Fantasy Basketball: Players I'm excited to watch at the 2026 Vegas NBA Summer League

· Yahoo Sports

NBA Summer League is underway in Salt Lake City and the California Classic, but the best basketball is still ahead. Rookies are already making noise, setting the stage for even bigger moments in Vegas. Several second-year players also have a chance to show real growth and earn more minutes β€” key for their fantasy basketball prospects. This is the perfect window to watch for breakout performances that could translate to larger NBA roles.

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Note: Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, VJ Edgecombe, Dylan Harper, Derik Queen and Collin Murray-Boyles aren't listed β€” they're already established. Everyone below has a path to becoming a fantasy asset.

Darryn Peterson, G β€” Utah Jazz

Peterson's been on fire in Salt Lake. So much so that I'm worried he'll be put on ice after Thursday's clash with AJ Dybantsa and the Wizards. Through two summer league games, Peterson looks every bit like a future star, averaging 26.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.0 blocks, 3.5 3s with 53/44/83 shooting splits in just 27.6 minutes. He dropped 25 points and 12 dimes on the Grizzlies on Monday.

That playmaking while looking so smooth and effortless β€” operating on the ball or off β€” is what's making him look special. It's not an overreaction to say he's already fantasy-relevant and could push to be the best rookie in the 2026 class. Β 

AJ Dybantsa, G/F β€” Washington Wizards

The No. 1 pick faces early pressure after Peterson and Cameron Boozer's strong starts, but that's exactly what you want for top prospects. Washington took Dybantsa first overall for a reason β€” his athleticism, shot-making and rebounding will factor into his fantasy appeal. It's the playmaking and defense where I want to see more activity. No better way to kick off Vegas than seeing him vs. Peterson.

Cameron Boozer, F β€” Memphis Grizzlies

Boozer has impressed early, averaging 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.5 3s on 65% shooting. His poise and decision-making with a 20% usage rate stand out, showing he can impact games without forcing the issue.

His feel and secondary playmaking should earn him real minutes from Day 1. Friday's matchup with former ACC rival Caleb Wilson is a must-watch for fantasy purposes. He's rising up my draft board, but don't expect much from him defensively.

Caleb Wilson, F/C β€” Chicago Bulls

Wilson was my favorite prospect in the class. I might have to pivot to Peterson given how seasoned he's looked, although Wilson hasn't played yet. Wilson is slated to start at PF for the Bulls, so seeing him be one of the focal points of their summer league team is significant for his fantasy outlook. I think he'll be an asset off the rip, providing fantasy managers with a mix of scoring, rebounding and blocks.

Darius Acuff Jr., PG β€” Sacramento Kings

The Kings handed Acuff the keys in the California Classic, letting him fire up 24 shots a game β€” something we won't see in the regular season. He's shooting 33% from the field, but he won't have to shoulder that kind of scoring load as the starting point guard.

The rest of the summer league is all about seeing him create for others and adjust to the NBA pace and style of play. Acuff being given point guard duties is a big boost to his fantasy value β€” now we'll see if he can contribute across the board beyond points and 3s.

Keaton Wagler, G β€” LA Clippers

Wagler has a real shot to start at shooting guard for the Clippers, especially with Bennedict Mathurin still unsigned. While Wagler lacks elite athleticism, his size, shooting and basketball IQ stand out. With the Clippers in post-Kawhi rebuild mode, Wagler could get a real opportunity to contribute in redraft leagues in Year 1.

A couple of opening games against the Jazz and Kings will be a good test to see where he's at. I'll also be keeping an eye on Kobe Sanders, as he could push for valuable rotational minutes with a strong showing in Vegas.

Mikel Brown Jr., PG β€” Brooklyn Nets

Brown looked as advertised in limited action in Sacramento. Great court vision, a natural scorer with an innate flow to the game, but we've only seen a small sample with him playing 19 minutes in the California Classic. Fantasy managers will want to take a longer look at Vegas, especially given his potential top-five dynasty value.

Watching him alongside Egor DΡ‘min and Drake Powell will be key to seeing how his playmaking meshes with Brooklyn's future pieces.

Labaron Philon Jr., PG β€” Philadelphia 76ers

Philon fell to Pick 22 in a guard-heavy draft, landing as a change-of-pace ball-handler behind Tyrese Maxey and Edgecombe. The Sixers signing Anfernee Simons slightly dampened the ceiling, but the Sixers bench is looking kind of weak on scoring and shot creation, exactly where Philon thrives.

He could be one of the steals of the draft over time, but right now, I'm watching for dynasty stock.

Morez Johnson Jr., F β€” Dallas Mavericks

Reuniting with his college coach Dusty May boosts Johnson's fantasy outlook. He's unlikely to start over PJ Washington, but his switchable defense and relentless motor should earn him minutes.

With May's trust and Dallas resting Flagg and Kyrie Irving, I'm interested in seeing how Johnson impacts the game in transition and on defense.

Cedric Coward, G/F β€” Memphis Grizzlies

Coward likely won't play more than two games in Vegas after his All-Rookie First Team season. Still, I want to see him score efficiently and rack up stocksβ€”he needs to look simply too good for summer league..

Ace Bailey, G β€” Utah Jazz

I don't expect Bailey to play all of Vegas, but seeing him alongside Peterson is important. While Bailey is unlikely to start for the Jazz next season without an injury, this is a key chance to show growth as a ball-handler and willingness to create for others. He can score, but needs to expand his game to be a serious redraft consideration.

Will Riley (F) and Tre Johnson (G/F) β€” Washington Wizards

Riley was a fantasy winner late last season after a spike in minutes and production when the Wizards mailed it in. He's back for summer league, which means he should be one of the top options offensively. Along with Riley, Johnson should also be one of their top scorers. Washington's backcourt is more crowded now with Trae Young, but Johnson’s shooting gravity should keep him in the mix as one of their top reserves this upcoming season.

Khaman Maluach, C β€” Phoenix Suns

I'm not sold on Mark Williams' durability, which is why the Suns used a first-round pick on the former Duke center. I want to see growth in his rim protection and interior game. If Williams misses time, a strong Summer League showing could prove he's ready for a bigger role than last season.

Dylan Cardwell, C β€” Sacramento Kings

Cardwell has shown flashes as an active rebounder and reliable finisher around the rim. While Domantas Sabonis remains with the team for now, any trade or missed time could elevate Cardwell into an intriguing spot for fantasy. His energy and knack for cleaning the glass make him a name to watch, especially if the rotation shifts. He's averaging a double-double with 6 stocks (!) through two California Classic games.

Joan Beringer, F β€” Minnesota Timberwolves

The β€˜Wolves overhauled their frontcourt, moving on from Julius Randle and Naz Reid, with Rudy Gobert still anchoring the middle. That puts Beringer as the next man up. Any signs of growth as an interior force on both ends during Summer League would be encouraging for fantasy managers.

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