The NBA 2K26 Summer League will officially begin on July 10 in Las Vegas, bringing together the entire league for a critical period of evaluation and competition. While some teams have already started summer action in Salt Lake City and San Francisco, the Vegas event offers a broader stage for rookies and returning players alike to showcase their skills and stake claims for roles during the upcoming season. Among those looking to make an impact is Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht, who hopes to turn heads and prove his value.
Las Vegas Summer League: Opportunities Beyond the Rookie Class
Though the spotlight often shines on incoming rookies, the Summer League is equally important for returning players seeking to elevate their status. For some, it’s a chance to earn more playing time or a more defined role; for others, it’s a proving ground to demonstrate that they deserve to remain on their roster. This summer in Las Vegas, coaching staffs will closely examine these players’ performances as they prepare for training camp and the regular season.
Eastern Conference Players to Watch in Summer League
Atlanta Hawks: Kobe Bufkin
Kobe Bufkin enters his third NBA season with the Hawks, facing tough competition for minutes behind star Trae Young and newcomer Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Despite limited impact so far, Bufkin aims to impress coach Quin Snyder and the staff in Las Vegas to keep his spot on the roster and explore a more significant role in the upcoming season.
Boston Celtics: Baylor Scheierman and Jordan Walsh
Boston’s rotation is expected to shift considerably, especially with Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury and offseason roster changes. Rookie Baylor Scheierman, picked 30th overall last year, will seek to capitalize on these openings after playing just 31 games as a rookie. Jordan Walsh also faces a critical summer as his contract only becomes fully guaranteed on opening night, making Las Vegas a crucial platform to prove their worth.
Brooklyn Nets: Egor Demin
The Nets have added five first-round rookies, including eighth overall pick Egor Demin, who stands out as the primary point guard contender among rookies Nolan Traoré and Ben Saraf on the Summer League roster. These games will help separate the rookie guard before training camp begins later this year.
Charlotte Hornets: Ryan Kalkbrenner
After trading Mark Williams, Kalkbrenner is poised to compete for the Hornets’ starting center spot amid the presence of Moussa Diabate and Mason Plumlee. Noted for his record-breaking defensive achievements at Creighton, Kalkbrenner’s offensive improvements also add intrigue to his Summer League performance in Las Vegas.
Chicago Bulls: Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue
Buzelis is the most experienced player on this list, starting 31 games last season and appearing in 80 total contests. His ability to blend with 2025’s first-round pick Noa Essengue, who shares a similar build, will be a key story in Las Vegas. This forward pairing could shape Chicago’s future in light of Patrick Williams’ recent struggles.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Craig Porter Jr. and Lonzo Ball
With Ty Jerome gone, Cleveland added veteran Lonzo Ball to back up point guard duties, though Ball’s health remains uncertain. Porter Jr. must use the Summer League to prove he is more than just an emergency option and can reliably contribute to the team’s depth in the backcourt.
Detroit Pistons: Ron Holland II
Holland contributed regularly as a rookie but lost playing time in the playoffs. Improving his three-point shooting, where he made just 23.8 percent, will be essential as the Pistons replace Tim Hardaway Jr. and deal with the ongoing situation around Malik Beasley. Holland’s progress will be closely monitored.
Indiana Pacers: Johnny Furphy
Limited minutes defined Furphy’s rookie year, but changes in the Pacers’ roster landscape, especially with Tyrese Haliburton’s return and Myles Turner’s departure, could open opportunities. Consistency in Las Vegas could enhance Furphy’s chances of becoming a regular rotation player.
Miami Heat: Kel’el Ware and Pelle Larsson
Ware impressed during Miami’s California Classic, having earned 36 starts as a rookie and shown promise alongside Bam Adebayo. Ware’s Summer League time may be limited in Las Vegas, possibly prioritizing Pelle Larsson, another rookie looking to catch the coaching staff’s eye.
Milwaukee Bucks: Andre Jackson Jr.
Although other Bucks players like Keita Bates-Diop have more NBA experience, Jackson stands out as the only player with a guaranteed contract next season among Summer League participants. After minimal impact his first two seasons, Jackson must deliver a strong showing to regain a rotation spot.
New York Knicks: Tyler Kolek and Summer Prospects
With free agent uncertainty around Cameron Payne and Delon Wright, Kolek could compete for the backup point guard role. Alongside first-rounder Pacôme Dadiet and second-round picks Ariel Hukporti and Kevin McCullar, Kolek’s Summer League performance under new coach Mike Brown could influence his role moving forward.
Orlando Magic: Tristan da Silva
Da Silva was relied on heavily last season during injuries to Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, starting 38 games. As the team’s key role player, he aims to build on his 7.2 points and 3.3 rebounds average with consistent minutes after health returns to the Magic’s stars.
Philadelphia 76ers: Adem Bona and Justin Edwards
Due to injuries, Bona and Edwards exceeded expectations last year, but with a healthier roster coming up, Bona faces strong competition for minutes. Given Joel Embiid’s injury history and the return of Andre Drummond, Bona’s continued development may be essential for the Sixers.
Toronto Raptors: Ja’Kobe Walter
Despite injury setbacks last season, Walter made 18 starts but faces minor chances with Brandon Ingram added to the Raptors’ wing rotation. However, injuries to Ingram and other key players keep Walter in contention if he performs well in Vegas.
Washington Wizards: Alex Sarr and Backcourt Prospects
Second overall pick Alex Sarr aims to improve upon an inconsistent rookie season by showcasing efficient scoring in Las Vegas. Chemistry between lottery pick Tre Johnson and Bub Carrington could also signal the future backcourt for the Wizards as the team rebuilds carefully.
