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Austria vs. Algeria is a World Cup grudge match 34 years in the making Austria vs. Algeria isn’t exactly the kind of match that soccer fans have circled on their calendar when it comes to the World Cup. Set to take place at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday night, it’s not exactly a match brimming with star players, potential Golden Boot winners, or elite club talent — but it’s rich in historical hatred. That has transformed a relatively ho-hum Group Stage match into must-watch television when it comes to drama.As it stands, both teams are tied with three points in Group J after beating Jordan and losing to Argentina. The only thing keeping Austria ahead is their 0 goal differential, to Algeria’s -2. This makes the math pretty darn easy for Saturday night: If Algeria wins, they’re through to the knockout round, if Austria either wins or ties, then they’re through. The drama comes from a similar scenario that happened in 1982 when Austria and Algeria shared a group, and an incident that’s so infamous it has its own title in three different languages, translating as: “The Disgrace of Gijón,” “The Shame of Gijón,” and “The Match of Shame.”The 1982 World Cup in Spain was the first cup Algeria ever qualified for. Little was expected out of the debuting nation, especially when it was announced they would share Group 2 with Austria, Chile, and powerhouse West Germany. Written off by everyone outside of Algiers, things took a dramatic turn in the opening game when Algeria stunned West Germany in one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. The 2-1 win was so unimaginable that it was compared to South Korea’s win over Italy at the 1966 World Cup for the greatest upset of all time.It immediately made Algeria stand out, and it seemed plausible they might actually be able to put up a fight. The team lost 2-0 to Austria in their second game, but fought back to beat Chile 3-2. At the time a win was worth two points and a draw was one, which left Algeria second in the standings behind Austria with one game to play. They would need to wait to see what happened between West Germany and Austria to decide their fate.We don’t need to hundreds of years of world history to understand the relationship with Austria and Germany outside of the fact they were allies for generations, and the two German-speaking nations faced off in the final match of the group. The group had four possible outcomes depending on what happened.Austria wins, meaning that Austria and Algeria advanceAustria and Germany tie, meaning that Austria and Algeria advanceWest Germany wins by fewer than three goals, meaning Austria and West Germany advanceWest Germany wins by four goals or greater, meaning West Germany and Algeria advanceThere was one scenario, No. 3, that would cause both nations to guarantee they would advance. West Germany had to win the game, but not beat Austria so badly that it took their goal differential below Algeria. The Disgrace of Gijón was on.It’s unclear when the teams made a non-aggression pact, but it was clear from the kickoff that this wasn’t going to be a normal game. West Germany scored within the first 10 minutes with relative ease, then the game ground to a halt. For 80 minutes, the sides passed the ball inside their own half — often kicking back to the keeper who would then deliver a long ball into the other side of the field, at which point the other team would just pointlessly pass the ball around. If anyone found themselves close to a scoring opportunity they would wildly shoot the ball off target, just to preserve the 1-0 score until the final whistle.There was so much disgust from everyone observing that there were in-game protests. Booing rang out through the stadium as fans realized what Austria and West Germany were doing, while German radio announcer Eberhard Stanjek refused to commentate the game any longer. It was similarly decried in Austria, where TV announcer Robert Seeger told viewers to turn off the game.After 90 minutes it was over. West Germany won 1-0, meaning they would go through to the knockout round with Austria. Algeria was left holding the bag, being eliminated by goal differential. Algeria appealed to FIFA, but the governing body said that neither team had broken the rules — even if they had gone against the spirit of the game.This brings us to Saturday night. 34 years of anger over “The Disgrace of Gijón” has a chance to be rectified with vengeance. If Algeria beats Austria, they will advance and eliminate the team that screwed them over in 1982. Sure, the players on both teams might not remember — but Algerians do, and this would be a small measure of justice. That mans the game on Saturday night means much, much more than a simple Group Stage game, it’s for national pride. #Austria #Algeria #World #Cup #grudge #match #years #making

Austria vs. Algeria is a World Cup grudge match 34 years in the making

Austria vs. Algeria isn’t exactly the kind of match that soccer fans have circled on their calendar when it comes to the World Cup. Set to take place at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday night, it’s not exactly a match brimming with star players, potential Golden Boot winners, or elite club talent — but it’s rich in historical hatred. That has transformed a relatively ho-hum Group Stage match into must-watch television when it comes to drama.

As it stands, both teams are tied with three points in Group J after beating Jordan and losing to Argentina. The only thing keeping Austria ahead is their 0 goal differential, to Algeria’s -2. This makes the math pretty darn easy for Saturday night: If Algeria wins, they’re through to the knockout round, if Austria either wins or ties, then they’re through. The drama comes from a similar scenario that happened in 1982 when Austria and Algeria shared a group, and an incident that’s so infamous it has its own title in three different languages, translating as: “The Disgrace of Gijón,” “The Shame of Gijón,” and “The Match of Shame.”

The 1982 World Cup in Spain was the first cup Algeria ever qualified for. Little was expected out of the debuting nation, especially when it was announced they would share Group 2 with Austria, Chile, and powerhouse West Germany. Written off by everyone outside of Algiers, things took a dramatic turn in the opening game when Algeria stunned West Germany in one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. The 2-1 win was so unimaginable that it was compared to South Korea’s win over Italy at the 1966 World Cup for the greatest upset of all time.

It immediately made Algeria stand out, and it seemed plausible they might actually be able to put up a fight. The team lost 2-0 to Austria in their second game, but fought back to beat Chile 3-2. At the time a win was worth two points and a draw was one, which left Algeria second in the standings behind Austria with one game to play. They would need to wait to see what happened between West Germany and Austria to decide their fate.

We don’t need to hundreds of years of world history to understand the relationship with Austria and Germany outside of the fact they were allies for generations, and the two German-speaking nations faced off in the final match of the group. The group had four possible outcomes depending on what happened.

  1. Austria wins, meaning that Austria and Algeria advance
  2. Austria and Germany tie, meaning that Austria and Algeria advance
  3. West Germany wins by fewer than three goals, meaning Austria and West Germany advance
  4. West Germany wins by four goals or greater, meaning West Germany and Algeria advance

There was one scenario, No. 3, that would cause both nations to guarantee they would advance. West Germany had to win the game, but not beat Austria so badly that it took their goal differential below Algeria. The Disgrace of Gijón was on.

It’s unclear when the teams made a non-aggression pact, but it was clear from the kickoff that this wasn’t going to be a normal game. West Germany scored within the first 10 minutes with relative ease, then the game ground to a halt. For 80 minutes, the sides passed the ball inside their own half — often kicking back to the keeper who would then deliver a long ball into the other side of the field, at which point the other team would just pointlessly pass the ball around. If anyone found themselves close to a scoring opportunity they would wildly shoot the ball off target, just to preserve the 1-0 score until the final whistle.

There was so much disgust from everyone observing that there were in-game protests. Booing rang out through the stadium as fans realized what Austria and West Germany were doing, while German radio announcer Eberhard Stanjek refused to commentate the game any longer. It was similarly decried in Austria, where TV announcer Robert Seeger told viewers to turn off the game.

After 90 minutes it was over. West Germany won 1-0, meaning they would go through to the knockout round with Austria. Algeria was left holding the bag, being eliminated by goal differential. Algeria appealed to FIFA, but the governing body said that neither team had broken the rules — even if they had gone against the spirit of the game.

This brings us to Saturday night. 34 years of anger over “The Disgrace of Gijón” has a chance to be rectified with vengeance. If Algeria beats Austria, they will advance and eliminate the team that screwed them over in 1982. Sure, the players on both teams might not remember — but Algerians do, and this would be a small measure of justice. That mans the game on Saturday night means much, much more than a simple Group Stage game, it’s for national pride.

#Austria #Algeria #World #Cup #grudge #match #years #making

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Austria vs. Algeria isn’t exactly the kind of match that soccer fans have circled on their calendar when it comes to the World Cup. Set to take place at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday night, it’s not exactly a match brimming with star players, potential Golden Boot winners, or elite club talent — but it’s rich in historical hatred. That has transformed a relatively ho-hum Group Stage match into must-watch television when it comes to drama.

