Dybantsa's Dominance: The Future is Now
AJ Dybantsa: An Unstoppable Force
There was palpable excitement around AJ Dybantsa heading into Summer League, and he has more than delivered. In the Wizards' easy win over the Sacramento Kings, the No. 1 overall pick was once again the focal point.
Playing just 24 minutes, Dybantsa tallied an incredible 23 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. His aggressive approach from the opening tip signals exactly what the Wizards expect from their foundational rookie. While his 3-point shot (1-for-6 on Sunday) still needs refinement, his overall impact and ability to showcase a versatile skillset on both ends of the floor are undeniable.
Beyond the Hype: Rising Stars Emerge
Will Riley's Deep-Threat Masterclass
While Dybantsa grabbed headlines, his Wizards teammate, Will Riley, stole the scoring show against the Kings. The second-year guard exploded for a game-high 32 points, with an astounding 25 of those coming in the second half.
Crucially, Riley displayed elite long-range accuracy, hitting an impressive 6-for-8 from beyond the arc. This type of breakout performance from a returning player is exactly what coaches love to see in Summer League.
Maleek Thomas: The Cavaliers' Second-Round Steal
Which Arkansas guard delivered the biggest splash on Sunday? It was Meleek Thomas, who, unlike Acuff, remained available until the second round of the draft. Considered one of the biggest first-round fallers, Thomas quickly showed why the Cavaliers were thrilled to land him.
Against the Pistons, Thomas displayed impressive ball-handling skills and proved he has the ability to take control as a lead guard. In just his second Summer League appearance, he led all scorers with 30 points, while also adding seven assists and four steals to showcase his all-around impact.
Beyond the Big Names: Players Turning Heads in Vegas
Lester Quinones, Orlando Magic: Fighting for His Place
Lester Quinones represents the type of player Summer League was built for. After going undrafted in 2022, Quinones has bounced between the Warriors, Pelicans, and Sixers, while continuing to chase a long-term NBA opportunity. Now with the Orlando Magic, he is looking to impress after spending last season with Orlando's G League affiliate.
Quinones made his case on Sunday, exploding for 30 points on 9-of-14 shooting in the Magic's win over the Portland Trail Blazers. It may only be one performance, but it is exactly the kind of showing that can help him stand out.
Keaton Wagler, Los Angeles Clippers: Settling Into Stardom
After a slow start in his Summer League debut, Keaton Wagler quickly found his rhythm and showed why the Clippers selected him in the first round. Like many young players adjusting to the pace and pressure of the league, Wagler looked more comfortable with each appearance.
The guard scored a team-high 23 points against the Utah Jazz, matching the same scoring total in a matchup against fellow first-round guard Darryn Peterson, who was selected three spots earlier. After struggling to just 1-of-7 shooting in his opening game against Acuff, Wagler responded with a much stronger performance against tougher competition, creating a more encouraging first impression.
Khaman Maluach, Phoenix Suns: A New Level of Confidence
The Phoenix Suns are counting on Khaman Maluach to take a major step forward in his sophomore season after the 2025 lottery pick struggled to secure consistent minutes during his rookie campaign.
Maluach showcased his potential with a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double against the Trail Blazers on Friday, then followed it up with another impressive outing against the Pelicans on Sunday, recording 15 points and 15 rebounds.
The 7-foot center has also shown a willingness to expand his offensive range. After attempting just 21 three-pointers throughout his entire rookie season, Maluach has already launched 11 attempts from deep across his two Summer League games, connecting on five of them.
