Summer League Awards Highlight Top Performers in Vegas

Old Spice Swagger Goes to AJ Dybantsa

Washington Wizards forward AJ Dybantsa collected the Old Spice Swagger Award after a dominating 27‑point, 7‑rebound performance in a 92‑88 victory over the Jazz. His confidence shone through, especially when he shook his head in disbelief after each basket, projecting an aura that mirrors a top‑draft pick’s self‑belief. While shot‑selection may need refinement, his aggression and fearlessness make him a compelling prospect for the Wizards. Dybantsa’s display reinforced why he was the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft.

Caretaker Award: Brayden Burries Shines for Bucks

Milwaukee Bucks guard Brayden Burries earned the Caretaker Award for his balanced play and low turnover rate. Defensively he averaged 2.3 steals and 1.0 block per game, while off‑the‑ball he shot 44.4% on six three‑point attempts. Burries recorded a league‑best 1.9% turnover rate among players with 100+ touches, trailing only Javon Small, Donte Maddox Jr. and Donovan Williams. His ability to create scoring opportunities suggests he could become a valuable NBA contributor.

Lob City Duos Earn Spotlight: De Larrea & Akobundu‑Ehiogu

Dallas Mavericks summer squad received the Lob City Award for their electrifying partnership between Sergio De Larrea and Kaodirichi Akobundu‑Ehiogu. De Larrea posted a 12‑assist game against the Grizzlies, frequently lobbing the ball to Akobundu‑Ehiogu, who excelled at timing screens and finishing at the rim. The duo generated 18 on‑ball picks in Vegas, averaging an impressive 1.25 points per possession. Their chemistry and effectiveness together made them a standout duo for the Mavericks.

Other Notables: Quick Rise of Morez Johnson & Caleb Wilson

Dallas’s lottery pick Morez Johnson made an immediate impact with a 27‑8‑3‑3‑2 stat line against the Warriors. Memphis Grizzlies forward Caleb Wilson dazzled in his debut, scoring a game‑high 35 points on off‑the‑dribble threes. Wilson followed up with 19 points, eight rebounds and a team‑high seven stocks (two steals, five blocks). Both players showcased the kind of upside that makes Summer League a critical showcase for future NBA talent.

Joyful Joker: Dylan Cardwell’s Infectious Energy

Kings center Dylan Cardwell captured the heart of the Summer League with his unbridled love for the game. He revels in every dunk and hustle play, pumping teammates with the enthusiasm of a lottery winner. His pure joy mirrors the chorus of “Joy” by VaShawn Mitchell, turning each possession into a celebration. Cardwell’s positive vibe makes him a fan favorite and a future Hall of Fame‑worthy personality.

Fun Factor: Why Summer League Matters

Summer League provides a low‑pressure environment where players can experiment and fans can discover new stars. The Las Vegas vibe, from throwback jerseys to spontaneous celebrations, adds a layer of excitement that regular season games lack. While stats are imperfect predictors, the energy and chemistry displayed now often foreshadow deeper storylines. As the league moves into preseason, these early glimpses will shape expectations for the upcoming season.