As it stands, both teams are tied with three points in Group J after beating Jordan and losing to Argentina. The only thing keeping Austria ahead is their 0 goal differential, to Algeria’s -2. This makes the math pretty darn easy for Saturday night: If Algeria wins, they’re through to the knockout round, if Austria either wins or ties, then they’re through. The drama comes from a similar scenario that happened in 1982 when Austria and Algeria shared a group, and an incident that’s so infamous it has its own title in three different languages, translating as: “The Disgrace of Gijón,” “The Shame of Gijón,” and “The Match of Shame.”

The 1982 World Cup in Spain was the first cup Algeria ever qualified for. Little was expected out of the debuting nation, especially when it was announced they would share Group 2 with Austria, Chile, and powerhouse West Germany. Written off by everyone outside of Algiers, things took a dramatic turn in the opening game when Algeria stunned West Germany in one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. The 2-1 win was so unimaginable that it was compared to South Korea’s win over Italy at the 1966 World Cup for the greatest upset of all time.

It immediately made Algeria stand out, and it seemed plausible they might actually be able to put up a fight. The team lost 2-0 to Austria in their second game, but fought back to beat Chile 3-2. At the time a win was worth two points and a draw was one, which left Algeria second in the standings behind Austria with one game to play. They would need to wait to see what happened between West Germany and Austria to decide their fate.

We don’t need to hundreds of years of world history to understand the relationship with Austria and Germany outside of the fact they were allies for generations, and the two German-speaking nations faced off in the final match of the group. The group had four possible outcomes depending on what happened.

  1. Austria wins, meaning that Austria and Algeria advance
  2. Austria and Germany tie, meaning that Austria and Algeria advance
  3. West Germany wins by fewer than three goals, meaning Austria and West Germany advance
  4. West Germany wins by four goals or greater, meaning West Germany and Algeria advance

There was one scenario, No. 3, that would cause both nations to guarantee they would advance. West Germany had to win the game, but not beat Austria so badly that it took their goal differential below Algeria. The Disgrace of Gijón was on.

It’s unclear when the teams made a non-aggression pact, but it was clear from the kickoff that this wasn’t going to be a normal game. West Germany scored within the first 10 minutes with relative ease, then the game ground to a halt. For 80 minutes, the sides passed the ball inside their own half — often kicking back to the keeper who would then deliver a long ball into the other side of the field, at which point the other team would just pointlessly pass the ball around. If anyone found themselves close to a scoring opportunity they would wildly shoot the ball off target, just to preserve the 1-0 score until the final whistle.

There was so much disgust from everyone observing that there were in-game protests. Booing rang out through the stadium as fans realized what Austria and West Germany were doing, while German radio announcer Eberhard Stanjek refused to commentate the game any longer. It was similarly decried in Austria, where TV announcer Robert Seeger told viewers to turn off the game.

After 90 minutes it was over. West Germany won 1-0, meaning they would go through to the knockout round with Austria. Algeria was left holding the bag, being eliminated by goal differential. Algeria appealed to FIFA, but the governing body said that neither team had broken the rules — even if they had gone against the spirit of the game.

This brings us to Saturday night. 34 years of anger over “The Disgrace of Gijón” has a chance to be rectified with vengeance. If Algeria beats Austria, they will advance and eliminate the team that screwed them over in 1982. Sure, the players on both teams might not remember — but Algerians do, and this would be a small measure of justice. That mans the game on Saturday night means much, much more than a simple Group Stage game, it’s for national pride.

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NBA Summer League is never going to make or break the career of an incoming rookie. A year ago, Cooper Flagg shot 5-of-21 from the floor in his Las Vegas debut, and failed to make my annual list of the most impressive rookies in summer league. It’s important to tell yourself not to overreact to everything you see.

The good news for this year’s rookie class is that most of the top picks absolutely delivered on the hype. AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson each had flashes of brilliance that showed why the 2026 draft class was so highly regarded. Read my story on six rookies who looked underwhelming in summer league this year, but remember there’s plenty of time for them to turn things around. Jalen Brunson wasn’t very good in summer league, either.

Check out my list of the young veterans already proving to be too good for summer league this year. Now, let’s rank the most impressive rookies in Las Vegas. Apologies to Koa Peat, Labaron Philon, Cam Carr, Chris Cenac, Mikel Brown Jr., Henri Veesar, and Jack Kayil, who were all really good in their own right, but these 11 players stuck out.

11. Hannes Steinbach, F, Charlotte Hornets

Steinbach finally moved into the Hornets’ starting lineup for their fourth summer league game, and immediately showed all the things that made him special. He’s such an effective finisher (67.9% true shooting) in part because he catches everything thrown his way, and can often play through contact on his way to the basket. Steinbach’s elite hands also make him the best rebounder in this draft class, and at this point it’s possible he could be one of the best offensive rebounders in the league as a rookie after posting a comical 18.15% o-board rate in Las Vegas. His defense and three-point shooting remain a work in progress, but Steinbach is great at what he’s good at, and that should give him a foundation for success as he continues to work on his skill set over the years.

10. Bruce Thornton, G, Houston Rockets

Summer league was never going to be a big challenge for an elite college veteran like Thornton, and indeed he looked comfortable and confident from the moment he hit the floor in Vegas. Thornton has a big body for a shorter point guard, and he throws around his weight to open up offensive opportunities for himself and his teammates. He’s become a really good high-volume three-point shooter over the years, and in summer league he made 43 percent from deep on seven attempts per game. He also posted a 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio, which is par for the course after a college career where he rarely coughed it up. There will be questions about his defense when it’s time for the real season, but Thornton has so much command over the offense and his own scoring ability that he feels like an obvious bet to be the next second-round draft hit.

9. Morez Johnson, F, Dallas Mavericks

Johnson is an absolute hoss as a 250+ pound forward with a 7’3.5 wingspan, and he’s a truly ridiculous athlete for someone with that size. The Mavs’ No. 9 overall pick hit the ground running in Vegas by doing what he does best: finishing efficiently inside, cleaning the defensive glass, and showing a rare combination of quickness and power on defense to give him premium matchup versatility. Johnson still scored a lot of his points on dump-offs and putbacks in Las Vegas, but there were also flashes of freight train drives to the hoop and short mid-range shotmaking that weren’t as prevalent on the college tape. His 69.1% true shooting in two games is about as good as it gets. Johnson’s simple-yet-effective offense set is complemented by a more wide-ranging defensive skill set, where he can protect the rim on the backline or switch onto quicker wings or guards and stick with them for a few seconds on the perimeter. He’s going to be an enforcer next to Cooper Flagg in Dallas from day one, and if his handle and shooting keeps developing, he has the potential to be a lot more than that.

8. Allen Graves, F, Toronto Raptors

Anyone who thought the sixth man from Santa Clara whose draft candidacy was spawned by some young online nerds was going to crash and fail in the league sure looks like they’re going to be proven wrong. Graves did his thing with disruptive defense, impressive rebounding, and a sweet three-point stroke. It seems like Graves couldn’t show the full extent of his offensive game in college, because in Las Vegas he was handling the ball on drives and initiating the pick-and-roll with a level of effectiveness that wasn’t on the Santa Clara tape. Meanwhile, Graves continues to be a monster at forcing takeaways with great hands and an elite nose for the ball. His defense is so aggressive that it’s almost easy to overlook that he shoots such an easy ball from three-point range, knocking down 44% from deep in 16 attempts. I’m already worried I had Graves too low on my board at No. 19, which is exactly where the Raptors picked him. He looks like a steal. Toronto should be feeling really good about this one so far.

7. Yaxel Lendeborg, F, Golden State Warriors

Lendeborg should have been really good in summer league considering he’s already almost 24 years old, an age when most players have graduated out of this setting. Still, it was encouraging to see the former Michigan star dominate in all the ways we’ve come to expect, showing bully-ball drives, sharp connective passing, stout defense, and a sweet three-point stroke. The shooting is the headliner from Lendeborg’s five games in summer league: he hit 56.5% of his threes on the way to immaculate 68% true shooting. He also bumped Cameron Boozer to hell on one drive to the rim, and showed his ability to play through contact on both ends. I like his defensive rebounding and his ball movement, but there were some instances where his lack of agility in the middle of the floor hurt his two-point scoring efficiency. I had Yaxel at No. 5 on my board entering the draft, and he seems like he’s going to be a perfect fit in Golden State, especially if the threes keep dropping. .

