko is a whirling dervish of a player who drew an astounding 30 fouls in five games but also had a problematic 18 turnovers to go with 15 assists. He likely will be stashed overseas.
57. Narcisse Ngoy, Clippers: The Clippers drafted Ngoy while already aware that he was committed to Auburn. He’s a domestic draft-and-stash and did not play in summer league.
58. Jaron Pierre Jr., Pelicans: Pierre started at small forward in his third and final game after coming off the bench. He only had 28 points on 37 shots while making only 17.6 percent from 3. He’s still unsigned.
59. Trey Kaufman-Renn, Timberwolves: Kaufman-Renn came off the bench for all five games behind power forward Enrique Freeman. He’s still unsigned.
60. Malique Lewis, Bucks: Lewis was the starting small forward in California with Ament unsigned, then played sparingly in Las Vegas. He had more shots than points and more turnovers than assists in four games. He likely will be stashed overseas.
By Law Murray, via The Athletic