Seven former Syracuse University basketball players have arrived in Las Vegas to compete in the 2026 NBA Summer League, a proving ground where draft prospects and undrafted hopefuls attempt to catch the eye of NBA franchises.
The week‑long showcase has produced a spectrum of results, with some players delivering eye‑catching performances while others have struggled to find rhythm against faster, more experienced competition.
Summer League Highlights
William Kyle, who signed a two‑way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, appeared in several games and posted a range of statistics, from efficient scoring bursts to moments of defensive lapses, illustrating the volatility of his transition to the professional game.
Nate Kingz, assigned to the Miami Heat, showed flashes of playmaking ability but also experienced inconsistency, his scoring fluctuating across appearances as he adjusted to the NBA pace.
Buddy Boeheim, the son of former Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim, found a more comfortable groove with the Oklahoma City Thunder, posting higher shooting percentages and contributing more points than in earlier outings.
Jesse Edwards, formerly of the Milwaukee Bucks, logged limited minutes, often serving as a backup big man, and his impact was reflected more in rebounds and rim protection than in offensive output.
Chris Bell, on a summer deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, delivered a standout performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers, scoring a career‑high number of points and grabbing several offensive boards.
Quadir Copeland, featured with the Houston Rockets, combined scoring bursts with solid playmaking, registering double‑digit points and notable assist totals that hinted at his versatility.
Roster Outlook
Among the group, Maliq Brown emerged as the most consistent contributor, his rebounding dominance and steal numbers drawing praise from coaches and analysts alike, positioning him as the player most likely to secure a spot on an opening‑night roster.