6. Darryn Peterson, G, Utah Jazz

Peterson gets off his shot so easily. The No. 2 overall pick glides into stepback jumpers, turns the corner on drives to the rim, and sprints off screens to knock down threes so effortlessly that he just looks like an NBA All-Star. Peterson had some spectacular moments with a driving poster dunk against the Clippers, and some flashes of the defensive playmaking that separates him from other elite offensive guards, but he also still has some fat to trim in his game. Peterson made some puzzling decisions with the ball whether he was settling for floaters or giving it away to the defense. He doesn’t really look like a true point guard (he finished with 26 assists to 24 turnovers through five summer league games), but that should be no big deal for a Jazz team that already has Keyonte George in the backcourt. His skill set still needs some fine-tuning, but Peterson’s talent jumps off the screen, and best of all, he wasn’t slowed down by any of the weird cramping issues that plagued him in college. He’s going to be a highly productive rookie, and a major contributor to what should be a pretty good Utah team this season.

5. Meleek Thomas, G, Cleveland Cavaliers

The long history of John Calipari guards being better in the NBA than in college might have another addition with Meleek Thomas. Thomas had a solid freshman year at Arkansas, but still slipped to the No. 34 overall pick because of concerns about his frame and defensive projection. The sell was always his bucket-getting, and he basically looked unstoppable in his three games in Las Vegas. Thomas scored 85 points in 90 minutes on excellent 65.7% true shooting through three games in summer league, slicing and dicing through opposing defenses at will and splashing shots all over the court. He hit 45.8% of his threes, all of his free throws, and had no problem breaking free from the ball pressure that frustrated other guards. Thomas avoided tunnel vision despite the incredible scoring numbers, and did a good job finding teammates while avoiding mistakes with 13 assists to five turnovers. With elite quickness, a money jumper, and a pretty good feel for the game, Thomas already looks like a second round steal, and someone who should make Cavs fans very excited for his future.

4. AJ Dybantsa, F, Washington Wizards

Dybantsa’s elite slashing and tough shot-making were fully on display in his two-game run in Las Vegas. The No. 1 overall pick is an absolute giant for a wing, but unlike most players his size, he already has the ball on a string. Dybantsa can turn the corner on most defenders, but when he’s shut off, he has plenty of counters to continue probing the defense until he can break free. Dybantsa’s mid-range heavy shot-selection is already drawing some consternation, but it’s hard to get too upset when he still posted blistering 63.8% true shooting despite shooting 1-of-11 from three-point range. That’s just what Dybantsa provides, relentless attacking that will keep hammering holes in the defense until he finally makes a crack. With the caveat that it’s only summer league, Dybantsa’s defense also looked much better than it did at BYU with a 26.6% defensive rebound rate, 5% steal rate, and 5.4% block rate. He’s going to need to be able to play off the ball a little bit more next to Trae Young during the regular season, but for now Dybantsa showed the special skills that made him the first pick in a loaded draft.

3. Caleb Wilson, F, Chicago Bulls

Caleb Wilson answered his biggest question on his very first shot in Las Vegas. Wilson took a pitch from teammate Noa Essengue, drew a switch from the defense, and took one dribble before splashing a three-pointer from the top of the key. Wilson didn’t shoot much in college, which makes sense for a player who used his best-in-class explosiveness to crush 67 dunks in just 24 games. The tape was filled with tough shot-making from mid-range, but those jump shots rarely extended behind the arc. In his summer league debut, Wilson drained seven three-pointers — the same number he made all season at North Carolina. Wilson had five months off since suffering a season-ending broken thumb in his right hand, and he clearly made the most of his time by reportedly getting up 2,000 threes per day. It takes most top prospects years to address the biggest holes in their scouting report, if they ever do it at all. Wilson already proved he’s going to shoot threes as a rookie, and that’s a great sign for his long-term development as a shooter. Read my feature on Wilson’s quest for greatness here.

A study by Owen Phillips showed that three-point rate (percentage of field goal attempts from three) is the “stickiest” stat of summer league — the one that carries over the best to the regular season. Well, Wilson moved his three-point rate from 9.1% at UNC to 47.1% for the Summer Bulls. It feels like a thrilling development for Wilson because so many other aspects of his game are already so strong. Wilson’s defensive playmaking is outstanding, and he amassed an 8.5% block rate in Vegas with a number of impressive stuffs, including a chasedown block for the ages. He hit the offensive glass at a higher rate than Cam Boozer (9.1% offensive rebound rate), and finished well when he was set up by his teammates. His poster thrunk against the Jazz was one of the most athletic plays you will ever see. There were still two big negatives for Wilson: his terrible free throw stroke (6-of-18 from the line) and his bad turnover habit, with his giveaways (21) easily outpacing his assists (7). The assist-to-turnover ratio was a positive on his college stat sheet, but that was mostly on stationary reads, and not live dribbles. Wilson was already a great prospect, but after watching him in Las Vegas, it seems possible he’s leveling up at a terrifying rate.

2. Cameron Boozer, F, Memphis Grizzlies

Cameron Boozer’s game has always been defined by steady production that won’t knock your socks off until his team wins and he finishes with monstrous box score numbers. Boozer did it again in this setting despite being one of the youngest players at summer league in his last few days as an 18-year-old. His scoring efficiency was remarkable by shooting 53.7% on two-pointers, 45% on three-pointers, and 80% on free throws for 65.8% true shooting. He continued to clean the defensive glass (18.7% defensive rebound rate), and he looked pretty quick laterally on that end even if he’s not offering much rim protection. Boozer looked a bit thinner in Vegas compared to the bulkier frame he carried at Duke, and it feels like he’s still learning how to use it. He’s not the most nimble player in the middle of the floor, but it doesn’t really matter because his passing vision is excellent and he almost always makes the right decision on time. Boozer’s top-4 contemporaries had flashier highlights, but his team impact was as great as any player in Vegas. I had Boozer as the top player in the 2026 draft in his own tier, and I think summer league only strengthened that argument.

1. Brayden Burries, G, Milwaukee Bucks

Burries’ upside was up for debate as he entered the 2026 NBA Draft, but he looked like an elite connective piece on both ends of the floor during his run in Las Vegas. He shot the hell out of the ball by hitting 44% of his threes, he hit the glass hard and forced takeaways on defense, and made smart decisions every time the ball touched his hands. Burries’ floor spacing and quick trigger from three helps fill in the gaps in the halfcourt in any lineup, but he also showed an ability to use his scoring to find open passing windows to teammates (12 assists) while suppressing turnovers (only one in three games in Vegas). Burries would be a valuable player even if he was just average defensively, but he looks better than that. His 4.2% steal rate and 3.7% block rate in Vegas are excellent numbers for a guard, and the fact that he’s such a good transition player once he yanks the ball away only makes him more effective. I only had Burries at No. 16 on my final board, so he exceeded my expectations more than any player in Las Vegas. The Bucks don’t have to try to shoehorn him into being a lead creator with Ryan Rollins and Tyler Herro on the roster; instead, he can be the ultimate backcourt sidekick who allows everyone else to be the best version of themselves while maximizing his own efficiency.

