The final buzzer just screamed in Las Vegas. NBA summer school for 2026 is officially done, and while these games might not count for the standings, they sure as heck reveal some stuff that matters a lot. Your Golden State Warriors are walking out as Summer League champs, with lottery pick Yaxel Lendeborg already adding another ring to his collection. Dude already snagged a championship with the Michigan Wolverines back in April, so he knows how to win! But while Lendeborg was a prized pupil, the grades for other top picks from this hyped class are where things get real interesting.
Boozer Looked Poised, Proving Why He Went Top-5
Memphis Grizzlies fans? You gotta be stoked. Number 3 pick Cameron Boozer didn't just meet expectations in Vegas, he blew 'em away, earning a solid 'A' grade. This dude's performance felt like a sneak peek at what he'll bring in the regular season. He wasn't chasing stats, either. Boozer dropped 18.5 points, 8.0 boards, 3.7 assists, and 2.1 stocks, finding those numbers in the flow of the game, whether he was setting up plays or finishing 'em. His polish, his production, his poise,it all translated from what we heard. He was always active on the glass, pulling down six or more boards every single outing. And he kept the ball moving, dishing out three or more assists every game. His instincts on defense made him a playmaker back there too. Yeah, his shooting percentages weren't perfect (45.2 percent overall, 33.3 percent from three), and he had a bit of trouble against bigger guys inside, but honestly? He checked every box the Grizzlies wanted to see. He even helped Memphis make it to the championship game! What a start.Acuff's Vegas Mess and Brown's Rollercoaster Ride
Now, let's talk about the other end of the spectrum, because yikes. Sacramento's number 7 pick, Darius Acuff Jr., had a three-game run in Vegas that was mostly just a mess. It felt like the Kings shut him down to put him out of his misery, not because he proved enough. Sure, he packed a scoring punch with 19 points per outing, but he took a ton of inefficient shots to get there. His scoring average barely topped his 17.3 shots per game, and his shooting split was an ugly 36.5/26.3/64.3. His entire game is supposed to be offense, but it didn't look like it. His defensive effort? Red flags all over the place. He almost erased his 5.3 assists with 4.7 turnovers. Three summer games won't define a career, but his weaknesses were glaring, and his strengths weren't nearly strong enough. Even his "high note" game (26 points on 50 percent shooting) ended with five turnovers and five assists. He got a C- grade, and honestly, that feels generous. And then there's Mikel Brown Jr., the Brooklyn Nets' number 6 pick. He only played three games, and his summer circuit looked just like his time at Louisville: a total rollercoaster ride. Stat sheet highs like 20 points on 50/50/100 shooting in one Vegas game show flashes, but consistency was clearly an issue. These summer sessions are over, but the real work starts now. For these rookies, the next step is getting ready to hit the court when the NBA regular season tips off later this fall. Boozer looks like he's ready to shine for Memphis, but Acuff has some serious questions to answer before Sacramento rolls into training camp. What will these guys become when the real lights are on? We'll be watching every step of the way.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.