2026 NBA Summer League Las Vegas: Standout Sophomores Shine

Sophomore Stars Making Their NBA Case

The opening weekend in Las Vegas was billed around headline names such as AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Caleb Wilson and Cameron Boozer, yet the most compelling narratives involve players returning for a second Summer League. These 2025 draft prospects are using the extended court time to answer lingering questions about their futures in the league.

Hugo Gonzalez – Boston Celtics is emerging as a genuine two‑way guard. He posted a near‑triple‑double with 17 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in an overtime victory over Toronto, then followed with a 14‑point, four‑rebound, four‑assist outing against Charlotte. While his shooting hovers at 23%, his playmaking and defensive impact signal readiness for a larger role.

Joan Beringer – Minnesota Timberwolves displayed the versatility that made him a first‑round pick a season ago. An 18‑point, 12‑rebound, four‑block performance versus New Orleans highlighted his ability to dominate inside and switch on the perimeter. The 6‑foot‑11 Frenchman’s athleticism and rim protection could earn him a backup spot next to Rudy Gobert or Jaden McDaniels.

Egor Demin – Brooklyn Nets added significant muscle and responded with a 23‑point, 7.5‑rebound, three‑assist surge at the California Classic, then added 20 points on 7‑of‑15 shooting in Vegas. After a promising rookie season cut short by injury, Demin’s aggression on the rim and finishing touch suggest the Nets have at least one quality pick from the previous draft.

Cedric Coward – Memphis Grizzlies returned after missing last summer due to shoulder surgery and immediately looked like a key wing. He logged 17 points, 10 rebounds (three offensive), five assists and two blocks in a win over Chicago, showcasing on‑ball defense and isolation scoring. Even with a modest three‑point conversion (1‑of‑5), Coward’s all‑around play aligns with Memphis’s rebuilding timeline alongside Cameron Boozer.

Khaman Maluach – Phoenix Suns has taken a clear sophomore leap. His screen‑setting is sharper, his lateral defensive movement is quicker, and he attacks lobs with renewed aggression, as seen when he dominated Yang Hansen early in the schedule. Through two games he averages 17 points, 13 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks, hitting at least two threes per contest—exactly the production the Suns need while Mark Williams remains sidelined.

Liam McNeeley – Charlotte Hornets emerged as the weekend’s most efficient shooter. A 28‑point burst capped by 7‑of‑8 from three‑point range illustrated his shooting excellence. Across three games he averages 21.7 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 45.2% overall and 52.6% from deep, complementing his playmaking with at least four assists in two outings.

Noah Penda – Orlando Magic continues to fit the Suns‑era mold of a Boris Diaw‑type talent. He posted 17.5 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and 2.5 blocks in two games, proving he can guard multiple positions, handle the ball and make timely decisions. Penda’s two‑way consistency addresses a clear void in Orlando’s second unit.

Johni Broome – Philadelphia 76ers turned a disappointing rookie season into a summer showcase. He averaged 21 points and 12 rebounds, highlighted by a 19‑point, 13‑rebound effort against Detroit. While his numbers are impressive, the lack of raw explosiveness could complicate his path to minutes behind Joel Embiid in a crowded frontcourt.

Jase Richardson – Orlando Magic ran the offense with confidence, notching 15 points, 4.5 rebounds and a team‑best five assists while shooting 45.5% from the floor and 44.4% from three. Only three turnovers to ten assists illustrate his court vision, positioning him ahead of Jevon Carter for backup minutes.

Prospects Still Finding Their Footing

Yang Hansen – Portland Trail Blazers delivered a solid 12 points, nine rebounds and four assists versus Phoenix, even knocking down 2‑of‑3 threes. Yet four turnovers and defensive lapses indicate Portland will need to give him more rhythm before judging his 2025 draft value.

Adou Thiero – Los Angeles Lakers posted strong counting numbers but his shooting remains a concern. He is 0‑for‑7 from three, converting 57% of free throws and shooting just 40% overall. Refinancing his shot will be essential if the Lakers hope to see progression beyond highlight reels.

Noa Essengue – Chicago Bulls made a defensive impression with 10 points, five rebounds, four blocks and two steals in the opener against Memphis, yet only five shot attempts suggest he remains overly passive. More offensive aggression is needed from the former 12th overall pick to earn a meaningful role.

Ben Saraf – Brooklyn Nets regressed after a solid California Classic, shooting only 27.3% from the field and netting a single three‑pointer in two Vegas games. While he shows playmaking traits, the shooting woes could leave him on the periphery of Brooklyn’s crowded backcourt rotation.

Sion James – Charlotte Hornets has been plagued by turnover trouble, averaging nine giveaways in three contests, though he does add 7.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists. His shooting at 27% highlights a key area for improvement if he hopes to secure a consistent role next to LaMelo Ball.

The sophomore cohort at this year’s Las Vegas showcase provides a clearer glimpse of which 2025 entrants are ready for NBA roles. Players like Gonzalez, Beringer and Maluach demonstrated the kind of two‑way impact that could translate into rotation minutes, while others will need more summer work to address shooting, decision‑making or defensive consistency. As the league moves into training camps, these performances will serve as immediate audition material for general managers shaping their rosters for the coming season.