The 2026 NBA Summer League opened its doors in Las Vegas on July 9, bringing together a roster of emerging talent and veteran prospects in a high‑stakes showcase that runs through July 19.
Among the participants, seven former Syracuse University basketball players are making their mark, each assigned to different NBA franchises for the exhibition games.
Opening Night Highlights
The first round of matchups delivered a mix of solid fundamentals and surprising moments. William Kyle III, a 6‑foot‑9 forward, logged 9 minutes for the Los Angeles Lakers, contributing two rebounds, two assists and a steal.
Buddy Boeheim, known for his sharpshooting, suited up for the Oklahoma City Thunder and scored eight points, adding a rebound, an assist and a steal.
Jesse Edwards, the 6‑10 center, appeared for the Milwaukee Bucks, posting two points, an assist and a block in limited action.
Maliq Brown, a versatile guard, suited up for the San Antonio Spurs and recorded four rebounds, an assist and three steals, underscoring his defensive impact.
Quadir Copeland, the most prolific scorer among the group, erupted for 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds while dishing out two assists and tallying two steals for the Houston Rockets.
Chris Bell, who earned a single steal for the New Orleans Pelicans, and Nate Kingz, who was held out of the Miami Heat’s lineup by the coaching staff, round out the Syracuse contingent.
Looking Ahead
While the early statistics provide a snapshot, the summer league serves as a crucial platform for these alumni to fine‑tune their skills, earn roster spots and attract the attention of NBA decision‑makers. Their performances will be closely monitored as the tournament progresses, with each game offering new opportunities to showcase versatility and clutch play.
The league’s organizers, in partnership with the National Basketball Association, have emphasized the importance of this developmental circuit for both the players and the broader basketball community, especially as the sport continues to expand its global footprint.