2026 NBA Summer League Stock Report: Second-Year standouts and question marks from Vegas' opening weekend
· Yahoo Sports
LAS VEGAS — The opening weekend of the 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas was billed as a showcase for headliners like AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Caleb Wilson and Cameron Boozer — and they delivered. But some of the most useful film has come from the players who aren't new to any of this: the 2025 draft picks back for a second Summer League who are using these games to answer real questions about their NBA futures.
Unlike the rookies, these guys aren't just trying to make first impressions — they're trying to prove last year wasn't the ceiling, or that last year wasn't a fair read at all. Here's who separated themselves through the opening weekend of Vegas play and who still has work to do.
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Sophomore standouts
SG/SF Hugo Gonzalez, Boston Celtics
The Jaylen Brown trade sent Boston's second star to Philadelphia for Paul George and four picks, all but forcing the Celtics to evaluate their in-house wing depth. Gonzalez, who posted the best net rating of any rookie with real minutes last season, now finds himself as the "vet" on the Summer League roster.
In Vegas, he nearly posted a triple-double — 17 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists — in an overtime win over Toronto, then followed it up with a 14-point, 4-rebound, 4-assist effort against Charlotte. While he's only shooting 23%, Gonzalez has consistently contributed in other areas, underscoring his readiness to seize a bigger role.
PF/C Joan Beringer, Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wolves need some help fortifying their backline, and Beringer looks ready. He set the tone for Minnesota's opening win with a dominant 18-point, 12-rebound, 4-block performance against New Orleans, flashing the two-way tools that made him a first-round pick a year ago. The 6-foot-11 Frenchman mixed lob dunks, jump hooks and Euro steps, and erased everything near the rim on defense. His athleticism and switchability were on full display, and he'll surely be cracking the rotation as a backup to Rudy Gobert or Jaden McDaniels.
PG Egor Demin, Brooklyn Nets
After reportedly adding a dozen pounds of muscle, the Nets guard erupted for 23 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3 assists on 55.6% shooting at the California Classic, then kept rolling in Vegas with 20 points on 7-of-15 shooting in the opener. His rookie year was promising but was shortened by injury, but this summer he's playing with newfound intent, attacking the rim and finishing through contact. At least the Nets got one of last year's five first-round picks right. Unfortunately, Vegas has probably seen the last of Demin.
SG Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies
Coward probably didn't need Vegas after playing 62 games last season, starting 47 on his way to an All-Rookie First Team nod. He actually missed Summer League entirely as a rookie because of shoulder surgery. His showing this year made the trip worth it, showcasing his on-ball defense, unexpected shot creation and iso scoring. The three-ball wasn't falling (1-of-5), but Coward still delivered a strong all-around performance. He stuffed the box score in a win over Chicago with 17 points, 10 rebounds (3 offensive), 5 assists and 2 blocks. Coward looks like a pivotal wing for a young, rebuilding Memphis team, and he looked right at home next to No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer.
C Khaman Maluach, Phoenix Suns
Maluach's second Summer League has looked nothing like his first, and the development is evident in the details. His screen-setting is more purposeful, his defensive lateral movement is sharper, and he's attacking the rim on lobs with real aggression. He destroyed Yang Hansen in his first matchup against the Trail Blazers.
Through two games, Maluach is posting gaudy numbers: 17 points, 13 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. He's impressively stretched the floor too, hitting at least two 3s in both contests. I know it's just Summer League, but Maluach looks like he's taking that sophomore leap. And the Suns need it with Mark Williams' injury history.
SF Liam McNeeley, Charlotte Hornets
McNeeley was one of the best shooters of the opening weekend. The former UConn product opened Vegas with a 28-point explosion, hitting 7-of-8 threes. Through three games, McNeeley is averaging 21.7 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 45.2% from the field and 52.6% from 3-point range.