#NBAs #rookies #Las #Vegas #Summer #League #ranked">NBA’s 11 best rookies in Las Vegas Summer League, ranked NBA Summer League is never going to make or break the career of an incoming rookie. A year ago, Cooper Flagg shot 5-of-21 from the floor in his Las Vegas debut, and failed to make my annual list of the most impressive rookies in summer league. It’s important to tell yourself not to overreact to everything you see.The good news for this year’s rookie class is that most of the top picks absolutely delivered on the hype. AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson each had flashes of brilliance that showed why the 2026 draft class was so highly regarded. Read my story on six rookies who looked underwhelming in summer league this year, but remember there’s plenty of time for them to turn things around. Jalen Brunson wasn’t very good in summer league, either.Check out my list of the young veterans already proving to be too good for summer league this year. Now, let’s rank the most impressive rookies in Las Vegas. Apologies to Koa Peat, Labaron Philon, Cam Carr, Chris Cenac, Mikel Brown Jr., Henri Veesar, and Jack Kayil, who were all really good in their own right, but these 11 players stuck out.11. Hannes Steinbach, F, Charlotte HornetsSteinbach finally moved into the Hornets’ starting lineup for their fourth summer league game, and immediately showed all the things that made him special. He’s such an effective finisher (67.9% true shooting) in part because he catches everything thrown his way, and can often play through contact on his way to the basket. Steinbach’s elite hands also make him the best rebounder in this draft class, and at this point it’s possible he could be one of the best offensive rebounders in the league as a rookie after posting a comical 18.15% o-board rate in Las Vegas. His defense and three-point shooting remain a work in progress, but Steinbach is great at what he’s good at, and that should give him a foundation for success as he continues to work on his skill set over the years.10. Bruce Thornton, G, Houston RocketsSummer league was never going to be a big challenge for an elite college veteran like Thornton, and indeed he looked comfortable and confident from the moment he hit the floor in Vegas. Thornton has a big body for a shorter point guard, and he throws around his weight to open up offensive opportunities for himself and his teammates. He’s become a really good high-volume three-point shooter over the years, and in summer league he made 43 percent from deep on seven attempts per game. He also posted a 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio, which is par for the course after a college career where he rarely coughed it up. There will be questions about his defense when it’s time for the real season, but Thornton has so much command over the offense and his own scoring ability that he feels like an obvious bet to be the next second-round draft hit.9. Morez Johnson, F, Dallas MavericksJohnson is an absolute hoss as a 250+ pound forward with a 7’3.5 wingspan, and he’s a truly ridiculous athlete for someone with that size. The Mavs’ No. 9 overall pick hit the ground running in Vegas by doing what he does best: finishing efficiently inside, cleaning the defensive glass, and showing a rare combination of quickness and power on defense to give him premium matchup versatility. Johnson still scored a lot of his points on dump-offs and putbacks in Las Vegas, but there were also flashes of freight train drives to the hoop and short mid-range shotmaking that weren’t as prevalent on the college tape. His 69.1% true shooting in two games is about as good as it gets. Johnson’s simple-yet-effective offense set is complemented by a more wide-ranging defensive skill set, where he can protect the rim on the backline or switch onto quicker wings or guards and stick with them for a few seconds on the perimeter. He’s going to be an enforcer next to Cooper Flagg in Dallas from day one, and if his handle and shooting keeps developing, he has the potential to be a lot more than that.8. Allen Graves, F, Toronto RaptorsAnyone who thought the sixth man from Santa Clara whose draft candidacy was spawned by some young online nerds was going to crash and fail in the league sure looks like they’re going to be proven wrong. Graves did his thing with disruptive defense, impressive rebounding, and a sweet three-point stroke. It seems like Graves couldn’t show the full extent of his offensive game in college, because in Las Vegas he was handling the ball on drives and initiating the pick-and-roll with a level of effectiveness that wasn’t on the Santa Clara tape. Meanwhile, Graves continues to be a monster at forcing takeaways with great hands and an elite nose for the ball. His defense is so aggressive that it’s almost easy to overlook that he shoots such an easy ball from three-point range, knocking down 44% from deep in 16 attempts. I’m already worried I had Graves too low on my board at No. 19, which is exactly where the Raptors picked him. He looks like a steal. Toronto should be feeling really good about this one so far.7. Yaxel Lendeborg, F, Golden State WarriorsLendeborg should have been really good in summer league considering he’s already almost 24 years old, an age when most players have graduated out of this setting. Still, it was encouraging to see the former Michigan star dominate in all the ways we’ve come to expect, showing bully-ball drives, sharp connective passing, stout defense, and a sweet three-point stroke. The shooting is the headliner from Lendeborg’s five games in summer league: he hit 56.5% of his threes on the way to immaculate 68% true shooting. He also bumped Cameron Boozer to hell on one drive to the rim, and showed his ability to play through contact on both ends. I like his defensive rebounding and his ball movement, but there were some instances where his lack of agility in the middle of the floor hurt his two-point scoring efficiency. I had Yaxel at No. 5 on my board entering the draft, and he seems like he’s going to be a perfect fit in Golden State, especially if the threes keep dropping. .6. Darryn Peterson, G, Utah JazzPeterson gets off his shot so easily. The No. 2 overall pick glides into stepback jumpers, turns the corner on drives to the rim, and sprints off screens to knock down threes so effortlessly that he just looks like an NBA All-Star. Peterson had some spectacular moments with a driving poster dunk against the Clippers, and some flashes of the defensive playmaking that separates him from other elite offensive guards, but he also still has some fat to trim in his game. Peterson made some puzzling decisions with the ball whether he was settling for floaters or giving it away to the defense. He doesn’t really look like a true point guard (he finished with 26 assists to 24 turnovers through five summer league games), but that should be no big deal for a Jazz team that already has Keyonte George in the backcourt. His skill set still needs some fine-tuning, but Peterson’s talent jumps off the screen, and best of all, he wasn’t slowed down by any of the weird cramping issues that plagued him in college. He’s going to be a highly productive rookie, and a major contributor to what should be a pretty good Utah team this season.5. Meleek Thomas, G, Cleveland CavaliersThe long history of John Calipari guards being better in the NBA than in college might have another addition with Meleek Thomas. Thomas had a solid freshman year at Arkansas, but still slipped to the No. 34 overall pick because of concerns about his frame and defensive projection. The sell was always his bucket-getting, and he basically looked unstoppable in his three games in Las Vegas. Thomas scored 85 points in 90 minutes on excellent 65.7% true shooting through three games in summer league, slicing and dicing through opposing defenses at will and splashing shots all over the court. He hit 45.8% of his threes, all of his free throws, and had no problem breaking free from the ball pressure that frustrated other guards. Thomas avoided tunnel vision despite the incredible scoring numbers, and did a good job finding teammates while avoiding mistakes with 13 assists to five turnovers. With elite quickness, a money jumper, and a pretty good feel for the game, Thomas already looks like a second round steal, and someone who should make Cavs fans very excited for his future.4. AJ Dybantsa, F, Washington WizardsDybantsa’s elite slashing and tough shot-making were fully on display in his two-game run in Las Vegas. The No. 1 overall pick is an absolute giant for a wing, but unlike most players his size, he already has the ball on a string. Dybantsa can turn the corner on most defenders, but when he’s shut off, he has plenty of counters to continue probing the defense until he can break free. Dybantsa’s mid-range heavy shot-selection is already drawing some consternation, but it’s hard to get too upset when he still posted blistering 63.8% true shooting despite shooting 1-of-11 from three-point range. That’s just what Dybantsa provides, relentless attacking that will keep hammering holes in the defense until he finally makes a crack. With the caveat that it’s only summer league, Dybantsa’s defense also looked much better than it did at BYU with a 26.6% defensive rebound rate, 5% steal rate, and 5.4% block rate. He’s going to need to be able to play off the ball a little bit more next to Trae Young during the regular season, but for now Dybantsa showed the special skills that made him the first pick in a loaded draft.3. Caleb Wilson, F, Chicago BullsCaleb Wilson answered his biggest question on his very first shot in Las Vegas. Wilson took a pitch from teammate Noa Essengue, drew a switch from the defense, and took one dribble before splashing a three-pointer from the top of the key. Wilson didn’t shoot much in college, which makes sense for a player who used his best-in-class explosiveness to crush 67 dunks in just 24 games. The tape was filled with tough shot-making from mid-range, but those jump shots rarely extended behind the arc. In his summer league debut, Wilson drained seven three-pointers — the same number he made all season at North Carolina. Wilson had five months off since suffering a season-ending broken thumb in his right hand, and he clearly made the most of his time by reportedly getting up 2,000 threes per day. It takes most top prospects years to address the biggest holes in their scouting report, if they ever do it at all. Wilson already proved he’s going to shoot threes as a rookie, and that’s a great sign for his long-term development as a shooter. Read my feature on Wilson’s quest for greatness here.A study by Owen Phillips showed that three-point rate (percentage of field goal attempts from three) is the “stickiest” stat of summer league — the one that carries over the best to the regular season. Well, Wilson moved his three-point rate from 9.1% at UNC to 47.1% for the Summer Bulls. It feels like a thrilling development for Wilson because so many other aspects of his game are already so strong. Wilson’s defensive playmaking is outstanding, and he amassed an 8.5% block rate in Vegas with a number of impressive stuffs, including a chasedown block for the ages. He hit the offensive glass at a higher rate than Cam Boozer (9.1% offensive rebound rate), and finished well when he was set up by his teammates. His poster thrunk against the Jazz was one of the most athletic plays you will ever see. There were still two big negatives for Wilson: his terrible free throw stroke (6-of-18 from the line) and his bad turnover habit, with his giveaways (21) easily outpacing his assists (7). The assist-to-turnover ratio was a positive on his college stat sheet, but that was mostly on stationary reads, and not live dribbles. Wilson was already a great prospect, but after watching him in Las Vegas, it seems possible he’s leveling up at a terrifying rate.2. Cameron Boozer, F, Memphis GrizzliesCameron Boozer’s game has always been defined by steady production that won’t knock your socks off until his team wins and he finishes with monstrous box score numbers. Boozer did it again in this setting despite being one of the youngest players at summer league in his last few days as an 18-year-old. His scoring efficiency was remarkable by shooting 53.7% on two-pointers, 45% on three-pointers, and 80% on free throws for 65.8% true shooting. He continued to clean the defensive glass (18.7% defensive rebound rate), and he looked pretty quick laterally on that end even if he’s not offering much rim protection. Boozer looked a bit thinner in Vegas compared to the bulkier frame he carried at Duke, and it feels like he’s still learning how to use it. He’s not the most nimble player in the middle of the floor, but it doesn’t really matter because his passing vision is excellent and he almost always makes the right decision on time. Boozer’s top-4 contemporaries had flashier highlights, but his team impact was as great as any player in Vegas. I had Boozer as the top player in the 2026 draft in his own tier, and I think summer league only strengthened that argument.1. Brayden Burries, G, Milwaukee BucksBurries’ upside was up for debate as he entered the 2026 NBA Draft, but he looked like an elite connective piece on both ends of the floor during his run in Las Vegas. He shot the hell out of the ball by hitting 44% of his threes, he hit the glass hard and forced takeaways on defense, and made smart decisions every time the ball touched his hands. Burries’ floor spacing and quick trigger from three helps fill in the gaps in the halfcourt in any lineup, but he also showed an ability to use his scoring to find open passing windows to teammates (12 assists) while suppressing turnovers (only one in three games in Vegas). Burries would be a valuable player even if he was just average defensively, but he looks better than that. His 4.2% steal rate and 3.7% block rate in Vegas are excellent numbers for a guard, and the fact that he’s such a good transition player once he yanks the ball away only makes him more effective. I only had Burries at No. 16 on my final board, so he exceeded my expectations more than any player in Las Vegas. The Bucks don’t have to try to shoehorn him into being a lead creator with Ryan Rollins and Tyler Herro on the roster; instead, he can be the ultimate backcourt sidekick who allows everyone else to be the best version of themselves while maximizing his own efficiency. #NBAs #rookies #Las #Vegas #Summer #League #ranked