Key Western Conference Players to Monitor
Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg
As the Mavericks’ top overall pick, Flagg is expected to assume scoring duties and possibly take on some point guard responsibilities due to Kyrie Irving’s ACL injury. Head coach Jason Kidd’s hopes for Flagg’s versatility make Summer League a critical testing ground.
Denver Nuggets: DaRon Holmes II
Although sidelined last season with an Achilles injury, Holmes returns with the chance to secure a role amid uncertainty surrounding Jonas Valančiūnas. How Holmes adapts and performs will likely define his role as the Nuggets prepare for the coming season.
Golden State Warriors: Will Richard
Richard has already played this summer during the California Classic and could be a valuable role player depending on Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency situation. His experience in national championship play may give him an edge in helping the Warriors contend.
Houston Rockets: Reed Sheppard
The Rockets’ offseason moves have been notable, but Sheppard must demonstrate he is capable of handling a larger role in the backcourt. Despite minimal production in his rookie campaign, his Summer League showing could signal readiness for expanded duties.
Los Angeles Clippers: Kobe Brown
After limited minutes in his first two seasons, Brown needs to advance his case as a reliable rotation player, especially with John Collins joining the team. A stronger Las Vegas performance could impact the Clippers’ power forward rotation and his potential fantasy relevance.
Los Angeles Lakers: Dalton Knecht
Knecht’s rookie season mixed notable scoring bursts with inconsistency and defensive challenges. A trade deal involving him fell through in February, but strong performance in early Las Vegas games might encourage the Lakers to rest him in later matchups while evaluating his developmental trajectory.
Memphis Grizzlies: Jaylen Wells
Wells, a second-round pick, earned significant playing time as a rookie and stands to expand his offensive role due to changes in personnel and teammates’ injury histories. This Summer League will offer a chance to enhance his value for both Memphis and fantasy leagues.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Terrence Shannon Jr.
With Julius Randle and Naz Reid re-signed, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker gone, Shannon has an opportunity to secure consistent minutes. After limited exposure last season, Vegas games will be critical for Shannon to prove he can fill gaps in the rotation’s wing depth.
New Orleans Pelicans: Yves Missi
Missi started most of his rookie year but faces competition from recent acquisitions Derik Queen and Kevon Looney. A strong Summer League could reinforce his role with the Pelicans as they transition to a new front office.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Nikola Topić
Topić’s torn ACL prevented him from playing last season, but as part of the Thunder’s title-winning culture, he may be the best candidate among young guards to log significant minutes next year. His uneven Summer League showing in Salt Lake City highlights a role still being defined ahead of a deeper rotation next season.
Phoenix Suns: Ryan Dunn
With Kevin Durant’s departure and the arrival of Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, Dunn should see expanded opportunities on the wing. His rookie season production established a baseline, but Vegas will be his chance to showcase a fuller offensive arsenal.
Portland Trail Blazers: Rayan Rupert
Rupert played limited minutes last season and must outperform first-round pick Yang Hansen to solidify his own role. His Summer League results are unlikely to significantly boost his fantasy value unless he breaks out offensively, but they will influence the Trail Blazers’ personnel decisions.
Sacramento Kings: Devin Carter
Carter missed last year’s Summer League due to shoulder surgery but now has the chance to earn rotation minutes behind Dennis Schröder. With sparse rookie experience but potential, Carter must demonstrate at least comparable readiness to his prior campaign.
San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant
Harper missed the California Classic with injury but remains a key Summer League figure given the Spurs’ roster shakeup, especially the trades sending Branham and Wesley to Washington. If Harper cannot play, Bryant represents a promising option with size, athleticism, and defensive potential projected for next season.
Utah Jazz: Cody Williams
Following a disappointing rookie year, Williams aims to rebound during Summer League after solid performances from teammates Brice Sensabaugh and Isaiah Collier. Showing steady two-way play would reassure Jazz fans of his future contributions in a rebuilding franchise.
Why Watching Dalton Knecht and Peers Matters in Vegas
The NBA Summer League in Las Vegas is far more than a rookie showcase; it serves as a critical proving ground for a mixture of rookies and returning players striving to secure or expand their NBA roles. Players like Dalton Knecht find themselves at crossroads where strong performances could lead to increased trust and opportunity during the regular season. For franchises, these games provide essential data as coaching staffs prepare rotations, finalize roster decisions, and assess developmental progress.
With the 2024-25 season fast approaching, how Knecht and other players perform in Vegas will likely influence the Lakers’ and other teams’ strategies moving forward. For Knecht, consistency in scoring and defensive engagement could define his trajectory with the Lakers, while many other players across the league look to leverage this platform to carve out sustainable NBA careers. As the Summer League progresses, fans, analysts, and fantasy managers alike will closely monitor results that could foreshadow breakout seasons and shifts in league dynamics.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How much money did Dalton Knecht make?
A. Dalton Knecht agreed to a four-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $18,483,220. The contract includes $7,829,280 in guaranteed money, and he will earn an average of $4,620,805 per year.
Q. How much does Dalton Knecht make?
A. Dalton Knecht agreed to a four-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers for $18,483,220, with $7,829,280 guaranteed. His average yearly pay is $4,620,805.
In the 2025-26 season, Knecht will receive a base salary of $4,010,160. His cap hit and dead cap value will both be $4,010,160.
Q. Did the bus leave Dalton Knecht?
A. Breaking news: Los Angeles Lakers newcomer Dalton Knecht might play in the match against the Utah Jazz, but the decision will be made just before the game starts. The team accidentally left him behind because the bus driver mistakenly thought he had been traded to the Charlotte Hornets.
Q. Why did Dalton Knecht fall to 17?
A. The main concern is clearly about money. When a player like Dalton is ready for a big contract, deciding on a 27-year-old player’s future can be tough. However, the Lakers didn’t wait. They drafted a rookie who was prepared from the start.