The Blast | Melanie VanDerveer

The future of the NBA is headed to Las Vegas!

NBA Summer League will be back in Sin City from July 9-19, bringing the league’s newest draft picks to the “Entertainment Capital of the World” for their chance to prove they have what it takes ahead of the upcoming NBA season. From lottery selections to potential sleeper stars, here’s a look at just a few of the rookies everyone will be watching as they hit the court and begin their NBA journeys under the neon lights of Las Vegas. 

All Eyes On The No. 1 NBA Draft Pick

The future of the Washington Wizards is officially in motion.

With the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, AJ Dybantsa arrives as the face of a new era in D.C., bringing elite scoring, star-level expectations, and instant spotlight energy. 

After just one year in college, AJ declared for the 2026 NBA Draft as a projected No. 1 pick.

The 6’9″ forward was a top recruit in his class and many would say he became the centerpiece of the team’s offense. And now it’s his time to shine at Summer League ahead of his first season in the NBA. With already more than 1 million followers on Instagram, it seems he’s well on his way to basketball stardom.

Cameron Boozer From Duke University Was Drafted By The Memphis Grizzlies

The No. 3 draft pick of 2026 was Duke freshman forward Cameron Boozer. He’s the son of 13-year NBA veteran Carlos Boozer. He averaged 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds in his one season at Duke, according to USA Today. He told the outlet that he feels he will fit in well with his new team.

“I play a physical brand of basketball, and I think that’s a winning brand of basketball,” he said. “I’m super excited to get there and be with those guys. They have a young core, and I believe they have three draft picks as well.”

Cameron and his twin brother Cayden’s story has been shared many times and recently resurfaced. According to PEOPLE, their older brother, Carmani, was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia shortly after he was born in 2006. The best treatment outcome was a bone marrow transplant using stem cells from a closely matched sibling. The twins were born in 2007 through IVF.

Darryn Peterson Was Drafted By The Utah Jazz

The No. 2 pick, Darryn Peterson, was drafted to the Utah Jazz.

According to Sports Illustrated, Darryn said he was “super comfortable” joining the Jazz.

“I remember telling my agent after the meeting in Chicago: something about Utah, I liked,” he said. “Like, their energy in there, I feel like I could be with those guys…I knew if they were to take me, I was going to be super comfortable and excited to get there.”

He also wanted fans to know that one of his goals is to play all 82 games, coming off the year he had at Kansas with his health situation.

“I didn’t get to play all of the games I wanted to. My first goal is to play all 82,” he said. “Make the playoffs. Try and get a ring. I’ve seen some rookies get deep into the playoffs, and they kind of inspire me to get there.”

Illinois Freshman Guard Keaton Wagler Was Drafted By The LA Clippers

Keaton Wagler from Illinois averaged 18 points, 5 rebound, and four assists per game, according to Last Word on Sports.

In April, Keaton took to IG to announce that he was declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft.

“Since I was a kid, I’ve dreamt of playing basketball on the biggest stage. After speaking with my family and reflecting on this amazing journey, I’ve decided it’s time to turn that dream into reality,” he wrote on IG. “I will be declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft.”

The comment section filled up with encouragement and well wishes on his journey into the NBA. He ended up being the No. 5 draft pick.

No. 4 Pick Caleb Wilson Was Drafted By The Chicago Bulls

Caleb Wilson, 19, led the Tar Heels in points and rebounds. After breaking his thumb during the last month of the season while dunking in practice, he was sidelined.

He told USA Today that he’s “writing my own story” and wants to be “better than Mike [Jordan].”

“I know it’s a lot to go, but I’m writing my own story, for sure,” he said. “I feel like it’s a great pipeline from UNC to the Bulls. I am just ready to keep it going.”

For the entire list of drafts, visit the NBA’s website.

The NBA Summer League: Draft Picks Who Could Steal The Spotlight In Vegas first appeared on The Blast