failed to make my annual list of the most impressive rookies in summer league. It’s important to tell yourself not to overreact to everything you see.

The good news for this year’s rookie class is that most of the top picks absolutely delivered on the hype. AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson each had flashes of brilliance that showed why the 2026 draft class was so highly regarded. Read my story on six rookies who looked underwhelming in summer league this year, but remember there’s plenty of time for them to turn things around. Jalen Brunson wasn’t very good in summer league, either.

Check out my list of the young veterans already proving to be too good for summer league this year. Now, let’s rank the most impressive rookies in Las Vegas. Apologies to Koa Peat, Labaron Philon, Cam Carr, Chris Cenac, Mikel Brown Jr., Henri Veesar, and Jack Kayil, who were all really good in their own right, but these 11 players stuck out.

11. Hannes Steinbach, F, Charlotte Hornets

Steinbach finally moved into the Hornets’ starting lineup for their fourth summer league game, and immediately showed all the things that made him special. He’s such an effective finisher (67.9% true shooting) in part because he catches everything thrown his way, and can often play through contact on his way to the basket. Steinbach’s elite hands also make him the best rebounder in this draft class, and at this point it’s possible he could be one of the best offensive rebounders in the league as a rookie after posting a comical 18.15% o-board rate in Las Vegas. His defense and three-point shooting remain a work in progress, but Steinbach is great at what he’s good at, and that should give him a foundation for success as he continues to work on his skill set over the years.

10. Bruce Thornton, G, Houston Rockets

Summer league was never going to be a big challenge for an elite college veteran like Thornton, and indeed he looked comfortable and confident from the moment he hit the floor in Vegas. Thornton has a big body for a shorter point guard, and he throws around his weight to open up offensive opportunities for himself and his teammates. He’s become a really good high-volume three-point shooter over the years, and in summer league he made 43 percent from deep on seven attempts per game. He also posted a 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio, which is par for the course after a college career where he rarely coughed it up. There will be questions about his defense when it’s time for the real season, but Thornton has so much command over the offense and his own scoring ability that he feels like an obvious bet to be the next second-round draft hit.

9. Morez Johnson, F, Dallas Mavericks

Johnson is an absolute hoss as a 250+ pound forward with a 7’3.5 wingspan, and he’s a truly ridiculous athlete for someone with that size. The Mavs’ No. 9 overall pick hit the ground running in Vegas by doing what he does best: finishing efficiently inside, cleaning the defensive glass, and showing a rare combination of quickness and power on defense to give him premium matchup versatility. Johnson still scored a lot of his points on dump-offs and putbacks in Las Vegas, but there were also flashes of freight train drives to the hoop and short mid-range shotmaking that weren’t as prevalent on the college tape. His 69.1% true shooting in two games is about as good as it gets. Johnson’s simple-yet-effective offense set is complemented by a more wide-ranging defensive skill set, where he can protect the rim on the backline or switch onto quicker wings or guards and stick with them for a few seconds on the perimeter. He’s going to be an enforcer next to Cooper Flagg in Dallas from day one, and if his handle and shooting keeps developing, he has the potential to be a lot more than that.

8. Allen Graves, F, Toronto Raptors

Anyone who thought the sixth man from Santa Clara whose draft candidacy was spawned by some young online nerds was going to crash and fail in the league sure looks like they’re going to be proven wrong. Graves did his thing with disruptive defense, impressive rebounding, and a sweet three-point stroke. It seems like Graves couldn’t show the full extent of his offensive game in college, because in Las Vegas he was handling the ball on drives and initiating the pick-and-roll with a level of effectiveness that wasn’t on the Santa Clara tape. Meanwhile, Graves continues to be a monster at forcing takeaways with great hands and an elite nose for the ball. His defense is so aggressive that it’s almost easy to overlook that he shoots such an easy ball from three-point range, knocking down 44% from deep in 16 attempts. I’m already worried I had Graves too low on my board at No. 19, which is exactly where the Raptors picked him. He looks like a steal. Toronto should be feeling really good about this one so far.

7. Yaxel Lendeborg, F, Golden State Warriors

Lendeborg should have been really good in summer league considering he’s already almost 24 years old, an age when most players have graduated out of this setting. Still, it was encouraging to see the former Michigan star dominate in all the ways we’ve come to expect, showing bully-ball drives, sharp connective passing, stout defense, and a sweet three-point stroke. The shooting is the headliner from Lendeborg’s five games in summer league: he hit 56.5% of his threes on the way to immaculate 68% true shooting. He also bumped Cameron Boozer to hell on one drive to the rim, and showed his ability to play through contact on both ends. I like his defensive rebounding and his ball movement, but there were some instances where his lack of agility in the middle of the floor hurt his two-point scoring efficiency. I had Yaxel at No. 5 on my board entering the draft, and he seems like he’s going to be a perfect fit in Golden State, especially if the threes keep dropping. .

6. Darryn Peterson, G, Utah Jazz

Peterson gets off his shot so easily. The No. 2 overall pick glides into stepback jumpers, turns the corner on drives to the rim, and sprints off screens to knock down threes so effortlessly that he just looks like an NBA All-Star. Peterson had some spectacular moments with a driving poster dunk against the Clippers, and some flashes of the defensive playmaking that separates him from other elite offensive guards, but he also still has some fat to trim in his game. Peterson made some puzzling decisions with the ball whether he was settling for floaters or giving it away to the defense. He doesn’t really look like a true point guard (he finished with 26 assists to 24 turnovers through five summer league games), but that should be no big deal for a Jazz team that already has Keyonte George in the backcourt. His skill set still needs some fine-tuning, but Peterson’s talent jumps off the screen, and best of all, he wasn’t slowed down by any of the weird cramping issues that plagued him in college. He’s going to be a highly productive rookie, and a major contributor to what should be a pretty good Utah team this season.

