​NBA Summer League action is in full swing, and the early rounds are already delivering some eye-catching moments. Among the first-round picks making noise on Thursday in Las Vegas were AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Darius Acuff Jr., establishing themselves as players to watch as the offseason progresses. Rookies flashed a mix of dazzling highs and rough patches, giving fans plenty to react to in the weeks ahead.
Darryn Peterson posted 24 points on 6-of-18 shooting in a defeat to the Wizards. The efficiency wasn’t ideal, but his performance has Jazz supporters buzzing about his potential, assuming he can stay on the floor. Peterson also drew an abnormal nine fouls in the game—nine—prompting the referees to remind him how many he could commit before he’d have to sit down. It was a heavy toll, yet his offensive flashes remain compelling as he adjusts to the pace and physicality of pro ball.
Dybantsa, coming off a freshman season at BYU in which he shot 33 percent from three, endured a rough start from long range in his Summer League debut against the Jazz, missing all five of his three-point attempts. The night wasn’t defined by his outside shooting, though. He connected on 7 of 13 two-pointers and totaled 27 points in 26 minutes, adding his first poster dunk to the highlight reel. His performance drew praise from analysts who noted his poise and maturity on the floor. In fact, ESPN’s morning coverage highlighted how Dybantsa resembled a veteran in the making, with Brian Windhorst suggesting he and Peterson could both average 20 points per game right away.
Darius Acuff Jr., selected seventh overall by the Kings, had a 19-point outing against the Clippers on the back of a 6-of-20 shooting line. Through three Summer League games, he’s shot 22 of 66 from the field. It’s still a small sample, but the numbers are a reminder that shooting consistency will be the key for him as he continues to adjust to the pace of higher-level competition. After a 1-for-9 start from three, Acuff has improved in the subsequent games, going 7-of-18 from deep over the last two attempts—good progress, but well below the 44 percent clip he posted in college.
Meanwhile, Jaden Johnson—the No. 9 pick—made a strong impression in a matchup pitting him against former Michigan teammate Yaxel Lendeborg, who was selected No. 11 by the Warriors. Johnson delivered a 27-point, eight-rebound, three-assist, three-steal, and two-block line on 12-of-17 shooting. Lendeborg wasn’t far behind, finishing with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. After the game, Lendeborg described Johnson as a “brick wall,” a term of endearment in sports that signals reliability, resilience, and an imposing defensive presence.
As the Summer League continues to unfold, the early performances are painting a promising, if uneven, picture for this rookie class. Dybantsa’s refined feel for the game and shooting versatility, Peterson’s blend of scoring instincts with the potential for sharpshooting and defense, Acuff’s floor-spreading ability, and Johnson’s all-around impact all stand out as indicators that these young players could accelerate their development in this valuable showcase. Fans and analysts will likely overreact to every rotated minute and every highlight reel, but the overarching narrative remains: this draft class has the talent to push for real contributions at the NBA level sooner rather than later.