AJ Dybantsa tops ESPN’s early rookie list after summer league

AJ Dybantsa has the early crown in ESPN’s summer league rookie check-in, with the Washington Wizards’ No. 1 pick landing ahead of Memphis Grizzlies forward Cameron Boozer and Utah Jazz guard Darryn Peterson.

ESPN’s Zach Kram published a “way-too-early” ranking of 2026 rookies after Las Vegas summer league, judging the players on current quality and summer showings rather than long-term projection. Kram noted the sample was small: he wrote that he saw each player at least once in Las Vegas, and none more than twice.

The exercise covered the top 11 picks in the 2026 draft. ESPN said every first-rounder appeared in multiple Las Vegas games except No. 20 pick Jayden Quaintance and No. 21 pick Karim Lopez, who were injured.

Dybantsa gets the top spot

Kram ranked Dybantsa first after two summer league games, citing his ability to reach the paint, draw fouls and create the most eye-catching plays among the class. ESPN also noted areas to clean up, including shot selection and some defensive stiffness when guarding ball handlers.

A big Washington question remains how much Dybantsa will have the ball once the regular season starts. Kram wrote that Dybantsa often initiated the offense in Vegas, while the Wizards have Trae Young under commitment for the next four years.

Boozer, drafted third by Memphis, took second in the ranking. ESPN pointed to his broad box-score production: 18.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game. Kram also highlighted Boozer’s 6-foot-8, 253-pound frame, defensive versatility and true shooting mark above 60% despite an uneven jumper in Las Vegas.

Peterson, the No. 2 pick by Utah, came in third. According to ESPN, he played better in Salt Lake City than in Las Vegas, where turnovers and foul trouble were issues. Kram still cited his range, burst and free throw volume, noting he tied Dybantsa for the lead in Las Vegas free throw attempts.

Who else made the cut

Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson ranked fourth after taking 8.3 3-pointers per game and shooting 48% from deep, according to ESPN. Kram cautioned that summer 3-point accuracy does not reliably predict regular-season shooting, while noting Wilson’s high attempt rate was more meaningful. Wilson also had nine blocks in three games, plus five assists and 13 turnovers.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Brayden Burries was fifth after averaging 22.3 points on 50% shooting, including 44% from 3. ESPN said he had 12 assists and one turnover, a tidy line in a rookie-heavy setting.

No. 6: Mikel Brown Jr., Brooklyn Nets, praised by ESPN for two-way play and shot creation.
No. 7: Yaxel Lendeborg, Golden State Warriors, described as NBA-ready at 23 with passing, defense and a promising 3-point shot.
No. 8: Morez Johnson Jr., Dallas Mavericks, who made 15 of 20 2-point attempts and posted six blocks and five steals in two games.
No. 9: Kingston Flemings, Atlanta Hawks, ranked as the best defender among lottery guards by Kram.
No. 10: Keaton Wagler, LA Clippers, whose 35% summer 3-point shooting came with concerns about separation and 2-point scoring.
No. 11: Darius Acuff Jr., Sacramento Kings, a lead-creator type who shot 35% from the field, 27% on 3s and 70% on free throws across summer play, according to ESPN.

Kram also gave mentions to Cleveland Cavaliers guard Meleek Thomas, who led summer league at 28.3 points per game, Philadelphia 76ers guard Labaron Philon Jr. and Toronto Raptors guard Allen Graves.

This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.