The NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas is more than just a series of exhibition games; it`s a crucible where budding talents are forged and future fantasy basketball assets are first unveiled. For the seasoned observer, it’s an invaluable opportunity to look beyond pre-draft scouting reports and witness raw potential translate into on-court impact against higher-level competition. This annual gathering offers a unique window into which rookies might be poised for immediate contribution and which sophomores are ready to leap into expanded roles for their respective teams.
Observing these games isn`t merely about tallying box scores; it`s about discerning the subtle shifts, the quiet confidence, and the raw “it” factor that separates contenders from mere participants. The atmosphere itself – a blend of eager fans, scrutinizing coaches, and hopeful players – adds another layer to the evaluation. Herein lies a synthesis of observations from the Las Vegas courts, offering insights into the fantasy implications for the upcoming NBA season.
The Rookie Revelations: From Draft Night to Dominance
Cooper Flagg, SF, Dallas Mavericks
The murmurs surrounding Cooper Flagg have been growing into a roar for years, but witnessing his debut in person provided an undeniable confirmation. There are moments in basketball when the entire arena holds its breath, sensing something significant is about to unfold. Flagg provided several such moments, none more indelible than his power-step into a crowded paint, seemingly intent on dunking over the entire defensive unit. It was a statement of intent, a display of an inherent fearlessness that often defines elite prospects.
Beyond the audacious athleticism, Flagg`s refined skill set was striking. He showcased a comprehensive game in his initial outing, hinting at his versatile scoring ability even when his shot was slightly off. In his subsequent performance, a 31-point explosion, his scoring prowess became undeniable. What was perhaps most surprising was his physical presence; Flagg appeared more robust than anticipated, suggesting a readiness to contend with the rigors of professional play. This combination of skill, size, and sheer audacity makes him a legitimate frontrunner for Rookie of the Year and a player worth targeting aggressively in the mid-rounds of fantasy drafts. His immediate impact on a Mavericks team that demonstrably needs his contributions seems all but assured, barring unforeseen circumstances.
Dylan Harper, PG, San Antonio Spurs
Decades of Summer League scouting often reveal parallels between past and present talents. Dylan Harper`s performance evoked memories of Brandon Roy`s masterful display in 2006. Like Roy, Harper is a large, fluid guard who commands the court with an almost unhurried control. He penetrated defenses at will, whether by leveraging screens or simply outmaneuvering his man, and once at the rim, his combination of size and explosiveness made him a constant threat to score or draw fouls. Crucially, his ability to draw defenders and then expertly dish to open teammates demonstrated an advanced court vision.
Harper`s athleticism was also evident on the defensive end, culminating in a highlight-reel, circus-level blocked shot against a fast break – a testament to his all-around game. While the Spurs` roster depth, particularly at the guard position with established players and promising young talents, might limit his initial minutes, Harper`s Summer League showing suggests he is unequivocally ready for significant NBA production. If the opportunity arises, he possesses the game to quickly ascend both Rookie of the Year discussions and fantasy rankings.
Tre Johnson, SG, Washington Wizards
With other top picks sidelined, Tre Johnson, the sixth overall selection, seized his Summer League opportunity with both hands. He emphatically lived up to his billing as the premier 3-point shooter in his draft class. Johnson demonstrated an uncanny ability to convert from deep, whether creating his own shot off the dribble or capitalizing on spot-up opportunities. His comfort in a point guard role, orchestrating the offense and pulling up for quick treys in transition, was particularly impressive.
The Wizards are clearly in a comprehensive rebuilding phase, having shed key veteran scorers. This strategic pivot creates a direct pathway for young talents like Johnson to earn significant minutes immediately. As a natural shooter and scorer, Johnson is perfectly positioned to become a central figure in Washington`s evolving offense. His performance in Las Vegas solidifies his standing as a strong contender in the Rookie of the Year race and a highly relevant name for fantasy basketball managers.
Sophomores Ascendant: Ready for the Spotlight
Alex Sarr, C, Washington Wizards
After a quietly respectable rookie season that perhaps belied his Summer League struggles, Alex Sarr delivered a truly memorable sophomore performance in Vegas. He was omnipresent, a defensive whirlwind whose impact felt far grander than his already impressive stat line (16 points, 12 rebounds, 8 blocks – just shy of a triple-double). Sarr`s athleticism and imposing presence translated into relentless rim protection and relentless rebounding.
Offensively, Sarr showcased his ability to finish around the rim, complementing a developing 3-point shot. As the primary starting-caliber center on a exceptionally young Wizards squad, Sarr is slated to be a foundational piece. Expect him to build significantly on his rookie year, delivering a strong sophomore campaign that solidifies his role as a high-value fantasy asset, particularly in categories that reward defensive statistics.
