News Summary
The Charlotte Hornets have emerged as champions of the NBA 2K26 Summer League, finishing with a perfect 6-0 record. Led by standout Kon Knueppel, who scored 21 points in the championship game, the Hornets defeated the Sacramento Kings. Other top 2025 NBA Draft picks showcased their skills, with player Cooper Flagg earning praise for his performance. The tournament highlighted impressive displays and areas for growth among young prospects as they gear up for their NBA careers.
Las Vegas – The NBA 2K26 Summer League has concluded with heightened anticipation for the upcoming training camps, as the Charlotte Hornets emerged as the champions with a perfect 6-0 record. Led by lottery pick Kon Knueppel, the Hornets secured the title after a commanding performance in the championship game against the Sacramento Kings, where Knueppel earned the MVP honors by scoring 21 points.
In addition to Knueppel’s standout performance, a number of top picks from the 2025 NBA Draft Class showcased their talent during the Summer League, raising the interest of NBA fans and franchises alike. The No. 1 overall pick, Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks, averaged 20.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists throughout the tournament, establishing himself as a prominent candidate for the Rookie of the Year. Despite his strong showing, Flagg ranked 14th in scoring among Summer League participants, signaling potential for further development as he transitions to the NBA.
Other notable performances came from the second and third overall picks in the draft. Dylan Harper, selected by the San Antonio Spurs as the No. 2 pick, averaged 16.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists but was limited to two games due to a groin injury. On the other hand, VJ Edgecombe, the No. 3 pick by Philadelphia, averaged 15.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, demonstrating potential as a dynamic slashing player.
Additionally, Tre Johnson of the Washington Wizards made a strong impression by averaging 19.5 points per game with a shooting percentage of 45.5% from three-point range. Meanwhile, Jeremiah Fears of the New Orleans Pelicans faced challenges during his rookie debut, averaging 17.4 points but struggled with decision-making, committing 25 turnovers during the sessions.
The performance of Khaman Maluach, selected No. 10 by the Phoenix Suns, highlighted the potential of a new 7-foot-2 project despite his efficiency issues. Derik Queen, the 13th overall pick by the Pelicans, was noted for his strong rebounding abilities but will face recovery after undergoing wrist surgery due to an injury. Meanwhile, Egor Demin, chosen No. 8 by the Brooklyn Nets, showed shooting prowess by hitting 43.5% from three while averaging 11.3 points.
The Spurs’ Carter Bryant, picked at No. 14, showcased strong defensive skills and contributed significantly in pivotal moments even though he encountered difficulties in his shooting. Lastly, Ace Bailey, who was limited by injuries, managed to average 13.0 points while participating in the Salt Lake City league.
Overall, the performances during the NBA 2K26 Summer League provided a mix of impressive displays and identified areas for improvement among the top 14 picks of the 2025 NBA Draft. The insights gained from this event will be crucial for players’ development and team dynamics as they prepare for their NBA careers.
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Additional Resources
- NBA: How Lottery Picks Fared in 2025 Summer League
- Wikipedia: NBA 2025
- ESPN: 2025 NBA Draft Executives Debate
- Google Search: 2025 NBA Draft
- NBA Big Board: High Stakes Hot Takes
- Google Scholar: NBA Summer League
- Bleacher Report: Grading Every NBA Team’s Top Rookies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NBA Summer League
- Nets Wire: Which Nets Played the Best
- Google News: NBA Rookie 2025
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INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
