Historically, North Carolina players drafted to Chicago have fared pretty well. Caleb Wilson just might be the next in line.
Today’s Lineup
💪 Wonderful Wilson
Caleb goes OFF in his Summer League debut.
🚨 Weather Report
Meleek Thomas, Khaman Maluach, and more SL standouts.
🤑 Wemby’s Payday
The Alien has found his home on Earth.
🎉 Happy birthday David Thompson, Spud Webb, Neemias Queta and Dante Exum! 🎉
Around the Association
Wilson scores 35, but Boozer wins battle of top-4 picks as Grizzlies down Bulls 97-96
There’s been plenty of hype around the top four picks from this year’s draft, and so far, they’ve delivered on every word.
On Friday, Cameron Boozer emerged victorious from a battle of top-four picks, handing Caleb Wilson and the Bulls a one-point loss. But before all was said and done, Wilson made sure to get his, racking up 35 PTS including 7/11 from beyond the arc, a scary dimension for a player that already projects as one of the league’s most athletic wings.
Boozer had another efficient, well-rounded performance, with 23 PTS, 6 REB, and 4 AST to lead a Memphis offense that shot 61% from two-point range. But the biggest takeaway from this clash — as well as the AJ Dybantsa-Darryn Peterson matchup a day prior — is the sheer talent of this year’s rookie class. We’re fortunate to watch the best in the world compete each season, and a new group of studs is rising up to stake their claim. Plus, how can you not love Wilson’s attitude?
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Weather Report: Five more bite-sized Summer League standouts
From top draft picks to players earning their keep, Summer League is stocked with signature performances. Let’s run through five more from the first weekend in Vegas.
Meleek Thomas: 30 PTS, 7 AST, 4 STL
Regardless of who ends up filling their small forward position, Cleveland will enter next season with a new potential difference-maker: Meleek Thomas. The 6-foot-5 Arkansas product left fingerprints on both ends of Cleveland’s Saturday night tilt with Detroit, succeeding as a scorer, playmaker, and defensive pest. Another Calipari guard!
Khaman Maluach: 15 PTS, 15 REB, 2 BLK
After an up-and-down rookie season, games like Sunday’s are a welcome sign for Phoenix and Khaman Maluach. The sophomore big recorded his second straight double-double with 15 and 15 (including 2/4 from three), and showed off his potential as an anchor with two blocks and a steal.
Arthur Kaluma: 34 PTS, 5 REB, 6/10 3P
They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but performances like this could make Arthur Kaluma the league’s worst-kept secret. The Lakers forward — who is still currently without a two-way deal — stepped into Cameron Carr’s spot in the starting lineup and delivered an offensive gem. Let’s hope LA locks him down!
Will Riley: 32 PTS, 6 REB, 6/8 3P
Washington may have a lot of mouths to feed, but don’t forget about Will Riley, a smooth 6-foot-9 sophomore forward who oozes more potential by the day. The Wiz trounced Sacramento by 21 thanks in no small part to their big man’s sharp shooting from beyond the arc.
Lester Quinones: 30 PTS, 8 REB, 3 STL
G League MIP in 2023. G League First Team in 2026. Whatever comes next for Lester Quinones, no one can question the fact that he’s earned his opportunity. And with a 64% shooting performance in an Orlando win, it’s clear he’s making the most of it.
🧠 Daily Trivia 🧠
Bam, Herro have “physical altercation” in Las Vegas
There’s never a dull moment in the NBA, and that includes the offseason, when former teammates can end up beside one another in the wrong kind of headline. Over the weekend, Shams reported that Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro had gotten into a “physical altercation” on Friday night in Vegas, one in which Bam “struck Herro in the head area.”
After being traded to Milwaukee for Giannis Antetokounmpo earlier this offseason, Herro allegedly made a few choice comments over Instagram DMs with a fan, and the altercation reportedly began when Adebayo confronted him about the remarks. The next day, before the news had broken, Herro was asked about his relationship with his former team. He responded “It’s all love in Miami.”
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Wemby’s Payday
Most of the summer’s big-time signings have come and gone, with some still awaiting the decision of a certain four-time champion. In the meantime, a few players re-upped with their current franchises, including a big-time payday for the league’s biggest player.
Trent Jr. returns to Milwaukee on four-year, $64 million deal
After sending their franchise’s all-time leading scorer away earlier this offseason, the Bucks are keeping another familiar face around— Gary Trent Jr. The former Duke guard gets the largest deal of his career, but given the cheap contracts he signed the last two offseasons and his down 2026 campaign, some have raised eyebrows and even accused the Bucks of potential salary cap circumvention. Something to watch.
Wemby inks five-year, $252 million extension
The 2026 season may not have ended the way the Spurs envisioned, but their superstar is doing what it takes to ensure they rise again. Victor Wembanyama is sticking around in San Antonio for the long haul, and notably, he chose a 25% maximum deal instead of the supermax escalators that could have brought the contract to 30% of the Spurs’ cap. That decision could save San Antonio about $50 million over the next few years, and in turn, give them critical flexibility around a championship-level roster.
Three in the Key
👀 Vogel’s Return
The title-winning HC joins the Warriors staff!
😎 Philon… Nylon
Philly may have found a steal in Labaron.
🔥 DMills in Vegas
Darrick always brings the energy.
What We’re Enjoying
Thank you to everyone who popped out to the live show in Vegas! The only thing better than sharing our love of hoops with you all virtually is doing it in-person. Here are some of the toughest jerseys from the big night… see you next time!
Signing Off
And we out! Thanks for spending a portion of your day with us. This week, enjoy the summer sun and spend some time in the great outdoors. Play a game, go for a walk, or just sit and feel the breeze on your face. It’s a wonderful time of year! See you soon.
Walker Carnathan
