The NBA Summer League in Las Vegas showcased the next wave of talent, with the top four draft picks living up to expectations, a Warriors gem emerging, and a Cavaliers steal surprising the league.
Top Four Picks Live Up to Hype
AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 pick by the Washington Wizards, impressed in his debut, outplaying No. 2 Darryn Peterson. Dybantsa displayed crafty athleticism, while Peterson showed shot creation skills. Cameron Boozer, the third pick, led his team to the Summer League Final with smart, mature play. Caleb Wilson, drafted fourth by the Chicago Bulls, scored 35 points with seven threes in his Vegas debut, showcasing franchise-cornerstone potential.
Yaxel Lendeborg: A Warriors Gem
Yaxel Lendeborg, drafted 11th by the Golden State Warriors, won Summer League Finals MVP after leading the Warriors to the title. At 6-9 with a 7-4 wingspan, he combines size, skill, and basketball IQ. Despite being 23, his maturity is an asset for the win-now Warriors. He told ESPN of the Grizzlies' blown lead: "Man, their butts got tight. They puckered up, you know what I mean? Some of us are built for the moment and some aren't."
Lakers Find In-House Wing Solutions
The Los Angeles Lakers, after an aggressive summer, may have rotation-caliber wings in Cameron Carr (drafted 24th), Adou Thiero, and Arthur Kaluma. Kaluma scored 34 points against the Mavericks, emerging as a 3-and-D option. The Lakers went 4-1 in Vegas, losing only to the Warriors in the semifinals.
Bucks Reset Off to Good Start
After trading Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat, the Milwaukee Bucks selected guard Brayden Burries 10th overall. Burries averaged 23.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in Vegas, hitting a game-winner in his final game. He looks like a potential standout in the mid-lottery guard class.
Meleek Thomas: Steal of the Draft for Cavaliers
Meleek Thomas, a guard from Arkansas drafted 34th by the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaged over 27 points at 50% shooting in Vegas. Despite potential rotation challenges with Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, Thomas was often the best player on the floor, showing confidence against higher-drafted peers. The Cavs may have found a gem in the second round.
