The 2026 NBA Summer League is set to open in Las Vegas next month, bringing together a fresh crop of talent eager to make impressions ahead of the regular season. This year, four former Iowa State Cyclones will be among the participants, each earning a spot on the rosters of NBA teams that have shown confidence in their abilities.
Cyclones on the Rise
Keshon Gilbert, who signed a two‑way contract with the Atlanta Hawks, will wear the Hawks' jersey in the Summer League. In his most recent NBA stint he posted 4.3 points, 3.0 assists and 1.3 rebounds per game, while in the G League he averaged 17.3 points, 6.8 assists and 5.0 rebounds. His dual‑role contract reflects the Hawks' intention to develop him both at the NBA level and on the G League affiliate.
Joshua Jefferson, the 28th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, is slated to play for the Brooklyn Nets. Jefferson’s college résumé includes a historic run of multiple triple‑doubles in Big 12 play, and his final season at Iowa State saw him average 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game. The Nets will hope his playmaking can translate quickly to the professional stage.
Curtis Jones, a former Cyclone who signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Denver Nuggets, will actually be showcased with the Boston Celtics in the Summer League. In the NBA last year he contributed 2.9 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game, but his G League numbers — 20.2 points, 5.7 assists and 5.1 rebounds — suggest a higher ceiling that the Celtics may look to unlock.
Tamin Lipsey, another Cyclone standout, earned an exhibit 10 contract with the Indiana Pacers and will represent the Pacers in Vegas. Lipsey’s college career was marked by three All‑Big 12 selections and three CSC Academic All‑American honors. Last season he posted 13.5 points, 5.1 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game, underscoring his all‑around impact.
Implications for the Franchises
The presence of these four players adds depth to the Summer League rosters and gives each team a chance to evaluate talent under competitive conditions. For the Hawks, the two‑way arrangement with Gilbert could provide a low‑risk avenue to assess his readiness for a larger role. The Nets, meanwhile, are banking on Jefferson’s playmaking to bolster a backcourt that has been searching for a spark.
Beyond the individual storylines, the participation of Cyclones reflects the strength of Iowa State’s program in producing NBA‑ready prospects. Coach Chris Beard’s recent recruiting and development strategies appear to be paying dividends, as multiple alumni now find themselves on NBA summer rosters across the league.
Fans can look forward to seeing how these former Cyclones perform when the Summer League schedule unfolds over the coming weeks. Their games will be streamed on NBA platforms, and each performance will add another chapter to the ongoing narrative of Iowa State’s resurgence in professional basketball.