The 2026 NBA Summer League began Thursday in Las Vegas, showcasing the next generation of NBA talent.
The main event featured the professional debuts of No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa and No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson, as the Washington Wizards faced the Utah Jazz. The matchup provided fans at the Thomas & Mack Center an early look at a potential future NBA rivalry.
Dybantsa quickly showed why he was the top pick, displaying athletic ability, flexibility, and scoring during the game. He scored 27 points and grabbed seven rebounds, helping Washington win 92-88 over Utah. Meanwhile, Peterson faced tough defense but showed the scoring and passing skills that made him a top prospect. This confirmed his potential as a future NBA star.
While the games caught attention, talks about the Summer League focused on Las Vegas becoming an important center for basketball every July.
Sports Director Bryan Salmond talked with NBA TV announcer Kyle Draper, who praised how the Summer League has grown and how Las Vegas brings together players, team leaders, media, and fans. Additionally, Draper said Las Vegas has become one of basketball’s top locations.
Bryan also interviewed Harlem Globetrotter Mark Blount Jr., who talked about basketball growing in Southern Nevada and the city’s bright future. Furthermore, Blount Jr. said Las Vegas’s energy gets stronger every year, making it a top basketball spot.
Off the court, a major topic on Day 1 was the increasing support for bringing an NBA expansion franchise to Las Vegas.
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Eric Butler is a Contributor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on Instagram and X via @ReportandOpine
