Ranking The Top 10 Performers at 2K26 NBA Summer League
No. 10: Ron Holland II - Detroit Pistons
Ron Holland II appeared in all 81 games for the Pistons last season, averaging 15.6 MPG. Despite having his name written down still for a roster spot, he chose to attend the 2025 NBA Summer League anyways and stood out amongst opponents. The NBA placed him on the All-Summer League Second Team, although he only appeared in three games, averaging 21.7 PPG on 52.8 FG%, 4.0 SPG, and 2.3 3PM per game on 46.7 3FG%.
The Pistons’ returner only played three outings, but his productions was too prolific to ignore. Holland’s offensive consistency and aggresiveness on both ends of the floor, willing to hunt steals made a strong all-around statement. After his strong performances, the Pistons shut him down strategically, satisfied with the growth from their 2024 lottery pick.
A clear candidate worth resting for the regular season.
Ron Holland II SHOWS OUT Against New York in 2K26 NBA Summer League
No. 9: Cooper Flagg - Dallas Mavericks
The No. 1 pick in 2025 was arguably one of the most electrifying rookie presences. He starred on both ends of the court before Dallas shut him down after just two games, leading to his ranking on this list.
His debut versus the Lakers (10 pts, 6 reb, 4 ast, 3 stls, 1 blk) was far from perfect offensively posting 5 of 21 shooting from the field, but showcased NBA-paced, efficient decision-making, and two-way floor leadership in his minutes on the court despite rookie jitters.
Flagg responded impressively in his second outing against the Spurs with 31 points in 31 minutes. After getting put in a defensive chamber by Carter Bryant early, a beast awakened within Flagg.
The Game 2 Summer League performance firmly cemented his potential while easing fanbase pressure.
Cooper Flagg 2K26 NBA Summer League Highlights
No. 8: Drew Timme - Brooklyn Nets
Drew Timme’s Las Vegas breakout was impossible to ignore.
Following up nine strong appearences and two starts to end a 2024-25 rebuild season for Brooklyn, in just three Summer League games Timme averaged 25.3 PPG on 55.4 FG%, 8.0 RPG, 1.0 BPG, and 0.7 SPG. His consistent performances while fighting for a roster spot with a non-guaranteed contract earned him All-NBA Summer League Second Team honors, trailing only Summer League MVP Kyle Filipowski in points per game.
From his Summer League debut against the Thunder (22 pts, 9 reb, 1 ast on 10/13 FG) to his cinematic 30 pt explosion against the Wizards, Timme consistently dominated against ‘bigger’ and ‘more athletic’ competition.
Timme stands out prominently due to his exceptionally strong footwork in the post, his smooth and reliable shooting ability near the basket, and his smart, well developed understanding of the game’s nuances and strategies.
In the Summer League, he maneuvered comfortably from the box to the elbows, while showcasing polished fundamentals often missed amongst younger bigs. His strong rebounding and ability to score through contact made his impact clear, and he offered consistent leadership as the “veteran anchor” on Brooklyn’s Summer League squad. Drew Timme deserves an NBA contract!
Drew Timme 30pt Summer League Performance Against The Brooklyn Nets
Drew Timme 20pt Summer League Performance Against OKC
No. 7: Yang Hansen - Portland Trail Blazers
Trail Blazers fans and global media are already calling Yang Hansen the “Chinese Jokic”, and for good reason.
The 2025 No. 16 overall pick delivered an unexpectedly polished Summer League showing that displayed elite playmaking rare for a 7’1” center. Over four games, he averaged 10.8 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.8 APG, 2.3 BPG, before Portland rested him ahead of the tournaments closing.
In his debut versus the Warriors, Hansen posted 10 pts, 4 reb, 5 ast, 3 blk, and a steal in just 24 minutes on 3‑of‑7 shooting. Against the Pelicans, he followed with 15 pts on 6/13 FG%, including 3/6 from three-point range, 2 blk, and strong reads in 27 minutes. Scouts and fans alike couldn’t ignore Hansen’s vision as he processed the game like a guard. He can initaite offense from anywhere on the court while creating guarded passes for teammates look wide-open.
Hansen’s marketability skyrocketed as well being the highest Chinese draft pick in nearly two decades. It immediately brings international attention, social media buzz, and merchandise demand no matter what his role is to begin the season.