Reed Sheppard, PG/SG, Houston Rockets
Heralded as the elite shooter of his draft class, Reed Sheppard’s rookie Summer League was impressive, though minutes proved elusive during the regular season due to Houston`s perimeter depth. This offseason, however, a series of roster moves has opened up significant playing time. From what was seen in Vegas this season, Sheppard is not just ready, he is unequivocally prepared to maximize those minutes.
Ironically, his celebrated shooting was momentarily inconsistent, with a focus on volume rather than precision. Yet, in the action observed, Sheppard was clearly the dominant force on the court, making Summer League look less like a competitive proving ground and more like a casual scrimmage in a park. His combined two-game tally of 46 points, 11 rebounds, and a whopping 8 steals underscored his all-around fantasy potential. While he only played two games before being rested, he firmly established himself as “too good for Summer League.” Sheppard possesses the versatile talent to produce across multiple categories, and he should command at least sixth-man minutes, making him a prime candidate for a sophomore surge.
Ronald Holland II, SF, Detroit Pistons
Ronald Holland II, the fifth pick in the 2024 draft, benefited immensely from extensive playing time as a rookie, including valuable playoff minutes. This experience was evident in his Summer League sophomore debut, where the game seemed almost effortlessly easy for him. He scored at will (28 points on just 12 field-goal attempts, complemented by 13 free-throw attempts), demonstrating proficiency both inside and from beyond the arc (a near-perfect 4-for-5 from deep). Holland also dominated the boards, out-muscling and out-quickening opponents for 11 rebounds.
Holland`s offensive game is nuanced, allowing him to create off the dribble and score effectively at all three levels. Coupled with his robust defense and rebounding, he plays a vital role for a young Pistons team. While starting minutes may be a challenge, earning a legitimate sixth-man role would provide Holland with the platform to make a significant leap into fantasy relevance in his second year.
Rob Dillingham, PG and Terrence Shannon Jr., SG/SF, Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves` duo demonstrated significant progress. **Rob Dillingham** showed marked improvement compared to his rookie Summer League, where he sometimes struggled to find his rhythm as a lead guard. The professional game now appears to be slowing down for him, a crucial development as Minnesota looks for him to evolve into their future lead playmaker alongside Anthony Edwards.
Dillingham exhibited newfound comfort and fluidity in transitioning between floor general and offensive threat. His strong second game (15 points, 7 assists) and even better follow-up (23 points, 7 assists, 7 rebounds) indicate a clear path towards a major role in the Timberwolves` rotation, promising a sophomore leap in production.
His teammate, **Terrence Shannon Jr.**, was arguably the most impressive player on the court in the Timberwolves` first Summer League outing. His aggressive drives, both in the halfcourt and transition, resulted in consistently high scoring (20+ points in his first three games). Shannon also controlled the action with his rebounding and playmaking, showcasing a versatile skill set. With a key perimeter player departing in the offseason, Shannon is poised to step into a larger role. Despite pre-draft adversity, Shannon proved his talent on the court as a rookie and is now well-positioned for fantasy respectability in a more prominent sophomore role.
Kyle Filipowski, PF, Utah Jazz
Kyle Filipowski’s sophomore Summer League performance was nothing short of dominant. My initial notes from his first game captured the essence: “Filipowski looks too good for Summer League,” followed by observations of his impressive scoring (32 points), rebounding (6), assists (5), and a block. While foul trouble was a minor blip, his overall command was undeniable.
Filipowski`s dominance was consistent throughout the league, with subsequent outings reinforcing his scoring (21 and 35 points) and rebounding (11 boards). Having already posted solid rookie numbers, and with the Jazz having moved on from their starting power forward, Filipowski is primed for a significantly expanded role as a sophomore. His excellent Summer League showing, combined with this projected increased opportunity, gives him legitimate upside as a second-year fantasy asset.
Quick Hits and Other Notable Mentions
- Trail Blazers center Yang Hansen generated significant buzz in Vegas. His debut showcased an impressive passing acumen, quickly establishing him as one of the best passing big men in his class. While depth charts place him behind another promising young center, his potential for future impact is undeniable and warrants close monitoring.
- For the Charlotte Hornets, despite eyes on a higher draft pick, it was the later selection Liam McNeeley who truly stole the show in his limited appearances. His two strong games (22 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 three-pointers) were unfortunately cut short by Achilles tendonitis. Though his path to immediate minutes is challenging, his Vegas performance demonstrated high potential.
- Walter Clayton Jr., the NCAA champion`s star guard and an 18th overall pick, only played one game for the Jazz before a hamstring injury. However, in that single outing, he showcased the elite shooting that defined his collegiate success (21 points, 6 rebounds, 4 three-pointers). On a very young Jazz team in full rebuild mode, a healthy Clayton could quickly carve out an important role.
The NBA Summer League provides more than just a glimpse; it offers compelling evidence of players ready to make an immediate impact or take a significant step forward. While it`s never a definitive predictor, the performances witnessed in Las Vegas lay a strong foundation for fantasy basketball managers strategizing for the upcoming season. The goldmine is real; it`s simply a matter of knowing where to dig.
