News Summary
The NBA 2K26 Summer League has wrapped up with the Charlotte Hornets taking home the championship title, finishing with a perfect 6-0 record. Led by standout player Kon Knueppel, who was named MVP, the team showcased their potential against competitors like the Sacramento Kings. Notable performances came from top draft picks including Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper, although some faced challenges. The event provided valuable insights for assessment as teams prepare for the professional basketball season ahead.
Las Vegas, NV – The NBA 2K26 Summer League has concluded amid a wave of enthusiasm looking ahead to the upcoming training camps. The Charlotte Hornets emerged as champions with a flawless 6-0 record, under the leadership of lottery pick Kon Knueppel, who was also named the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
In the championship game against the Sacramento Kings, Knueppel displayed exceptional skill by scoring 21 points, leading his team to victory and solidifying his status as a standout player in this year’s Summer League. Meanwhile, the overall No. 1 pick, Cooper Flagg, of the Dallas Mavericks averaged 20.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists throughout the event. His strong performance positions him as a potential contender for the Rookie of the Year award, although he ranked 14th in scoring among the Summer League participants, indicating some areas for improvement as he transitions to the professional league.
Another promising talent, Dylan Harper, selected second overall by the San Antonio Spurs, faced challenges as he only managed to play two games due to a groin injury. Nevertheless, he left a mark by averaging 16.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, showcasing his potential early in his NBA career. Meanwhile, VJ Edgecombe, the No. 3 pick from Philadelphia, averaged 15.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, demonstrating his capabilities as a dynamic slasher and a valuable addition to his team.
Other noteworthy performances included Tre Johnson of the Washington Wizards, who averaged 19.5 points per game with a shooting percentage of 45.5% from three-point range. His ability to convert from long range raises expectations for his role in the upcoming season. Conversely, Jeremiah Fears, chosen by the New Orleans Pelicans, struggled in his debut with an average of 17.4 points, in part due to 25 turnovers that highlighted areas needing attention in his decision-making skills.
Khaman Maluach, the No. 10 pick from the Phoenix Suns, exhibited moments of promise as a 7-foot-2 project despite struggling with shooting efficiency. Additionally, Derik Queen, selected 13th overall by the Pelicans, showed strength in rebounding; however, he will undergo wrist surgery following an injury that limited his playing time. The Brooklyn Nets’ Egor Demin, taken eighth overall, demonstrated commendable shooting skills, hitting 43.5% from three-point range while averaging 11.3 points per game.
Defensive contributions were notable as well, particularly from Carter Bryant, the 14th pick by the Spurs, who made significant plays despite experiencing shooting struggles from the perimeter. Unfortunately, Ace Bailey encountered an injury-limited season, averaging 13.0 points during his participation in the Salt Lake City league.
The recently concluded Summer League showcased a mix of impressive performances and areas of opportunity for the top 14 picks from the 2025 NBA Draft. The tournament served as a critical platform for player development, allowing teams to assess individual talents and establish dynamics as they head into the professional basketball landscape.
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Additional Resources
- NBA: How Lottery Picks Fared in 2025 Summer League
- Wikipedia: NBA 2025
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- Google Search: 2025 NBA Draft
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- Google Scholar: NBA Summer League
- Bleacher Report: Grading Every NBA Team’s Top Rookies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NBA Summer League
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- Google News: NBA Rookie 2025
