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Devin Carter tallied 13 points (5-of-16 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), two rebounds, seven assists, two blocks and two three-pointers in Sunday’s loss to the Hornets.
Carter did not shoot the ball well in Sunday’s championship game, but his overall play throughout the summer league may have opened some eyes. Limited last season due to injury, the 2024 first-round pick was effective as a playmaker and defender against the Hornets. With Carter being mentioned in trade rumors earlier this month, he’s something to keep an eye on as the offseason progresses. Staying in Sacramento could make it difficult for him to impact fantasy basketball next season, especially with the Kings signing Dennis Schröder.
Nique Clifford amassed 10 points (4-of-15 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), eight rebounds, two assists and one three-pointer in Sunday’s loss to the Hornets.
Clifford was among the many Kings who struggled from the perimeter in Sunday’s title game defeat. Sacramento shot 7-of-34 from beyond the arc as a team, with Clifford making one of his four attempts. However, the first-round pick’s versatility was on display throughout the event, and that attribute may get Clifford early rotation minutes. Kings GM Scott Perry said earlier in the summer that they envision Clifford being able to play all three perimeter positions. If the rookie can handle those responsibilities, he’ll have value in deeper fantasy leagues.
Isaac Jones finished Sunday’s loss to the Hornets with 24 points (10-of-17 FGs, 3-of-4 FTs), 11 rebounds, two assists, one block and one three-pointer.
Jones had an outstanding summer league, capping his run with a double-double in Sacramento’s five-point defeat. Over his last two games in Las Vegas, the second-year forward shot a combined 23-of-34 from the field, scoring 60 points. Due to Sacramento’s frontcourt rotation, getting the playing time needed to impact fantasy basketball next season will be challenging. However, Jones’ play in Las Vegas was encouraging, especially with the Kings trading Jonas Valančiūnas to the Nuggets earlier in July.
KJ Simpson tallied 11 points (4-of-15 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), seven rebounds, five assists, one block and one three-pointer in Sunday’s win over the Kings.
While Simpson didn’t have the best night shooting the basketball, his leadership throughout the summer league contributed to the Hornets’ winning the title. In Charlotte’s first five games, the second-year point guard averaged 5.8 assists and 2.6 turnovers per game. With Simpson again on a two-way contract and a healthy LaMelo Ball running the show, his ceiling will be limited next season. However, there may be moments when Simpson is worth streaming if Ball’s injury struggles continue.
Ryan Kalkbrenner accounted for 15 points (5-of-6 FGs, 4-of-5 FTs), nine rebounds, one steal, one block and one three-pointer in Sunday’s win over the Kings.
While he didn’t get much action as a scorer in Sunday’s NBA 2K26 Summer League championship game, Kalkbrenner took advantage of the few opportunities he received. The rebounds and defensive stats are more noteworthy for fantasy managers, as the 7-foot-1 center stands to be most impactful as a defender next season. Even if veteran Mason Plumlee begins next season as the starter, Kalkbrenner should play plenty and will be worth a look in the later rounds of standard league drafts.
Kon Knueppel finished Sunday’s win over the Kings with 21 points (8-of-21 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), five rebounds, two assists and four three-pointers.
While Knueppel started slowly in Las Vegas, the lottery pick’s play was a key reason why the Hornets won their first summer league title. He led the Hornets in scoring on Sunday and was also effective as a rebounder, a constant for Knueppel throughout the team’s five games. Once the regular season begins, he should fit well within an offense headlined by LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges and Brandon Miller. As a rookie, Knueppel will likely be a player who possesses a high floor in fantasy basketball, but his ceiling may be limited.