5. Meleek Thomas, G, Cleveland Cavaliers

The long history of John Calipari guards being better in the NBA than in college might have another addition with Meleek Thomas. Thomas had a solid freshman year at Arkansas, but still slipped to the No. 34 overall pick because of concerns about his frame and defensive projection. The sell was always his bucket-getting, and he basically looked unstoppable in his three games in Las Vegas. Thomas scored 85 points in 90 minutes on excellent 65.7% true shooting through three games in summer league, slicing and dicing through opposing defenses at will and splashing shots all over the court. He hit 45.8% of his threes, all of his free throws, and had no problem breaking free from the ball pressure that frustrated other guards. Thomas avoided tunnel vision despite the incredible scoring numbers, and did a good job finding teammates while avoiding mistakes with 13 assists to five turnovers. With elite quickness, a money jumper, and a pretty good feel for the game, Thomas already looks like a second round steal, and someone who should make Cavs fans very excited for his future.

4. AJ Dybantsa, F, Washington Wizards

Dybantsa’s elite slashing and tough shot-making were fully on display in his two-game run in Las Vegas. The No. 1 overall pick is an absolute giant for a wing, but unlike most players his size, he already has the ball on a string. Dybantsa can turn the corner on most defenders, but when he’s shut off, he has plenty of counters to continue probing the defense until he can break free. Dybantsa’s mid-range heavy shot-selection is already drawing some consternation, but it’s hard to get too upset when he still posted blistering 63.8% true shooting despite shooting 1-of-11 from three-point range. That’s just what Dybantsa provides, relentless attacking that will keep hammering holes in the defense until he finally makes a crack. With the caveat that it’s only summer league, Dybantsa’s defense also looked much better than it did at BYU with a 26.6% defensive rebound rate, 5% steal rate, and 5.4% block rate. He’s going to need to be able to play off the ball a little bit more next to Trae Young during the regular season, but for now Dybantsa showed the special skills that made him the first pick in a loaded draft.

3. Caleb Wilson, F, Chicago Bulls

Caleb Wilson answered his biggest question on his very first shot in Las Vegas. Wilson took a pitch from teammate Noa Essengue, drew a switch from the defense, and took one dribble before splashing a three-pointer from the top of the key. Wilson didn’t shoot much in college, which makes sense for a player who used his best-in-class explosiveness to crush 67 dunks in just 24 games. The tape was filled with tough shot-making from mid-range, but those jump shots rarely extended behind the arc. In his summer league debut, Wilson drained seven three-pointers — the same number he made all season at North Carolina. Wilson had five months off since suffering a season-ending broken thumb in his right hand, and he clearly made the most of his time by reportedly getting up 2,000 threes per day. It takes most top prospects years to address the biggest holes in their scouting report, if they ever do it at all. Wilson already proved he’s going to shoot threes as a rookie, and that’s a great sign for his long-term development as a shooter. Read my feature on Wilson’s quest for greatness here.

A study by Owen Phillips showed that three-point rate (percentage of field goal attempts from three) is the “stickiest” stat of summer league — the one that carries over the best to the regular season. Well, Wilson moved his three-point rate from 9.1% at UNC to 47.1% for the Summer Bulls. It feels like a thrilling development for Wilson because so many other aspects of his game are already so strong. Wilson’s defensive playmaking is outstanding, and he amassed an 8.5% block rate in Vegas with a number of impressive stuffs, including a chasedown block for the ages. He hit the offensive glass at a higher rate than Cam Boozer (9.1% offensive rebound rate), and finished well when he was set up by his teammates. His poster thrunk against the Jazz was one of the most athletic plays you will ever see. There were still two big negatives for Wilson: his terrible free throw stroke (6-of-18 from the line) and his bad turnover habit, with his giveaways (21) easily outpacing his assists (7). The assist-to-turnover ratio was a positive on his college stat sheet, but that was mostly on stationary reads, and not live dribbles. Wilson was already a great prospect, but after watching him in Las Vegas, it seems possible he’s leveling up at a terrifying rate.

2. Cameron Boozer, F, Memphis Grizzlies

Cameron Boozer’s game has always been defined by steady production that won’t knock your socks off until his team wins and he finishes with monstrous box score numbers. Boozer did it again in this setting despite being one of the youngest players at summer league in his last few days as an 18-year-old. His scoring efficiency was remarkable by shooting 53.7% on two-pointers, 45% on three-pointers, and 80% on free throws for 65.8% true shooting. He continued to clean the defensive glass (18.7% defensive rebound rate), and he looked pretty quick laterally on that end even if he’s not offering much rim protection. Boozer looked a bit thinner in Vegas compared to the bulkier frame he carried at Duke, and it feels like he’s still learning how to use it. He’s not the most nimble player in the middle of the floor, but it doesn’t really matter because his passing vision is excellent and he almost always makes the right decision on time. Boozer’s top-4 contemporaries had flashier highlights, but his team impact was as great as any player in Vegas. I had Boozer as the top player in the 2026 draft in his own tier, and I think summer league only strengthened that argument.

1. Brayden Burries, G, Milwaukee Bucks

Burries’ upside was up for debate as he entered the 2026 NBA Draft, but he looked like an elite connective piece on both ends of the floor during his run in Las Vegas. He shot the hell out of the ball by hitting 44% of his threes, he hit the glass hard and forced takeaways on defense, and made smart decisions every time the ball touched his hands. Burries’ floor spacing and quick trigger from three helps fill in the gaps in the halfcourt in any lineup, but he also showed an ability to use his scoring to find open passing windows to teammates (12 assists) while suppressing turnovers (only one in three games in Vegas). Burries would be a valuable player even if he was just average defensively, but he looks better than that. His 4.2% steal rate and 3.7% block rate in Vegas are excellent numbers for a guard, and the fact that he’s such a good transition player once he yanks the ball away only makes him more effective. I only had Burries at No. 16 on my final board, so he exceeded my expectations more than any player in Las Vegas. The Bucks don’t have to try to shoehorn him into being a lead creator with Ryan Rollins and Tyler Herro on the roster; instead, he can be the ultimate backcourt sidekick who allows everyone else to be the best version of themselves while maximizing his own efficiency.

#NBAs #rookies #Las #Vegas #Summer #League #ranked">NBA’s 11 best rookies in Las Vegas Summer League, ranked

NBA Summer League is never going to make or break the career of an incoming rookie. A year ago, Cooper Flagg shot 5-of-21 from the floor in his Las Vegas debut, and failed to make my annual list of the most impressive rookies in summer league. It’s important to tell yourself not to overreact to everything you see.

The good news for this year’s rookie class is that most of the top picks absolutely delivered on the hype. AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson each had flashes of brilliance that showed why the 2026 draft class was so highly regarded. Read my story on six rookies who looked underwhelming in summer league this year, but remember there’s plenty of time for them to turn things around. Jalen Brunson wasn’t very good in summer league, either.

Check out my list of the young veterans already proving to be too good for summer league this year. Now, let’s rank the most impressive rookies in Las Vegas. Apologies to Koa Peat, Labaron Philon, Cam Carr, Chris Cenac, Mikel Brown Jr., Henri Veesar, and Jack Kayil, who were all really good in their own right, but these 11 players stuck out.

11. Hannes Steinbach, F, Charlotte Hornets

Steinbach finally moved into the Hornets’ starting lineup for their fourth summer league game, and immediately showed all the things that made him special. He’s such an effective finisher (67.9% true shooting) in part because he catches everything thrown his way, and can often play through contact on his way to the basket. Steinbach’s elite hands also make him the best rebounder in this draft class, and at this point it’s possible he could be one of the best offensive rebounders in the league as a rookie after posting a comical 18.15% o-board rate in Las Vegas. His defense and three-point shooting remain a work in progress, but Steinbach is great at what he’s good at, and that should give him a foundation for success as he continues to work on his skill set over the years.

10. Bruce Thornton, G, Houston Rockets

Summer league was never going to be a big challenge for an elite college veteran like Thornton, and indeed he looked comfortable and confident from the moment he hit the floor in Vegas. Thornton has a big body for a shorter point guard, and he throws around his weight to open up offensive opportunities for himself and his teammates. He’s become a really good high-volume three-point shooter over the years, and in summer league he made 43 percent from deep on seven attempts per game. He also posted a 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio, which is par for the course after a college career where he rarely coughed it up. There will be questions about his defense when it’s time for the real season, but Thornton has so much command over the offense and his own scoring ability that he feels like an obvious bet to be the next second-round draft hit.

