Basketball

Former UNC Stars Shine in 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas

Nine Tar Heels make notable impacts across multiple franchises

The 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas turned into a showcase for a cadre of former UNC Tar Heels, with nine alumni spread across a dozen NBA franchises. The summer circuit, traditionally a proving ground for rookies and undrafted players, featured a distinctly Tar Heel flavor as former college standouts took the court in search of contract opportunities and roster spots.

Summer League Highlights

Caleb Wilson emerged as the most prolific scorer among the group, delivering 23.5 points per game while also pulling down 7.3 rebounds, dishing out 1.8 assists and stealing 1.3 balls for the Chicago Bulls. His all‑around production suggested a readiness for a larger role in the Bulls’ rotation heading into the next season.

RJ Davis, now with the San Antonio Spurs, contributed 12.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists per contest, reinforcing the playmaking flair that made him a fan favorite in Chapel Hill. His ability to create shots for teammates highlighted the transition from college star to professional playmaker.

Seth Trimble, representing the Washington Wizards, posted 10.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game, showing the versatility that earned him a spot on the roster. Trimble’s defensive hustle and rebounding consistency added depth to the Wizards’ frontcourt.

Henri Veesaar, the Finnish forward for the Atlanta Hawks, logged 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 0.8 steals per game, translating his overseas experience to the summer circuit. Veesaar’s shooting efficiency and positional flexibility made him a valuable bench asset.

The Milwaukee Bucks benefited from the presence of Pete Nance, Cormac Ryan and Tyler Nickel, each of whom contributed modest but steady numbers that hinted at future depth. Nance’s 3.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, Ryan’s 11.0 points and 6.5 rebounds, and Nickel’s 12.2 points and 3.6 rebounds collectively illustrated the team’s willingness to experiment with lineup combinations.

Drake Powell’s stint with the Brooklyn Nets saw him average 7.3 points and 1.3 steals per game, while Jalen Washington’s brief appearance for the Chicago Bulls yielded 2.0 points and a rebound per contest. Both players demonstrated flashes of potential that could earn them further opportunities in the league.

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