The top four picks in this year's draft have lived up to their billing during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. AJ Dybantsa, now with the Washington Wizards, looked every bit the No. 1 overall pick in his debut, besting Darryn Peterson, who was drafted second. Peterson had won their previous head-to-head matchups, but Dybantsa showed his high ceiling as a crafty and athletic offensive engine. Peterson also had a solid outing, especially in the California Classic, showcasing his shot creation skills.
Boozer and Wilson Shine
Cameron Boozer, the third overall pick, led his team to the Summer League Final, displaying his high-level metronome style as a smart, strong, and mature offensive hub. Caleb Wilson, drafted fourth by the Chicago Bulls, may have seen his stock rise the most, scoring 35 points with seven threes in his Vegas debut. If his shooting holds up, his athleticism, shot creation, and swagger make him a potential franchise cornerstone.
Yaxel Lendeborg: NBA Ready
Yaxel Lendeborg, drafted 11th overall by the Golden State Warriors, won Summer League Finals MVP after leading the Warriors to the championship. At 6ft 9in with a 7ft 4in wingspan, he is a versatile player with high basketball IQ and a fearless personality. Despite being 23, his age is an asset for a win-now team like the Warriors. He told ESPN's Ben Golliver of the Grizzlies' blown lead: "Man, their butts got tight. They puckered up, you know what I mean? Some of us are built for the moment and some aren't."
Lakers' In-House Solutions
The Los Angeles Lakers, who lost all five starters from their playoff series against the Rockets, may have found rotation-caliber wings in Las Vegas. Cameron Carr, drafted at No. 24, showed athleticism and shooting, while Adou Thiero made strides after injury. Arthur Kaluma, from the Lakers' G-League affiliate, had a 34-point game against the Mavericks and emerged as a potential 3-and-D wing. The Lakers went 4-1 in Vegas, losing only to the Warriors in the semi-finals.
Bucks Reset Off to Good Start
The Milwaukee Bucks, after trading Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat and waiving Damian Lillard, saw hope in guard Brayden Burries, selected No. 10 overall. He averaged 23.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, hitting a game-winning bucket in his final game. Burries looks like he could be the best of the mid-lottery guard class.
Meleek Thomas: Steal of the Draft
Meleek Thomas, a guard out of Arkansas drafted 34th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaged over 27 points at 50% shooting. Despite potential rotation challenges with Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, Thomas was often the best player on the floor and the most confident among higher-drafted peers. The Cavaliers may have found a gem in the second round.
