7 days ago
After Cameron Boozer and the Memphis Grizzlies fell to the Golden State Warriors in the 2026 NBA Summer League championship, fans were curious to know who would take home tournament MVP honors.
Although ESPN named Boozer their MVP of the tournament, NBA voters didn't quite see it the same way, awarding Boozer's rival, Yaxel Lendeborg, with the trophy. However, Boozer was recognized as one of the top players throughout the summer, being named to the 2026 NBA Summer League First Team. Boozer was joined by Lendeborg, Caleb Wilson, Brayden Burries and Meleek Thomas, the only second-rounder to make the first team.
Boozer's teammate Cedric Coward was named on the second team, as well as Zyon Pullin, Egor Demin, Liam McNeeley and another Duke alum, Khaman Maluach of the Phoenix Suns.
The top-two selections in the 2026 NBA Draft (AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson) did not make either team; however, they played in just two and three games, respectively.
This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Cameron Boozer narrowly misses out on NBA Summer League MVP
#team #league
Although ESPN named Boozer their MVP of the tournament, NBA voters didn't quite see it the same way, awarding Boozer's rival, Yaxel Lendeborg, with the trophy. However, Boozer was recognized as one of the top players throughout the summer, being named to the 2026 NBA Summer League First Team. Boozer was joined by Lendeborg, Caleb Wilson, Brayden Burries and Meleek Thomas, the only second-rounder to make the first team.
Boozer's teammate Cedric Coward was named on the second team, as well as Zyon Pullin, Egor Demin, Liam McNeeley and another Duke alum, Khaman Maluach of the Phoenix Suns.
The top-two selections in the 2026 NBA Draft (AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson) did not make either team; however, they played in just two and three games, respectively.
This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Cameron Boozer narrowly misses out on NBA Summer League MVP
#team #league
7 days ago
Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin had already been considered "too good" for summer league with the way he played during the California Classic given how much he improved on both ends of the floor. With that being said, Brooklyn had to be pleased to see Demin playing as well as he did and the NBA recognized just how much impact he had in Las Vegas.
The NBA announced on Tuesday that Demin played well enough during the Las Vegas Summer League that he was placed on the 2026 NBA All-Summer League second-team. Joining Demin on the second team was Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zyon Pullin, Memphis Grizzlies Cedric Coward, Charlotte Hornets forward Liam McNeeley, and Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach.
Demin, 20, finished the Las Vegas Summer League with averages of 21.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.3 **** ists, and 2.3 steals per game while shooting 42.6% from the field and 30.0% from behind the three-point line. While Demin made the second team for what he did in Las Vegas, one could argue that he was better in Sacramento during the California Classic as he averaged 23.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.0 **** ists, and 1.0 steals per contest while shooting 55.6% from the floor and 26.7% from deep.
Not only has Demin been recognized as one of the better players that took part in the Las Vegas Summer League, but ESPN's Ben Golliver regarded Demin as the best sophomore of the bunch. While summer league isn't necessarily comparable to playing NBA basketball on a nightly basis, Demin performing well has to do wonders for the team as well as his confidence.
Demin did not shoot the ball well in summer league play compared to how well he shoot the three-pointer during his rookie season, but he showed that he has the ability to be physical on both ends of the floor thanks to his work in the weight room. Demin spoke about how much he was trying to improve the flaws in his game and now, the NBA has recognized how much work he has put in to get better.
#vegas
The NBA announced on Tuesday that Demin played well enough during the Las Vegas Summer League that he was placed on the 2026 NBA All-Summer League second-team. Joining Demin on the second team was Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zyon Pullin, Memphis Grizzlies Cedric Coward, Charlotte Hornets forward Liam McNeeley, and Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach.
Demin, 20, finished the Las Vegas Summer League with averages of 21.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.3 **** ists, and 2.3 steals per game while shooting 42.6% from the field and 30.0% from behind the three-point line. While Demin made the second team for what he did in Las Vegas, one could argue that he was better in Sacramento during the California Classic as he averaged 23.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.0 **** ists, and 1.0 steals per contest while shooting 55.6% from the floor and 26.7% from deep.
Not only has Demin been recognized as one of the better players that took part in the Las Vegas Summer League, but ESPN's Ben Golliver regarded Demin as the best sophomore of the bunch. While summer league isn't necessarily comparable to playing NBA basketball on a nightly basis, Demin performing well has to do wonders for the team as well as his confidence.
Demin did not shoot the ball well in summer league play compared to how well he shoot the three-pointer during his rookie season, but he showed that he has the ability to be physical on both ends of the floor thanks to his work in the weight room. Demin spoke about how much he was trying to improve the flaws in his game and now, the NBA has recognized how much work he has put in to get better.
#vegas
8 days ago
NBA Communications: The 2026 NBA All-Summer League Second Team: Cedric Coward, memgrizz Egor Dёmin, BrooklynNets Khaman Maluach, Suns Liam McNeeley, hornets Zyon Pullin, Timberwolves
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: The 2026 NBA All-Summer League Second Team:
#khaman
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: The 2026 NBA All-Summer League Second Team:
#khaman
16 days ago
LAS VEGAS — Phoenix Suns 7-footer Khaman Maluach has been the team's best player so far in Las Vegas.
Double-double menace. Knocking down 3s. Vocal leader.
Javonte Cooke and Darius Brown II have led the Suns in scoring in each game, respectively.
Rasheer Fleming has shown flashes of his potential. Koby Brea can't make a 3.
Then there's Koa Peat.
Double-double menace. Knocking down 3s. Vocal leader.
Javonte Cooke and Darius Brown II have led the Suns in scoring in each game, respectively.
Rasheer Fleming has shown flashes of his potential. Koby Brea can't make a 3.
Then there's Koa Peat.
18 days ago
Former Blue Devil and No. 10 overall selection Khaman Maluach impressed in his first summer league game of 2026, scoring 19 points to lead the Phoenix Suns to an 81-79 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Along with his 19 points, Maluach posted 11 rebounds, two steals and one block.
While Maluach will need to take better care of the ball (seven turnovers), his outside shooting was especially impressive. After shooting just 23.8% from beyond the arc during his rookie campaign, Maluach knocked down three of his seven three-point attempts against Portland, adding a new dimension to his offensive game.
For the Blazers, former Blue Devil DJ Steward stood out as well, scoring 21 points to go along with eight rebounds, two ****** ists, two steals and one block. Both players had support from current Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, while another alum, Luke Kennard, was there to support Maluach following his move to Phoenix.
This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Former Duke top-10 pick showcases new skill at NBA Summer League
While Maluach will need to take better care of the ball (seven turnovers), his outside shooting was especially impressive. After shooting just 23.8% from beyond the arc during his rookie campaign, Maluach knocked down three of his seven three-point attempts against Portland, adding a new dimension to his offensive game.
For the Blazers, former Blue Devil DJ Steward stood out as well, scoring 21 points to go along with eight rebounds, two ****** ists, two steals and one block. Both players had support from current Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, while another alum, Luke Kennard, was there to support Maluach following his move to Phoenix.
This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Former Duke top-10 pick showcases new skill at NBA Summer League
