Basketball fans were treated to exciting action during the 2026 NBA Summer League as the top four picks of the 2026 NBA Draft finally showcased their talent and potential.
With the next major event being the NBA preseason this October, it’s time to rank the draft’s top four rookies based on their overall performance in the 2026 NBA Summer League.
1. AJ Dybantsa (Washington Wizards)
Taking the top spot was an easy choice. The Washington Wizards’ number one overall pick showed that he possesses truly special talent, as AJ Dybantsa impressed everyone who watched him play.
Despite appearing in only two games—against the Utah Jazz and the Sacramento Kings—the 19-year-old still did more than enough to convince Wizards fans that their franchise has a bright future.
In those two victories, Dybantsa averaged 25.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game.
2. Wilson (Chicago Bulls)
The Chicago Bulls franchise took another player from North Carolina with their number four overall pick. The 6-foot-9 forward Caleb Wilson performed so well in the Summer League that some scouts even believe he could’ve been the top pick.
Despite a 1-4 record, the 20-year-old averaged 23.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game. With his size, agility, and ability as a solid two-way player on both ends of the floor, he takes the number two spot in the rankings.
3. Cam Boozer (Memphis Grizzlies)
The Memphis Grizzlies didn’t just select the son of former NBA player Carlos Boozer as their third overall pick—they also took the best big man of the draft.
The 6-foot-10 center carried his squad up until the finals, averaging 18.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. And even though the Grizzlies didn’t bring home the championship, Boozer may have already asserted himself as the starting big man for Memphis.
4. Darryn Peterson (Utah Jazz)
The Utah Jazz front office selected 6-foot-6 guard Darryn Peterson after an impressive freshman year at the University of Kansas.
His Summer League debut, however, was the determining factor in why he’s at the last spot in this ranking. Against AJ Dybantsa, the 19-year-old guard recorded 24 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 8 turnovers, and 9 personal fouls in a loss.
Luckily for him, he bounced back, ending the tournament with strong performances and averaging 23.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.2 blocks per outing.
