Summer League 2026: Uncovering Hidden Gems, Unlocking Potential
The NBA Summer League is a treasure trove of talent, a crucible where raw potential meets the harsh realities of professional basketball. This year's edition has been a fascinating showcase of the league's future stars, with several players making their mark and others quietly building their cases for a spot on an NBA roster.
The Heat's Impressive Find: Ryan Conwell
One of the most intriguing stories from the Miami Heat's perspective is the discovery of Ryan Conwell. According to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, Conwell's Summer League performance left the Heat coaching staff impressed. His unwavering confidence as a shooter was on full display, as he attempted 36 threes in four games, hitting 11 of them. But it wasn't just his shooting that caught their eye.
"Defensively, he competes his butt off," said Summer League coach Wayne Ellington. "And then, offensively, he’s a force and he makes tough shots. He makes plays for others. He has a very strong offensive game and it’s only going to continue to grow."
Conwell's ability to make plays for his teammates and his strong defensive presence are qualities that the Heat, known for their talent development, will undoubtedly be keen to nurture. With a suddenly very expensive roster, the need to unearth and develop underrated talent has become even more critical.
Undrafted Wings Shining
Among the undrafted players, Tre White stood out with his impressive statistics. He averaged 17.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.8 steals in Las Vegas, while shooting 40% from beyond the arc. His size, shooting ability, and IQ make him a strong candidate for a two-way or Exhibit 10 contract, according to Ellington.
"He’s got all the intangibles," Ellington said. "He’s got size. He’s got the shooting ability. He’s got the IQ. So, he’s a guy that is going to continue to get better. He showed some flashes as well during the summer league, and I look forward to seeing what he can do in the future."
White's performance in the Summer League is a testament to the league's ability to serve as a launchpad for players who might otherwise go unnoticed.
Slawson's Eventful Summer
Jalen Slawson, a restricted free agent, had an eventful Summer League with the Pacers. Despite hitting just 29.0% of his threes, he led the team in points (20.8) and blocks (3.2) per game. His penultimate game showcased both his big mistakes and big recoveries, while his final game saw him finish with 22 points and four blocks, displaying the potential of an NBA rotation wing.
The Pacers will find it challenging to part ways with Slawson, despite his glaring weaknesses, as his highs will make it difficult to let him go. However, the team's decision will likely hinge on finding the right balance between his strengths and areas for improvement.
The Celtics' Featured Players
The Boston Celtics had four featured players in Summer League: Hugo Gonzalez, Chris Cenac Jr., Dillon Mitchell, and Amari Williams. While the former three improved their stock, Williams' performance remained relatively stable. John Tonje, who played on a two-way contract last season, didn't raise his stock significantly but played well enough to be in the conversation for a coveted two-way spot for next year.
Clifford's Leadership Evolution
Nique Clifford, a player for the Kings, focused on improving his leadership skills this Summer League. He worked on being more assertive and aggressive, both offensively and defensively. Clifford's evolution as a leader is a positive sign for the Kings, as he aims to be more aggressive and not question plays, instead making them when he sees the opportunity.
The NBA Summer League is a microcosm of the league's future, where hidden gems are uncovered and potential is unlocked. As the league continues to evolve, these Summer League performances will play a crucial role in shaping the NBA's future landscape.
