The 2026 NBA Summer League has provided an early glimpse into the potential of the rookie class, with some standout performances and others who have yet to find their footing. As an expert commentator, I'll be offering my insights and analysis on the grades given to each team's rookie class, focusing on the key takeaways and what they imply for the future of these franchises.
Atlanta Hawks: A
The Hawks have added three potential rotation players in Kingston Flemings, Zuby Ejiofor, and Henri Veesaar. Flemings' passing abilities and Ejiofor's outside shooting, rebounding, and defense make them stand out. Veesaar's 7-foot frame and 50% three-point shooting are impressive, and the Hawks may have found a steal in the 52nd overall pick.
Boston Celtics: B+
Chris Cenac Jr. and Dillon Mitchell have shown promise in the Celtics' frontcourt and backcourt, respectively. Cenac's diverse offensive skills and Mitchell's overall game, including defense and passing, make them solid additions. The Celtics' frontcourt depth looks strong for the future.
Brooklyn Nets: C
Mikel Brown Jr. had a strong debut, but the Nets' other rookies, Joshua Jefferson and Tyler Bilodeau, have struggled. Jefferson's rehab from an ankle injury and Bilodeau's lack of outside shooting are concerns. The Nets' young core needs to step up and contribute more.
Charlotte Hornets: C-
The Hornets' draft class has been underwhelming so far. Christian Anderson's shaky performance and Hannes Steinbach's reliability make them look OK, but not great. Charlotte needs to find more consistency and depth from its rookies.
Chicago Bulls: A
Caleb Wilson has outshined his classmates with his athleticism and outside shooting. The Bulls have a future star in Wilson, and his performance has been the highlight of their summer league thus far. Dailyn Swain's struggles are a concern, but the Bulls have a clear path forward with Wilson.
Cleveland Cavaliers: A+
Meleek Thomas has been the leading scorer in Las Vegas, and his 28.3 points per game rank No. 1. The 19-year-old's all-around game and shooting ability make him a potential rotation player. The Cavaliers may have found a gem in the second round.
Dallas Mavericks: B
The Mavericks' first-round picks, Morez Johnson Jr. and Sergio De Larrea, have shown chemistry and passing ability. De Larrea's assists and Johnson's halfcourt creation are impressive. Tobi Lawal's outside shooting and athleticism add depth, but the Mavericks' rookies need to stretch the floor more.
Denver Nuggets: B+
Trevon Brazile's rebounding and Bryce Hopkins' scoring and versatility make them stand out. Hopkins' 20 points per game and 57.7% shooting are impressive, and the Nuggets may have found a steal in the 49th overall pick. The Nuggets' rookie class has shown potential, but they need to improve their shooting and consistency.
Detroit Pistons: C
Ebuka Okorie and Ugonna Onyenso have shown potential, but their shooting struggles are a concern. Okorie's quickness and Onyenso's rebounding and blocking are positive, but the Pistons' rookies need to improve their shooting and consistency.
Golden State Warriors: A
Yaxel Lendeborg's versatility and scoring ability make him an immediate plug-and-play for the Warriors. Lajae Jones' energy and rebounding are also impressive. The Warriors' rookies have shown they can contribute right away, and their depth is a strength.
Houston Rockets: A-
Bruce Thornton's all-around game and scoring ability make him a strong addition. His steals and shooting are impressive, but his struggles inside the arc are a concern. The Rockets' rookies have shown potential, but they need to improve their consistency and defense.
Indiana Pacers: C-
Braden Smith's passing and defense are NBA-ready, but his shooting struggles are a concern. His assists and steals are encouraging, but Smith needs to improve his shooting to have an NBA career. The Pacers' rookies have shown potential, but they need to be more consistent.
Los Angeles Clippers: B-
Keaton Wagler's playmaking and Baba Miller's mobility and scoring make them stand out. Wagler's shooting struggles are a concern, but the Clippers' rookies have shown they can contribute in different ways. The Clippers' depth and versatility are strengths.
