Paul Pierce believes the 2026 NBA Draft class is already living up to the expectations that surrounded it before the draft, with several rookies making immediate impacts during summer league action.
Speaking on No Fouls Given on Monday, July 13, Pierce highlighted the anticipation around the class and said the early summer league performances have reinforced the belief that it could become one of the strongest drafts in recent years.
“It’s the build up coming in we was like this is going to be one of the best drafts. And then for these players to come out there and kind of solidify that kind of in summer league because you like, all right, let’s see you know what they really got,” Pierce said. “And so I love seeing that because it’s nothing better than seeing these guys because this is the time to be optimistic right here.”
The 2026 draft produced several highly regarded prospects, including No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa, No. 2 selection Darryn Peterson and No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer. Through early summer league games, multiple first-round picks and second-round selections have shown scoring ability, playmaking and defensive versatility.
Second-round pick Meleek Thomas has led all summer league players in scoring through July 14, averaging 28.3 points per game in three appearances. The Sacramento Kings draft selection has shot 50% from the field while making 3.7 three-pointers per game at a 45.8% rate, adding 4.3 assists and 2.3 steals per contest.
Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson, the No. 4 overall pick, has also produced at a high level, averaging 27.0 points and 6.5 rebounds in two games. Wilson has converted 52.6% of his field goals and connected on 5.0 three-pointers per game while shooting 52.6% from beyond the arc.
Arizona forward Arthur Kaluma has been one of the most efficient scorers, averaging 26.0 points in two games while shooting 76.2% from the field and 63.6% from three-point range. His early production has helped reinforce the depth of the class beyond the top lottery selections.
The top overall pick, Dybantsa, has averaged 25.0 points and 7.0 rebounds in two games for the Washington Wizards. While his three-point shooting has been inconsistent at 9.1%, he has converted 85.7% of his free throws and contributed 2.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game.
Cameron Boozer, selected third by the Memphis Grizzlies, has shown an all-around skill set with averages of 22.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists through two games. The Duke product has shot 48.3% from the field while contributing on both ends with 2.0 steals and 0.5 blocks per game.
Other notable performances have come from Will Riley, who is averaging 25.0 points while shooting 53.8% from the field and 70% from three-point range, and Trevor Keels, who has posted 23.0 points per game while shooting 60% overall and 50% from three.
