​The NBA is headed for Las Vegas, signaling a bright future for the league as it brings its Summer League back to the Entertainment Capital of the World from July 9 through July 19. This event will showcase the newest draft picks as they audition for a spot in the NBA and prove they have what it takes ahead of the upcoming season. From lottery selections to potential sleeper stars, here are a few rookies everyone will have their eyes on as they take the court under the bright lights of Sin City and begin their professional journeys.
The future of the Washington Wizards is officially taking shape. With the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, AJ Dybantsa arrives as the face of a new era in Washington, bringing high-level scoring, star-level expectations, and instant, intense scrutiny. After just one year of college basketball, Dybantsa declared for the 2026 NBA Draft as a projected top pick. Standing 6’9”, the forward was a standout recruit and, many would say, the centerpiece of his college team’s offense. Now it’s his time to shine in Summer League as he prepares for his first NBA season. He already boasts more than a million followers on Instagram, suggesting he’s well on his way to basketball superstardom.
The No. 3 pick in the 2026 draft is Duke freshman forward Cameron Boozer, the son of 13-year NBA veteran Carlos Boozer. Boozer’s one season at Duke saw him average 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, according to USA Today. He expressed strong confidence about fitting in with his new squad, saying, “I play a physical brand of basketball, and I think that’s a winning brand of basketball. I’m super excited to get there and be with those guys. They have a young core, and I believe they have three draft picks as well.” Cameron Boozer’s story includes his twin brother Cayden, with details repeatedly highlighted in media circles. PEOPLE reported that their older brother, Carmani Boozer, was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia shortly after birth in 2006, and the twins were born in 2007 via IVF as part of a bone marrow transplant narrative that underscored their family’s resilience.
The No. 2 pick, Darryn Peterson, was selected by the Utah Jazz. SI notes that Peterson conveyed a strong sense of comfort about joining Utah, telling his team that he felt a connection with the organization’s energy during his pre-draft meetings in Chicago. He expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of contributing right away and emphasized his goal of playing all 82 games as he recovers from a health challenge he faced during his NCAA tenure at Kansas. Peterson highlighted a desire not only to play every game but also to help his team reach the playoffs and pursue a championship, inspired by stories of rookies who have made deep playoff runs in their first seasons.
As these highly anticipated rookies prepare to hit the court in Las Vegas, fans can expect a Summer League that doubles as a launching pad for careers. The blend of lottery picks and potential breakout players will offer a compelling glimpse into the next wave of NBA talent, all under the glow of Las Vegas’ neon lights.