The 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas opened with a bang for multiple former Huskies. Liam McNeeley put on a show for Charlotte in their win over Orlando, putting up 28 points on 7-for-8 from downtown.
“I mean, a little nerves early on and they’re a team (Orlando) that’s got a little bit older guys, if you will, for summer league,” he explained. “So just kind of getting our feet settled into the game and responding to that physicality,” said McNeeley.
After being drafted late in the first round of
the 2025 draft, McNeeley had a slower start to his NBA career, averaging 4.3 points in 31 games played for the Hornets. Year two for the soon-to-be 21-year-old could see him making the rotation after Charlotte moved off of star guard LaMelo Ball. McNeeley’s performance in this year’s Summer League can be the key reason McNeeley will get more looks during his sophomore season.
Looking over this season’s rookie class, Alex Karaban missed the California Classic due to a right ankle sprain during team practice on July 2. Karaban was cleared to play Thursday against the Clippers as he finished scoreless in 24 minutes, picking up 2 rebounds and an assist.
Tarris Reed made his debut in the California Classic earlier this week. The Kodiak Bear picked up right where he left off back in March as he put up a pair of double-doubles against the Lakers and Hawks. Reed scored 12 points on 6-for-10 shooting in his first game against Los Angeles as he hauled in 12 rebounds and 1 assist. In his second game, we saw more of the same, as he made his presence known by dominating the glass and making shots down low, putting up 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Dan Hurley made an appearance on the broadcast during the Houston vs Denver game and had much praise for his center.
Tristen Newton, who was a key benefactor in the back-to-back National Championships, was on the floor for Houston with Hurley in attendance. Newton finished the night with 13 points and 3 steals, making a smooth and-one finish as Hurley shouted “Gimme that!” as he saw the ball fall through the basket.
Hurley made it clear that Newton can be a rotational player. Newton was named to the All-NBA G League First Team for the 2025-26 season, averaging 25.6 points for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Houston’s affiliate. Just like McNeeley, the Summer League may turn some coaches’ heads and get some Huskies NBA minutes.
