NBA Summer League 2026: Players Who Are Too Good for the JV Teams
The NBA Summer League is a fascinating showcase of young talent, but it's also a place where overreactions can run rampant. As an expert commentator, I'm here to provide a fresh perspective on the players who are truly standing out, going beyond the typical confirmation bias that often plagues these events.
Will Riley: A Slippery Score Machine
One player who immediately caught my eye is Will Riley of the Washington Wizards. Standing at an impressive 6'10, Riley is a wing with a deep bag of scoring moves. His ability to beat defenders off the bounce and finish at the rim, coupled with his long strides and extension, makes him a real threat. While his shooting tends to be inconsistent, there's no doubt he has NBA range. What's fascinating is how Riley's fluidity and shooting upside make him a walking bucket, ready to take advantage of any opportunity. With a lot of mouths to feed in Washington, Riley could be the surprise breakout star of the league.
Jalen Slawson: A Defensive Playmaker
Jalen Slawson of the Indiana Pacers is another player who has impressed me. Standing at 6'8, Slawson is a forward with downhill athleticism and defensive playmaking skills. His five blocks in the SummerPacers' opener against the Cavs showcased his defensive prowess. Offensively, he's best when he has a clear lane to the basket, and his three-point shooting has improved significantly. What's particularly interesting is how Slawson's defense, with his strong frame and good instincts, could be his calling card to earn a roster spot. He's a player who deserves a real shot at the NBA, and his performance in summer league is a step in the right direction.
Egor Demin: A Shooting Improvement Story
Egor Demin of the Brooklyn Nets is a player who has gone from overrated to a real asset. I initially criticized Demin for his lack of scoring efficiency, but his performance in summer league has been a revelation. His shooting has improved massively, going from 27% from three and 69% from the foul line in college to 38.5% from three and 83.1% on free throws as a rookie. Demin's ability to score efficiently inside and outside the arc, coupled with his improved defensive skills, makes him a cool player with a fun skill set. The Nets have done a great job developing his frame, and it's paying off. I'm happy to be wrong about this one, as Demin is a player who could be a nice piece in Brooklyn's rebuild.
Joan Beringer: A Center with Athleticism and Skill
Joan Beringer of the Minnesota Timberwolves is a center with spectacular athleticism and skill set improvements. His performance in summer league showcased his ability to run the floor well and his crazy bounce near the rim. Beringer's development of his handle, allowing him to attack off the dribble, is particularly impressive. With the Wolves needing big bodies to protect their stars, Beringer is showing he can be a valuable contributor. His shot-blocking and dunking abilities will be a treat for fans, and his improved handle makes him a more well-rounded player.
Tre Johnson: A Playmaker with Gravity
Tre Johnson of the Washington Wizards is a playmaker with gravity. His ability to self-create threes off the dribble is a real asset, and his quickness and handle make him a threat to beat defenders to the cup. While his playmaking and defense still need work, Johnson's performance in the Wizards' opener against the Jazz was impressive. His high-usage role and ability to keep pressure on the defense make him a player to watch as he takes a step up after a decent rookie year.
Khaman Maluach: A Giant with Upside
Khaman Maluach of the Phoenix Suns is a giant with upside. Standing at nearly 7'1 barefoot, 252 pounds, with a nearly 7'7 wingspan and 9'6 standing reach, Maluach looked like a man amongst boys in summer league. His length and quickness to the ball make him a defensive force, and his ability to shoot threes adds to his appeal. While his hands and passing need work, Maluach's size and rapidly rising skill level make him a player with tons of upside for the Suns.
Cedric Coward: A Connective Tissue for Memphis
Cedric Coward of the Memphis Grizzlies is a long and strong swingman who locks down on defense, shoots an easy ball from three, and adds value as a rebounder. His performance in summer league, including his defense, rebounding, and pull-up threes, solidified his meteoric rise from DIII to lottery pick. Coward feels like the perfect connective tissue between Cameron Boozer and Zach Edey in the Memphis frontcourt, and his early reps with Boozer could help jumpstart their chemistry next season. Memphis' rebuild looks promising, and Coward is a big part of it.
Maxime Raynaud: A Stretch Five with Versatility
Maxime Raynaud of the Sacramento Kings is a stretch five with a diverse offensive game. His post moves, easy shooting stroke from three, and ability to make plays for teammates make him a versatile player. While he needs to up his volume from behind the arc, Raynaud's performance in summer league showcased his deep touch. The real questions for Raynaud come on the defensive end, but his offensive game is good enough to demand minutes for a Sacramento team that continues to rebuild. With the right support, Raynaud could be a true stretch five in time.
In my opinion, these players are too good for the JV teams in the NBA Summer League. Their performances showcase a mix of athleticism, skill, and potential that could make them breakout stars of the league. As an expert commentator, I'm excited to see how these players develop and contribute to their respective teams in the upcoming season.
