NBA 2K26 reveals its incoming rookie attribute landscape ahead of the Sept. 5 global release, headlined by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the Standard Edition cover, with Carmelo Anthony and Angel Reese on other editions. The Leave No Doubt Edition binds all three covers. The top 100 rookies begin their rating drip on Aug. 16, following a rollout of the ten highest rookie ratings, spotlighting lottery picks and immediate fantasy-interest players.

Key names from the draft class surface: Cooper Flag gunning for DAL, Tre Johnson to WAS, Kon Knueppel to CHA, VJ Edgecombe to PHI, Collin Murray-Boyles to TOR, and Egor Demin to BKN, among others. Oklahoma City’s Shai headline the roster, while veterans and cross-league crossovers pepper the chatter. The ratings push fantasy managers to eye early-season roles, minute share, and potential breakout paths, especially for rookies tied to team rebuilds and young cores.

In fantasy terms, the ratings set a framework for early roster decisions and dynasty pivots. Expect these rookie ceilings to inform draft-day value, situational roles, and strategic adds as teams refine rotation plans after the rollout and into training camp.

USA Basketball tees up a bold 2028 bid by compiling a fresh core of under-23 talent, led by Paolo Banchero and a rising duo in Cooper Flagg and Amen Thompson, plus Chet Holmgren as a modern stretch-big anchor. The piece highlights Jalen Suggs and a watch-list of guards (Stephon Castle, VJ Edgecombe, Kon Knueppel, Cason Wallace) to pair with a defensive backbone and elite wing/forward potential. It also nods to a veteran exodus, with LeBron, Durant and Curry unlikely to suit up, pushing the onus onto a new generation led by 2028 expectations and 2023-24 maturation curves. The discussion links future guard prototypes to the success of the last Olympic cycle and maps a path for multi-Olympic runs through 2032.

In short, the piece paints a narrative where USA Basketball leverages versatility, two-way defenders, and a flexible frontcourt to thrive across FIBA formats, while blending star power with role-player depth. The guard archetype evolution—backcourt sustainment from Suggs through Brunson—with a defensive spine from Holmgren, Thompson and Flagg could redefine how the U.S. competes in Paris-adjacent volleys and beyond.

The NBA Summer League wrapped up with the Charlotte Hornets clinching the championship against the Sacramento Kings. Several players left their mark, with notable performances from Kon Knueppel, Cooper Flagg, and Bronny James. The Golden State Warriors showcased a mixed bag, finishing with a 3-2 record in Vegas. Rookie Chris Manon, undrafted from Vanderbilt, emerged as a standout, averaging 11.0 points and impressive defensive stats.

Will Richard and Alex Toohey contributed as well, but Toohey struggled, averaging only 7.0 points. Richard, traded to Golden State, showed potential with 10.3 points per game. Overall, the Warriors displayed promise with their young talent, while Manon secured a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers following his standout performance.

The 2K26 Summer League showcased a plethora of rookie talent, highlighting standout performances from top picks like Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper. Flagg, drafted first by the Dallas Mavericks, displayed versatility, particularly in his second game where he scored 31 points, hinting at a promising role with the team as they aim for a championship. Harper, the second overall pick by the Spurs, demonstrated skill and potential despite limited action due to rust from injury. Meanwhile, players like VJ Edgecombe and Kon Knueppel emerged as key contributors for their respective teams, with Knueppel's strong finish solidifying the Charlotte Hornets' Summer League title. Overall, these rookies are set to influence fantasy rosters as they transition to the NBA season.