The NBA Summer League is back in Las Vegas, and this year’s opening night has a headliner that could set the tone for the entire week. On July 9, the Thomas and Mack Center will host a first-night matchup between No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa and No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson. That’s not something you see every year.
Dybantsa, taken first by the Wizards, will suit up for Washington. Peterson, picked second by Utah, will be in a Jazz uniform. They’re the two biggest names in a rookie class that also includes Mikel Brown Jr., Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson. Summer League is usually the first real look at these guys playing against NBA-level competition, and this year the marquee matchup comes right out of the gate.
All 30 teams are in town starting July 9, and every roster is a mix of first-year pros, second-year players looking for rotation minutes, G League guys trying to earn a two-way deal, and a handful of veterans trying to remind someone they can still play. The rosters are fluid until the first tip, but here’s the latest on who’s expected to suit up for each team.
Hawks, Celtics, and Nets Bring Depth
Atlanta’s Summer League squad is headlined by 2025 first-round pick Asa Newell (No. 23 overall), plus a pair of 2026 picks in Kingston Flemings and Zuby Ejiofor. Sanjay Lumpkin, an assistant on Quin Snyder’s staff, will coach the group. The Hawks also have two-way players RayJ Dennis and Keshon Gilbert on the roster.
Boston is rolling out its 2025 draft class — Hugo Gonzalez, Amari Williams, and Max Shulga — plus a couple of 2026 selections in Chris Cenac Jr. and Dillon Mitchell. Amile Jefferson, a Celtics assistant, will run the show.
Brooklyn has a ton of recent draft capital on display: Egor Demin (No. 8 in 2025), Drake Powell (No. 22), Danny Wolf (No. 27), and Ben Saraf (No. 26) are all on the roster. The Nets also added Mikel Brown Jr., the No. 6 pick in the 2026 draft, to their Summer League squad. That’s a lot of young talent in one uniform.
Rookies and Two-Way Players Across the Board
Charlotte will feature first-rounder Liam McNeeley along with two-way guys Michael Ajayi and Kylan Boswell. Chicago has No. 12 pick Noe Essengue and 2026 lottery picks Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain. Cleveland is bringing back Tyrese Proctor, their 2025 second-rounder, plus a handful of two-way contracts.
Dallas has an interesting situation. Morez Johnson Jr., their 2026 first-rounder, is expected to play. But two international picks — Sergio De Larrea and Vsevolod Ishchenko — are listed with Summer League status unknown, according to team sources. The Mavericks haven’t confirmed either way.
Golden State is bringing a massive 21-man roster, including 2025 pick Will Richard, two-way player LJ Cryer, and Colby Jones — a 2023 first-round pick who spent last season in the G League. That’s the kind of depth that makes Summer League rosters hard to track but fun to watch.
Houston, Indiana, and the Clippers all have smaller, more focused groups. The Lakers have 2025 second-rounder Adou Thiero and a couple of two-way players. Miami’s roster includes Trevor Keels, a 2022 second-round pick who’s still trying to stick in the league.
Memphis, San Antonio, Utah Load Up
The Grizzlies will have maybe the most anticipated rookie in Cameron Boozer, the No. 3 pick in 2026. He’s joined by Karim Lopez and two-way players Javon Small and Jahmai Mashack. That’s a solid Summer League core.
San Antonio’s roster is deep with names like Tarris Reed Jr., Carter Bryant, and a bunch of G League and international players. Jayden Quaintance, a 2026 first-rounder, is not expected to play, according to the team.
Utah has a fascinating mix. Darryn Peterson is the headliner, but the Jazz also have 2024 first-rounder Cody Williams and 2025 lottery pick Ace Bailey on the roster. That’s three top-10 picks from the last two drafts playing together in July. Steve Wojciechowski, a Jazz assistant, will coach them.
Washington, of course, will feature Dybantsa. He’s the main attraction, but the Wizards also have two-way players Leaky Black and Julian Reese rounding out the roster.
Summer League games tip off July 9 and run through July 20. Every team plays at least five games. The schedule and broadcast details haven’t been announced yet, but the league typically puts the biggest matchups on ESPN and NBA TV. Expect Dybantsa-Peterson to be the headliner on opening night.
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