McNeeley consistently broke down defenders off the dribble and flashed some underrated playmaking, recording at least four assists in two of his three games. He's been Charlotte's best player so far — a promising sign for the soon-to-be sophomore who'll be battling several newly acquired veterans for a rotation spot.
SF Noah Penda, Orlando Magic
Orlando traded up for Penda a year ago for his upside as a two-way player. The French forward is averaged 17.5 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2.5 blocks across two games.
He screams Suns-era Boris Diaw: a capable connector who can guard multiple spots, put the ball on the floor and make winning plays without needing plays run for him — exactly the skill set Orlando's second unit needs.
PF/C Johni Broome, Philadelphia 76ers
A meniscus tear held Broome to just 55 total minutes with the Sixers as a rookie, but he was a load in the G League. He's using Vegas to prove that production travels, averaging 21 points and 12 rebounds through the opening weekend, headlined by a 19-point, 13-rebound effort against Detroit. While the numbers are impressive, his lack of pure explosiveness will be a real question as he fights for minutes behind Joel Embiid in a thin frontcourt.
SG Jase Richardson, Orlando Magic
Penda wasn't the only Magic sprinkled on this list. Richardson ran Orlando's offense with more confidence, averaging 15 points, 4.5 rebounds and a team-best 5 assists, shooting 45.5% from the floor and 44.4% from 3. He's protected the ball too, committing only three turnovers to go with 10 assists.
Richardson's ability to score off the bench and create for others is a real asset as he pushes Jevon Carter for backup minutes this season.
Need to see more
C Yang Hansen, Portland Trail Blazers
It's far too soon to call Hansen a bust, but there's no denying he was the biggest swing of the first round in 2025 — and his rocky rookie season has already fueled that narrative. That's why his Summer League showing matters for Portland. Against Phoenix, the Blazers center delivered 12 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists, flashing the passing skills that earned him CBA MVP honors and even knocking down 2-of-3 from deep. However, his four turnovers and getting lost on defense exposed the same struggles with pro pace that plagued his rookie year. I expect we'll see him get more reps throughout Summer League.
F Adou Thiero, Los Angeles Lakers
Thiero's counting stats and some of the weekend's top highlights certainly catch the eye, but his shooting has left plenty to be desired. He shot 0-for-7 from 3, just 57% from the free-throw line and 40% from the floor — numbers that point to clear areas for growth. While there are subtle signs of improvement in other aspects of his game, developing a more reliable shot will be key as Summer League continues.
PF Noa Essengue, Chicago Bulls
Essengue is back largely because his rookie year never really happened — he played just six total minutes across two NBA games before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. But his Summer League debut was far too passive in a setting that saw Caleb Wilson get up 21 shots. Five shot attempts from last year's 12th overall pick simply isn't enough.
While Essengue was disruptive on defense in the opener against Memphis (10 points, 5 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 steals), the Bulls need to see much more aggression and activity offensively from their 2025 first-rounder before they can get a true sense of what they have.
SG Ben Saraf, Brooklyn Nets
Having seen Saraf play fairly well at the California Classic, I expected him to look better in Vegas. Although he rebounded from a poor opener with 15 points and 5 assists against the Hawks, his overall impact has been underwhelming compared to Brooklyn's other young guards.
The shooting woes are especially glaring: just 27.3% from the field and 1-of-7 on 3s through two games. While he's flashed some playmaking and table-setting ability, Saraf needs to step it up to avoid getting lost in the Nets' suddenly crowded backcourt rotation.
SG Sion James, Charlotte Hornets
James has been swallowed up by Charlotte's turnover issues, totaling nine giveaways through three games. The Hornets are putting him on the ball more, which is good for his development arc post LaMelo Ball. However, it's been a rough Summer League for his shooting: just 27% from the field through three games, including far too many missed open looks.
He's averaging 7.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists, but the decision-making and efficiency need to improve for him to carve out a role. There are subtle signs of growth, but shot development is key for James.