What was once a draft night oversight is now already a global phenomenon.
Yang Hansen: A Walking Highlight Reel In His Trail Blazers Debut
No. 6: Nique Clifford - Sacramento Kings
Nique Clifford burst onto the Summer League scene as a diamond in the rough of the 2025 NBA Draft, quickly proving his value after Sacramento traded up to draft him at No. 24 overall. The swing wing earned First Team All‑Summer League honors, shining across the Kings’ 5–0 run to the championship game
Clifford, averaging 16.2 PPG on 49.3 FG% and 45.8 3pt%, 6.2 RPG, 4.2 APG, and 1.0 SPG across six games, and was the engine for Sacramento.
Clifford’s biggest statement came in the Kings’ elimination win over Cleveland, where he poured in 19 points, dished out 9 assists, and grabbed 7 rebounds. His court vision and playmaking set the tone for Sacramento, who went 5–0 before falling short in the title game against Charlotte.
The most impressive part of Clifford’s performance? Efficiency.
He scored in rhythm, found his shot in the mid-range, and was deadly spotting up from deep. Clifford also showed glimpses being a lead initiator as he was able to break down defenders and feed the roll man or find the open corner. Clifford’s ability to do a bit of everything on offense made him a reliable glue guy throughout the tournament.
Defensively, Clifford played with focus and poise. He rotated well, communicated on switches, and often started transition opportunities off his own rebounds.
Though his final two outings saw his numbers dip, Clifford’s first four games were enough to earn All-Summer League First Team honors and the attention of NBA executives and fans worldwide. If Sacramento’s front office hoped to find a rotation-ready wing with upside, Clifford might have overdelivered
Nique Clifford 2K26 NBA Summer League Highlights
No. 5: David Jones-Garcia - San Antonio Spurs
David Jones-Garcia turned heads in Las Vegas with some of the most statistically impressive Summer League averages across the entire showcase.
Across five games, Jones-Garcia averaged 21.6 PPG on 52.7 FG% and 52.9 3pt%. Those averages on 14.8 FGA and 6.8 3PA per game is impressive as the undrafted player from Memphis proved he belonged on an NBA floor.
His scoring came in a lot of ways as he thrived in transition and attacked mismatches in isolation. Jones-Garcia also moved well off the ball in the half court, and was able to defend multiple postions without fouling.
Despite his averages, Jones-Garcia’s buzz has been muted due to San Antonio’s star-filled rookie class. Fellow teammates Carter Bryant’s 94-feet defensive tenacity on display in the Summer League and top-3 pick Dylan Harper drew most of the media attention. This left Jones-Garcia’s consistent five outings somewhat underappreciated by fans/media, but coaches noticed.
With Victor Wembanyama at the center of the Spurs’ future, players like Jones-Garcia who don’t need the ball to be efficient and hustle consistently will be valuable in the future. His Summer League tape showed a player who can earn rotation minutes on effort and consistency alone.
David Jones-Garcia 2025 Summer League Highlights
No. 4: Terrence Shannon Jr. - Minnesota Timberwolves
Terrence Shannon Jr. didn’t just flash in Summer League, he looked like a player ready to contribute right away in his 2nd season.
In only three games played before he was shut down, Shannon Jr. averaged 22.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 5.0 APG, and 1.7 SPG on 48.6 FG% and 38.5 3FG% in only 29.3 minutes per game.
Shannon’s biggest weapon is his burst. He explodes in transition and punishes closeouts with powerful drives to the rim. His strength lets him finish through contact, and his improved footwork allowed him to draw fouls at a high rate. Defensively, he was one of Minnesota’s most versatile pieces, guarding both backcourt spots and switching onto wings.
What truly made his Summer League performance stand out was the exceptional control he demonstrated throughout his three appearances. At Illinois, Shannon was known for his wild speed and energy, but in Vegas, he showed a calmer, more focused approach. He made timely passes out of drives, stayed within the flow of the offense, and showed better shot selection. His three-point stroke still needs refining, but he hit enough to keep defenses honest.
Shannon’s NBA readiness is more important than ever for the Timberwolves. With Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s exit to Atlanta and a bench that still needs a presence at the wing position, there’s a clear pathway for Shannon Jr. to carve out a role. He brings toughness, athleticism, and a relentless motor, traits that often earn trust from coaches early on.