9. Morez Johnson, F, Dallas Mavericks

Johnson is an absolute hoss as a 250+ pound forward with a 7’3.5 wingspan, and he’s a truly ridiculous athlete for someone with that size. The Mavs’ No. 9 overall pick hit the ground running in Vegas by doing what he does best: finishing efficiently inside, cleaning the defensive glass, and showing a rare combination of quickness and power on defense to give him premium matchup versatility. Johnson still scored a lot of his points on dump-offs and putbacks in Las Vegas, but there were also flashes of freight train drives to the hoop and short mid-range shotmaking that weren’t as prevalent on the college tape. His 69.1% true shooting in two games is about as good as it gets. Johnson’s simple-yet-effective offense set is complemented by a more wide-ranging defensive skill set, where he can protect the rim on the backline or switch onto quicker wings or guards and stick with them for a few seconds on the perimeter. He’s going to be an enforcer next to Cooper Flagg in Dallas from day one, and if his handle and shooting keeps developing, he has the potential to be a lot more than that.

8. Allen Graves, F, Toronto Raptors

Anyone who thought the sixth man from Santa Clara whose draft candidacy was spawned by some young online nerds was going to crash and fail in the league sure looks like they’re going to be proven wrong. Graves did his thing with disruptive defense, impressive rebounding, and a sweet three-point stroke. It seems like Graves couldn’t show the full extent of his offensive game in college, because in Las Vegas he was handling the ball on drives and initiating the pick-and-roll with a level of effectiveness that wasn’t on the Santa Clara tape. Meanwhile, Graves continues to be a monster at forcing takeaways with great hands and an elite nose for the ball. His defense is so aggressive that it’s almost easy to overlook that he shoots such an easy ball from three-point range, knocking down 44% from deep in 16 attempts. I’m already worried I had Graves too low on my board at No. 19, which is exactly where the Raptors picked him. He looks like a steal. Toronto should be feeling really good about this one so far.

7. Yaxel Lendeborg, F, Golden State Warriors

Lendeborg should have been really good in summer league considering he’s already almost 24 years old, an age when most players have graduated out of this setting. Still, it was encouraging to see the former Michigan star dominate in all the ways we’ve come to expect, showing bully-ball drives, sharp connective passing, stout defense, and a sweet three-point stroke. The shooting is the headliner from Lendeborg’s five games in summer league: he hit 56.5% of his threes on the way to immaculate 68% true shooting. He also bumped Cameron Boozer to hell on one drive to the rim, and showed his ability to play through contact on both ends. I like his defensive rebounding and his ball movement, but there were some instances where his lack of agility in the middle of the floor hurt his two-point scoring efficiency. I had Yaxel at No. 5 on my board entering the draft, and he seems like he’s going to be a perfect fit in Golden State, especially if the threes keep dropping. .

6. Darryn Peterson, G, Utah Jazz

Peterson gets off his shot so easily. The No. 2 overall pick glides into stepback jumpers, turns the corner on drives to the rim, and sprints off screens to knock down threes so effortlessly that he just looks like an NBA All-Star. Peterson had some spectacular moments with a driving poster dunk against the Clippers, and some flashes of the defensive playmaking that separates him from other elite offensive guards, but he also still has some fat to trim in his game. Peterson made some puzzling decisions with the ball whether he was settling for floaters or giving it away to the defense. He doesn’t really look like a true point guard (he finished with 26 assists to 24 turnovers through five summer league games), but that should be no big deal for a Jazz team that already has Keyonte George in the backcourt. His skill set still needs some fine-tuning, but Peterson’s talent jumps off the screen, and best of all, he wasn’t slowed down by any of the weird cramping issues that plagued him in college. He’s going to be a highly productive rookie, and a major contributor to what should be a pretty good Utah team this season.

5. Meleek Thomas, G, Cleveland Cavaliers

The long history of John Calipari guards being better in the NBA than in college might have another addition with Meleek Thomas. Thomas had a solid freshman year at Arkansas, but still slipped to the No. 34 overall pick because of concerns about his frame and defensive projection. The sell was always his bucket-getting, and he basically looked unstoppable in his three games in Las Vegas. Thomas scored 85 points in 90 minutes on excellent 65.7% true shooting through three games in summer league, slicing and dicing through opposing defenses at will and splashing shots all over the court. He hit 45.8% of his threes, all of his free throws, and had no problem breaking free from the ball pressure that frustrated other guards. Thomas avoided tunnel vision despite the incredible scoring numbers, and did a good job finding teammates while avoiding mistakes with 13 assists to five turnovers. With elite quickness, a money jumper, and a pretty good feel for the game, Thomas already looks like a second round steal, and someone who should make Cavs fans very excited for his future.

4. AJ Dybantsa, F, Washington Wizards

Dybantsa’s elite slashing and tough shot-making were fully on display in his two-game run in Las Vegas. The No. 1 overall pick is an absolute giant for a wing, but unlike most players his size, he already has the ball on a string. Dybantsa can turn the corner on most defenders, but when he’s shut off, he has plenty of counters to continue probing the defense until he can break free. Dybantsa’s mid-range heavy shot-selection is already drawing some consternation, but it’s hard to get too upset when he still posted blistering 63.8% true shooting despite shooting 1-of-11 from three-point range. That’s just what Dybantsa provides, relentless attacking that will keep hammering holes in the defense until he finally makes a crack. With the caveat that it’s only summer league, Dybantsa’s defense also looked much better than it did at BYU with a 26.6% defensive rebound rate, 5% steal rate, and 5.4% block rate. He’s going to need to be able to play off the ball a little bit more next to Trae Young during the regular season, but for now Dybantsa showed the special skills that made him the first pick in a loaded draft.

3. Caleb Wilson, F, Chicago Bulls

Caleb Wilson answered his biggest question on his very first shot in Las Vegas. Wilson took a pitch from teammate Noa Essengue, drew a switch from the defense, and took one dribble before splashing a three-pointer from the top of the key. Wilson didn’t shoot much in college, which makes sense for a player who used his best-in-class explosiveness to crush 67 dunks in just 24 games. The tape was filled with tough shot-making from mid-range, but those jump shots rarely extended behind the arc. In his summer league debut, Wilson drained seven three-pointers — the same number he made all season at North Carolina. Wilson had five months off since suffering a season-ending broken thumb in his right hand, and he clearly made the most of his time by reportedly getting up 2,000 threes per day. It takes most top prospects years to address the biggest holes in their scouting report, if they ever do it at all. Wilson already proved he’s going to shoot threes as a rookie, and that’s a great sign for his long-term development as a shooter. Read my feature on Wilson’s quest for greatness here.

A study by Owen Phillips showed that three-point rate (percentage of field goal attempts from three) is the “stickiest” stat of summer league — the one that carries over the best to the regular season. Well, Wilson moved his three-point rate from 9.1% at UNC to 47.1% for the Summer Bulls. It feels like a thrilling development for Wilson because so many other aspects of his game are already so strong. Wilson’s defensive playmaking is outstanding, and he amassed an 8.5% block rate in Vegas with a number of impressive stuffs, including a chasedown block for the ages. He hit the offensive glass at a higher rate than Cam Boozer (9.1% offensive rebound rate), and finished well when he was set up by his teammates. His poster thrunk against the Jazz was one of the most athletic plays you will ever see. There were still two big negatives for Wilson: his terrible free throw stroke (6-of-18 from the line) and his bad turnover habit, with his giveaways (21) easily outpacing his assists (7). The assist-to-turnover ratio was a positive on his college stat sheet, but that was mostly on stationary reads, and not live dribbles. Wilson was already a great prospect, but after watching him in Las Vegas, it seems possible he’s leveling up at a terrifying rate.

2. Cameron Boozer, F, Memphis Grizzlies

Cameron Boozer’s game has always been defined by steady production that won’t knock your socks off until his team wins and he finishes with monstrous box score numbers. Boozer did it again in this setting despite being one of the youngest players at summer league in his last few days as an 18-year-old. His scoring efficiency was remarkable by shooting 53.7% on two-pointers, 45% on three-pointers, and 80% on free throws for 65.8% true shooting. He continued to clean the defensive glass (18.7% defensive rebound rate), and he looked pretty quick laterally on that end even if he’s not offering much rim protection. Boozer looked a bit thinner in Vegas compared to the bulkier frame he carried at Duke, and it feels like he’s still learning how to use it. He’s not the most nimble player in the middle of the floor, but it doesn’t really matter because his passing vision is excellent and he almost always makes the right decision on time. Boozer’s top-4 contemporaries had flashier highlights, but his team impact was as great as any player in Vegas. I had Boozer as the top player in the 2026 draft in his own tier, and I think summer league only strengthened that argument.