Los Angeles Lakers: A
Cameron Carr's scoring and defense make him an excellent value for the Lakers. His energy and engagement are impressive, and he looks like a rotation player. The Lakers' rookies have shown they can contribute right away, and their depth is a strength.
Memphis Grizzlies: A
Cameron Boozer's versatility and scoring ability make him a standout. His smooth game and ability to do a little bit of everything offensively are impressive. The Grizzlies' rookies have shown they can contribute right away, and their depth is a strength.
Miami Heat: B
Ryan Conwell's scoring and passing ability make him a strong addition. His attack mode and ability to put pressure on the defense are impressive. The Heat's rookies have shown they can contribute in different ways, and their depth is a strength.
Milwaukee Bucks: B+
Brayden Burries' scoring and versatility make him a strong addition. His assists, steals, and blocks are impressive, and the Bucks' rookies have shown they can contribute right away. The Bucks' depth and versatility are strengths, but they need to improve their consistency.
Minnesota Timberwolves: F
Isaiah Evans' shooting struggles and Trey Kaufman-Renn's limited contributions make them stand out negatively. The Timberwolves's rookies have not shown the potential expected of them, and their performance has been a disappointment.
New Orleans Pelicans: F
Jaron Pierre Jr.'s shooting struggles and lack of contributions make him a standout negatively. His averages are disappointing given his age and the level of competition. The Pelicans' rookies have not shown the potential expected of them, and their performance has been a disappointment.
New York Knicks: B+
Jack Kayil's passing and scoring ability make him a strong addition. His steals and three-point shooting are impressive, and the Knicks' rookies have shown they can contribute in different ways. The Knicks' depth and versatility are strengths.
Oklahoma City Thunder: B-
Aday Mara's versatility and rebounding make him a strong addition. Bennett Stirtz's shooting struggles are a concern, but the Thunder's rookies have shown potential. The Thunder's depth and versatility are strengths, but they need to improve their consistency.
Orlando Magic: D
Izaiyah Nelson's limited impact and ankle injury make him a standout negatively. The Magic's rookie has not shown the potential expected of him, and his performance has been a disappointment. The Magic's rookies need to improve their consistency and depth.
Philadelphia 76ers: A-
Labaron Philon Jr.'s scoring, passing, and three-point shooting make him a strong addition. His versatility and threat to create offense are impressive. The 76ers' rookies have shown they can contribute right away, and their depth is a strength.
Phoenix Suns: B+
Koa Peat's scoring and rebounding ability make him a strong addition. His shooting and versatility are impressive, and the Suns' rookies have shown they can contribute in different ways. The Suns' depth and versatility are strengths, but they need to improve their consistency.
Sacramento Kings: C-
Darius Acuff Jr.'s scoring and playmaking ability make him a strong addition. His shooting struggles and turnovers are concerns, but the Kings' rookies have shown potential. The Kings' depth and versatility are strengths, but they need to improve their consistency and defense.
San Antonio Spurs: C
Tarris Reed Jr.'s rebounding and Ja'Kobi Gillespie's playmaking ability make them stand out. Maliq Brown's steals are impressive, but the Spurs' rookies have not shown the potential expected of them. The Spurs' depth and versatility are strengths, but they need to improve their consistency and defense.
Toronto Raptors: B+
Allen Graves' three-point shooting and scoring ability make him a strong addition. The Raptors' rookies have shown they can contribute right away, and their depth is a strength. The Raptors' depth and versatility are strengths, but they need to improve their consistency.
Utah Jazz: B+
Darryn Peterson's scoring and footwork make him a standout. His defense and steals are impressive, and the Jazz's rookies have shown they can contribute in different ways. The Jazz's depth and versatility are strengths, but they need to improve their consistency and shooting.
Washington Wizards: A
AJ Dybantsa's scoring, rebounding, and defense make him a strong addition. His versatility and ability to contribute in different ways are impressive. The Wizards' rookies have shown they can contribute right away, and their depth is a strength.
