NBA Summer League Awards 2026

Old Spice Swagger Award – AJ Dybantsa (Washington Wizards)

AJ Dybantsa brought the Old Spice Swagger Award home with a 27‑point, 7‑assist showcase against the Jazz. He whirled through the paint with an almost arrogant confidence that made defenders look helpless, shaking his head after each basket as if ridiculing the effort to contain him. While his shot selection still needs work, the raw aggression and fearlessness the #1 draft pick shows are unmistakable. He’s already proving why top‑pick buzz surrounds him, especially when he lets his personality drive the play.

Caleb Wilson’s Breakout Summer – Memphis Grizzlies

Caleb Wilson arrived in Vegas with a bang, dropping a game‑high 35 points on his debut against the Grizzlies. He followed that fireworks show with a gritty 19‑point night, adding eight rebounds and a team‑high seven stocks—two steals and five blocks. His ability to hit off‑the‑dribble threes and finish at the rim makes him a immediate threat, and scouts are already whispering about his future impact. If his shooting gets more consistent, he could become a deep‑seat attacker in the league.

Caretaker Award – Brayden Burries (Milwaukee Bucks)

Brayden Burries earned the Caretaker Award for his defensive discipline and low turnover rate. He posted 2.3 steals and 1.0 block per game while shooting 44.4% from three‑point range on six attempts per contest. His 1.9% turnover percentage ranks fourth‑lowest among players with over 100 touches, a testament to his ball‑security and playmaking instincts. Burries also showed the ability to drive with purpose, hinting at the scoring prowess and floor‑general skills the Bucks could develop down the road.

Lob City Award – Sergio De Larrea & Kaodirichi Akobundu‑Ehiogu (Dallas Mavericks)

The Lob City duo of Sergio De Larrea and Kaodirichi Akobundu‑Ehiogu stole the spotlight with a 12‑assist performance from De Larrea that was packed with lobs to Akobundu‑Ehiogu. Their partnership generated 18 on‑ball picks in Vegas, averaging 1.25 points per possession on those trips—explosive and efficient. They’re complemented by lottery pick Morez Johnson, who exploded for a 27‑8‑3‑3‑2 line against the Warriors. The trio’s chemistry could be a staple of Dallas’s rebuild, creating easy baskets in the paint and stretching defenses with quick rolls.

Dylan Cardwell’s Joyful Hustle

Dylan Cardwell lives for the moments that make basketball feel like a celebration, his energy reminiscent of the “Joy” hook by VaShawn Mitchell. After every dunk or hustle play, he’s buzzing with enthusiasm, uplift‑ing teammates as if they just hit the lottery. That pure, unbridled love for the game makes him a fan favorite and a candidate for a long, 15‑year career. His infectious positivity reminds us why summer league is as much about passion as it is about development.

Thomas’s Per‑Possession Prowess

Thomas is averaging a blistering 28.3 points per game, the highest in Vegas, while maintaining elite shooting efficiency. Among 26 players logged with at least 20 drives, Thomas leads the league with a 42.4% blow‑by rate, turning small actions into massive advantages. He pairs well with Ebuka Okorie and Jameer Nelson Jr., forming a trio of dynamic penetrators that stretch defenses all summer. Have fun trying to contain this scorer for the rest of the league stage.