1. Brayden Burries, G, Milwaukee Bucks

Burries’ upside was up for debate as he entered the 2026 NBA Draft, but he looked like an elite connective piece on both ends of the floor during his run in Las Vegas. He shot the hell out of the ball by hitting 44% of his threes, he hit the glass hard and forced takeaways on defense, and made smart decisions every time the ball touched his hands. Burries’ floor spacing and quick trigger from three helps fill in the gaps in the halfcourt in any lineup, but he also showed an ability to use his scoring to find open passing windows to teammates (12 assists) while suppressing turnovers (only one in three games in Vegas). Burries would be a valuable player even if he was just average defensively, but he looks better than that. His 4.2% steal rate and 3.7% block rate in Vegas are excellent numbers for a guard, and the fact that he’s such a good transition player once he yanks the ball away only makes him more effective. I only had Burries at No. 16 on my final board, so he exceeded my expectations more than any player in Las Vegas. The Bucks don’t have to try to shoehorn him into being a lead creator with Ryan Rollins and Tyler Herro on the roster; instead, he can be the ultimate backcourt sidekick who allows everyone else to be the best version of themselves while maximizing his own efficiency.

#NBAs #rookies #Las #Vegas #Summer #League #ranked

Captain Shubman Gill said India failed to field its best combination in the ODI ​series against England because of frequent injuries to players, a ‌concern the team must address before next year’s ​World Cup.

India was without its premier all-rounder ⁠Hardik Pandya, and his replacement Nitish Kumar Reddy also missed the tour of England with a quadriceps injury. Seamer Harshit Rana ‌and all-rounder Washington Sundar also picked up injuries at different stages of the tour while pace ‌spearhead Jasprit Bumrah missed Sunday’s decider, which England ‌won ⁠by 26 runs to seal a 2-1 ⁠series victory.

“If you look at the first squad, we had announced (for the series), from that minimum five players did not play this match,” ​Gill said after the loss at Lord’s.

“If one player is injured, you look at playing another combination, two players are injured you look at playing another combination, but if after ‌every match some player is missing then somewhere ​we are missing a trick.

“If you keep the World Cup as the goal where we ⁠have to play 11 matches in a row, here we have players not being able to finish a two-to-three-match ‌series.

“So there is some limitation where our players are not being able to play continuously, they play one or two matches, they suffer a niggle and then we are forced to play a different combination which we originally did not plan to play … as a ‌group we need improve our fitness.”

England racked up 387-3 against ​India’s depleted attack, while the tourists managed 360-7 in reply.

“Our bowling is a little bit inexperienced,” ⁠Gill said.

“We were put under the pump in this match ⁠and we didn’t respond well. We didn’t start well in the powerplay. We gave away too ‌many loose balls and then were always chasing the game trying to take wickets, create something which ​didn’t happen for us.”

Published on Jul 20, 2026

#Shubman #Gill #World #Cup #play #matches #players #unable #complete #games">Shubman Gill: In World Cup, we will play 11 matches and here players are unable to complete 3 games Captain Shubman Gill said India failed to field its best combination in the ODI ​series against England because of frequent injuries to players, a ‌concern the team must address before next year’s ​World Cup.India was without its premier all-rounder ⁠Hardik Pandya, and his replacement Nitish Kumar Reddy also missed the tour of England with a quadriceps injury. Seamer Harshit Rana ‌and all-rounder Washington Sundar also picked up injuries at different stages of the tour while pace ‌spearhead Jasprit Bumrah missed Sunday’s decider, which England ‌won ⁠by 26 runs to seal a 2-1 ⁠series victory.“If you look at the first squad, we had announced (for the series), from that minimum five players did not play this match,” ​Gill said after the loss at Lord’s.“If one player is injured, you look at playing another combination, two players are injured you look at playing another combination, but if after ‌every match some player is missing then somewhere ​we are missing a trick.“If you keep the World Cup as the goal where we ⁠have to play 11 matches in a row, here we have players not being able to finish a two-to-three-match ‌series.“So there is some limitation where our players are not being able to play continuously, they play one or two matches, they suffer a niggle and then we are forced to play a different combination which we originally did not plan to play … as a ‌group we need improve our fitness.”England racked up 387-3 against ​India’s depleted attack, while the tourists managed 360-7 in reply.“Our bowling is a little bit inexperienced,” ⁠Gill said.“We were put under the pump in this match ⁠and we didn’t respond well. We didn’t start well in the powerplay. We gave away too ‌many loose balls and then were always chasing the game trying to take wickets, create something which ​didn’t happen for us.”Published on Jul 20, 2026 #Shubman #Gill #World #Cup #play #matches #players #unable #complete #games

Deadspin | IndyCar Series race at Nashville postponed to Monday NTT IndyCar Series Santino Ferrucci’s car his pushed back to the garage during a weather delay at the Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, July 19, 2026 The Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix was postponed to Monday at 3 p.m. ET after inclement weather delayed the start of the race Sunday evening before a second round of storms made racing impossible. The 12th race of the IndyCar season was slated for Sunday at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn. The official X account of the IndyCar Series initially posted that the race, scheduled for a 5:30 p.m. start, was on hold until the end of the FIFA World Cup final. Fox broadcasts both the World Cup and the IndyCar series, and the Spain-Argentina final required extra time and went past 5:30 ET before Spain prevailed 1-0. Then came the rain. Race organizers worked to dry the track after a storm passed through the Nashville area, and because the track has floodlights, there was a chance to fit in the race Sunday night. But another powerful storm ripped through. As a Fox host describing the scene put it, “The dry track has been utterly sodden in a sudden and almighty deluge.” Andretti Global driver Kyle Kirkwood will hold pole position when drivers bring their cars to the starting line Monday afternoon. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #IndyCar #Series #race #Nashville #postponed #MondayNTT IndyCar Series Santino Ferrucci’s car his pushed back to the garage during a weather delay at the Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, July 19, 2026

The Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix was postponed to Monday at 3 p.m. ET after inclement weather delayed the start of the race Sunday evening before a second round of storms made racing impossible.

The 12th race of the IndyCar season was slated for Sunday at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn.

The official X account of the IndyCar Series initially posted that the race, scheduled for a 5:30 p.m. start, was on hold until the end of the FIFA World Cup final. Fox broadcasts both the World Cup and the IndyCar series, and the Spain-Argentina final required extra time and went past 5:30 ET before Spain prevailed 1-0.


Then came the rain. Race organizers worked to dry the track after a storm passed through the Nashville area, and because the track has floodlights, there was a chance to fit in the race Sunday night.

But another powerful storm ripped through. As a Fox host describing the scene put it, “The dry track has been utterly sodden in a sudden and almighty deluge.”

Andretti Global driver Kyle Kirkwood will hold pole position when drivers bring their cars to the starting line Monday afternoon.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #IndyCar #Series #race #Nashville #postponed #Monday">Deadspin | IndyCar Series race at Nashville postponed to Monday NTT IndyCar Series Santino Ferrucci’s car his pushed back to the garage during a weather delay at the Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, July 19, 2026 The Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix was postponed to Monday at 3 p.m. ET after inclement weather delayed the start of the race Sunday evening before a second round of storms made racing impossible. The 12th race of the IndyCar season was slated for Sunday at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn. The official X account of the IndyCar Series initially posted that the race, scheduled for a 5:30 p.m. start, was on hold until the end of the FIFA World Cup final. Fox broadcasts both the World Cup and the IndyCar series, and the Spain-Argentina final required extra time and went past 5:30 ET before Spain prevailed 1-0. Then came the rain. Race organizers worked to dry the track after a storm passed through the Nashville area, and because the track has floodlights, there was a chance to fit in the race Sunday night. But another powerful storm ripped through. As a Fox host describing the scene put it, “The dry track has been utterly sodden in a sudden and almighty deluge.” Andretti Global driver Kyle Kirkwood will hold pole position when drivers bring their cars to the starting line Monday afternoon. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #IndyCar #Series #race #Nashville #postponed #Monday

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