​LAS VEGAS — The opening weekend of the 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas was billed as a stage for marquee names like AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Caleb Wilson and Cameron Boozer, and they delivered. Yet some of the most practical film came from players who aren’t new to this setting: the 2025 draft picks returning for a second Summer League, using these games to answer real questions about their NBA futures. Unlike the rookies, these veterans aren’t just chasing first impressions — they’re trying to prove that last year wasn’t their ceiling, or that year’s results weren’t a fair read at all. Here’s who stood out through the opening weekend in Vegas play and who still has work to do.
At the 2 and 3 spots for the Boston Celtics, Hugo Gonzalez made his mark. The Jaylen Brown trade left Boston with a need to evaluate its internal wing depth after shipping a second star to Philadelphia for Paul George and four draft picks. Gonzalez, who posted the best net rating among last season’s rookies with meaningful minutes, now finds himself the veteran presence on the Summer League roster. In Vegas, he nearly logged a triple-double — 17 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists — in an overtime win over Toronto, then added a 14-point, 4-rebound, 4-assist game against Charlotte. While his shooting efficiency sits at 23 percent, Gonzalez has consistently contributed in other ways, underscoring his readiness to assume a bigger role.
For the Minnesota Timberwolves, forward/center Joan Beringer is making a case to be part of the future frontcourt. The Wolves need to fortify their interior defense, and Beringer appears ready to help. He set the tone for Minnesota’s opening win with an 18-point, 12-rebound, 4-block performance against New Orleans, flashing the two-way tools that helped him become a first-round pick last year. The 6-foot-11 Frenchman demonstrated a mix of lob dunks, jump hooks and Euro steps while erasing threats at the rim on defense. His athleticism and versatility on switches were evident, and he figures to be in the rotation as a backup to Rudy Gobert or Jaden McDaniels.
Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin is another who came into Vegas with momentum after adding a reported dozen pounds of muscle. He exploded for 23 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3 assists on 55.6 percent shooting at the California Classic and carried that form into the Vegas opener with 20 points on 7-for-15 shooting. His rookie year showed promise but was cut short by injury; this summer he’s playing with renewed purpose, attacking the rim and finishing through contact. The Nets may have found one of last year’s five first-round picks who can translate into real NBA production. Still, Vegas might be the last strong reminder of what took place last season for Demin.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Cedric Coward gave a strong showing after an encouraging rookie campaign that had him earning All-Rookie First Team honors despite a season disrupted by shoulder surgery that caused him to miss Summer League as a rookie. This year in Vegas, Coward impressed with his on-ball defense, unexpected shot creation and isolation scoring. The three-point shot didn’t quite cooperate (1-for-5), but the overall performance suggested he’s ready to contribute at a higher level and serve as a credible complement to the Grizzlies’ backcourt.
These players illustrate a broader truth about the early stages of the summer circuit: for some, this weekend wasn’t about proving themselves to be new stars; it was about confirming that last year’s outcomes didn’t define their trajectories. The message from these veterans is clear — whether by strengthening the roster as depth pieces or by showcasing the development needed to secure a more prominent role, their focus is on long-term growth rather than fleeting impressions. The opening weekend offered a glimpse into each player’s potential paths forward, while also signaling there’s still work to be done for those who want to translate Summer League performance into meaningful NBA minutes.