​LAS VEGAS — The Thomas & Mack Center was packed with fans hungry for a show as No. 1 projected pick AJ Dybantsa faced off against No. 2 Darryn Peterson in what many billed as the most anticipated draft-class matchup in years. The crowd came to see if these two could live up to the extraordinary hype surrounding them, and they largely left satisfied, even as the efficiency numbers weren’t flashy.
The game wasn’t perfect. The two combined to shoot just 13-of-36, and each displayed aspects that will need refinement at the next level. Peterson turned the ball over eight times, while Dybantsa went 0-for-5 from three-point range. Yet for fans chasing a glimpse of the future, the night delivered plenty of takeaways and promise.
Dybantsa emerged as the clear standout, finishing with a game-high 27 points. More than the points total, what stood out was his fluid athleticism and ease of movement. He looks graceful yet powerful as he blows by defenders and consistently gets downhill, all while maintaining a size and reach that make him uniquely able to glide into the paint. It’s not a brute, physical drive every time; it’s something more effortless, a player whose length and coordination create the impression of gravity as his ally on the floor. This natural explosiveness is the kind of instrument that translates well to the NBA, and it was complemented by impressive finishes at the rim and an ability to convert tough shots.
Another noticeable development in Dybantsa’s game was his improved playmaking. A year ago, his role was more as a scorer, but on this night he handled the ball with confidence and was frequently the primary initiator of the offense. He brought the ball up the floor and orchestrated possessions in long stretches, displaying vision and pace that added a new layer to his game. It’s still to be seen how much he’ll be trusted with primary ball-handling duties when Trae Young is on the floor next season, but the demonstration in Summer League suggested this is a facet of his game that’s growing and could unlock even more opportunities for him and his teammates.
Peterson’s evening had its rough edges. In a Salt Lake Summer League setting, Memphis’s ball pressure proved manageable for him, but Washington’s aggressive defense cranked up the pressure and briefly disrupted his rhythm. Peterson acknowledged the challenge after the game, recognizing the experience as part of his development. “We lost (92-88 Washington win), so it probably worked a little bit, but I’m expecting it. Good to get used to it now, play against it now, and just growth,” he said, signaling his understanding that exposure to tougher coverages will accelerate his improvement. Peterson did seem to press at times in this marquee matchup, which contributed to a slow start, though he settled in and demonstrated the tools that make him a high-upside player. His show of potential was clear, even amid the occasional misstep that comes with guarding elite competition.
Peterson’s partner on the floor in this setting, Ace Bailey of Sacramento, sat out with a slight calf strain carried from the first game in Salt Lake City. Bailey’s absence meant a larger share of the spotlight fell on Peterson, and the cameo from Dybantsa’s Washington cohort added extra intrigue to the night’s narrative. Tre Johnson, the No. 6 pick from last season and Dybantsa’s running mate, was on the floor as well, continuing to prove why his fearless approach to every possession is a hallmark of his game. Johnson poured in 26 points on 11-for-20 shooting and was a reminder of the dynamic, take-any-shot mentality that defined his reputation.
In the end, the Summer League showcase delivered exactly what its fans hoped: a tantalizing glimpse of the ceiling for Dybantsa and Peterson, paired with enough flashes to suggest they could grow into cornerstones of strong teams in the coming years. Dybantsa’s 27-point eruption and his evolving pass-first mindset offered a compelling blueprint for his NBA-ready potential, while Peterson’s mix of scoring ability and adaptability indicated a path toward becoming a versatile two-way contributor. The night also reinforced the broader reality of Summer League: while the results aren’t final, the performances can illuminate the trajectories of players who could dominate NBA rotations in the next few seasons.
As the highlights stack up, fans walked away with reasons to believe in both players’ futures. Dybantsa looks like a player who will influence games with his combination of size, speed, and playmaking, while Peterson’s growth against pressure signals he will continue to refine his decision-making and efficiency. For now, the show delivered what it promised—a glimpse at the potential of two highly touted talents and a few concrete indicators of the paths they might take toward NBA stardom.