Terrence Shannon Jr. 2K26 NBA Summer League Highlights
No. 3: Ajay Mitchell - Oklahoma City Thunder
As the Thunder continue to build a sustainable contender, Mitchell’s presence offers even more flexibility. Whether he’s initiating offense or playing off another creator, his balance of craft and calm makes him a long-term rotational candidate. For a team that values development and cohesion, Ajay Mitchell checks all the boxes.
In just three games played, Mitchell demonstrated an impressive on-floor efficiency with a plus-minus rating of 19. He averaged 20.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.7 SPG, and 0.7 BPG in only 27.3 minutes per game. His ability to manipulate defenders in the pick-and-roll and his touch on floaters and runners allowed him to dictate pace with composure well beyond his years. Besides his ability of getting to the rim, he can create a consistent shot anywhere along the perimeter.
Defensively, he brought effort and anticipation. While not the most physically imposing guard, Mitchell compensated with smart positioning and timely digs. The Thunder's already deep backcourt may keep him in a reserve role to start, but he fits the mold of what OKC thrives on — intelligent, team-first players who don’t need the ball to make an impact.
If OKC fails to return Cason Wallace of Lu Dort in the next couple seasons, Ajay Mitchell would be able to take on the responsibility instead of looking for new pieces. Sam Presti’s masterful mind needs to be studied. It was insanely hard not putting Barnhizer or Topic on this list…
Ajay “Too Good For Summer League” Mitchell Drops 27 Against Orlando in 2k26 NBA SL
No. 2: Kyle Filipowski - Utah Jazz
Kyle Filipowski entered Summer League with something to prove. Originally drafted in 2024 as the No. 32 pick, he turned heads this summer by becoming the leading scorer in Las Vegas and earning Summer League MVP honors. In just three games, Filipowski averaged an eye-popping 29.3 PPG, 7.7 RPG, and 2.3 APG, while shooting 56.1% from the field and 39.1% from three.
What made his performance standout was how completely he controlled the offense. In games against high-caliber competition, Filipowski dropped 35 points vs. the Spurs and 32 vs. the Hornets. Filipowski showed elite footwork, range, and finishing ability, even posting three double-doubles across all Summer League contests.
Defensively, he held his own despite not being a traditional rim protector. Filipowski showed improved lateral agility, rebounding instincts, and an understanding of spacing that minimized fouls. His lateral movement surprised bigger opponents, allowing him to recover effectively in switch-heavy sets or when behind P&R’s.
For a Jazz team looking to pivot after John Collins’ departure, Filipowski represents a modern big who stretches the floor and facilitates from multiple positions. His feel for high-level decision-making under pressure and being a spacing threat create a dangerous fit alongside Utah’s emerging young cores.
Utah shut him down after just three games in Las Vegas. This decision was not due to any lack of talent or potential, but simply because there was nothing else to prove. The Jazz recognized early on that they had discovered a valuable 2024 second-round steal, one well worth holding onto for the future.
Filipowski’s Summer League dominance wasn’t just impressive, it validated his growth and potential as a front court rotation piece for the 2025‑26 season and beyond.
2K26 NBA Summer League MVP Kyle Filipowski Highlight Reel
No.1: Kon Knueppel - Charlotte Hornets
Kon Knueppel capped off an undefeated 6 game streak by leading the Charlotte Hornets to their first ever Summer League title and earning Championship Game MVP honors.
In that final, he dropped 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists, including a clutch 3-pointer in the final minute to secure the win. Over five games in Las Vegas, Knueppel averaged 15.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists on 40.6% FG and 34.3% 3PT, playing just over 27 minutes per game.
What set Knueppel apart was his unforced efficiency. He played with a veteran's poise: Curling off screens, moving without the ball, and staying ready without forcing the issue.
Whether spotting up or cutting, he executed at a high level. His impressive 21-point performance in the title game clearly demonstrated his ability to close out crucial moments and shoot effectively under intense pressure, just as he consistently did during his time with the Duke Blue Devils.
His physicality and hustle allowed him to guard multiple wings, box out aggressively, and clean the glass at 6’5", 215 lbs. Knueppel is ready to join the rotation right away as a valuable and promising fit alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, keeping Charlotte fans hopeful and excited about the team’s bright future.
