NBA summer league tipped off this month as all 30 clubs gathered in Las Vegas to feature their newcomers and developing talent.

Opening day delivered a featured contest on Thursday between the Washington Wizards and top selection AJ Dybantsa and the Utah Jazz with second choice Darryn Peterson. Peterson, who opened with Utah at the Salt Lake City summer league on Saturday, posted 21 points, three rebounds and three assists in the Jazz's 92-88 defeat. Dybantsa paced all scorers with 27 points plus seven rebounds and two assists.

"Whenever I match up with him it turns into a fight," Dybantsa said about Peterson following the contest. "He always shows up ready. He defeated me three prior times so this marked my first victory. I felt pleased to finish ahead."

What lessons emerge from the top two selections' opening outings as NBA players? NBA analysts Ben Golliver and Zach Kram share observations on main points, standout plays and the areas that mattered most.

A Strong Showing in the Paint

F AJ Dybantsa, Washington Wizards
2026 draft pick: No. 1
College: BYU Cougars

Dybantsa's scoring style during his summer league debut boiled down to two traits: aggression and self-belief.

The top choice served as the Wizards' primary ball handler for stretches of Thursday's matchup and showed no hesitation in seeking his own shot. He repeatedly reached his preferred areas despite Utah's help defense and finished with a game-high 27 points across 26 minutes.

Some of those attempts came from tough angles. As in college Dybantsa relied on a challenging shot selection with numerous contested midrange attempts. His 7-for-18 field goal mark points to an area needing polish. He also exited late in the game with apparent leg cramps.

Yet the smoothness Dybantsa displayed when driving to the rim and drawing free throws, with eight attempts that would equal 15 under normal rules, signals strong promise for his NBA scoring potential.

After one outing Dybantsa demonstrated why Washington chose him first and why he prevailed in the matchup of the top two picks.

Top Play: Powerful Dunk Past Four Defenders

Late in the opening quarter Dybantsa slipped four Jazz defenders for a memorable slam. He exploded from a triple-threat stance past Cody Williams then shrugged off Peterson's swipe attempt before rising between Justin Harmon and Orlando Robinson to finish emphatically.

The crowd at Thomas and Mack Center roared and grew louder after the replay showed Dybantsa briefly lost then regained the ball midair before completing the dunk.

Dybantsa responded with a shout and flex. He earned that moment. -- Zach Kram

Peterson Displays Scoring Touch

G Darryn Peterson, Utah Jazz
2026 draft pick: No. 2
College: Kansas Jayhawks

Peterson's Las Vegas summer league debut lacked the flash or efficiency of his 28-point Salt Lake City showing but he battled through an early lull and heavy Washington pressure to reveal his high-level scoring skills.

The Wizards used traps and double teams while guard Jamir Watkins drew nine fouls in 20 minutes to increase the heat on the second pick. Peterson still led Utah with 24 points on 6-for-18 shooting including a smooth wrong-foot floater and a late lefty runner off glass.

As summer league continues Utah hopes Peterson will pass more willingly and decide better in traffic. He turned the ball over a game-high eight times and lost control several times near midcourt.

"That was their plan," Peterson said of the extra Wizards attention. "We lost so it worked somewhat. But I expected it and it helps to adjust now."

The positive note is Peterson will enjoy more space once the regular season begins with scorers such as Keyonte George, Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. alongside him.

Top Play: Transition Dunk After Strong Jazz Defense

Peterson's smooth scoring drew notice before the draft yet his length and defensive activity also stand out. As Utah rallied from a double-digit deficit in the second half the 6-foot-5 guard altered multiple shots near the basket as a helper.

Peterson turned a Washington turnover into his highlight: an easy two-hand dunk early in the third quarter. The Jazz defense improved after halftime and trimmed the lead to one point late but the rally fell short and Dybantsa won the showdown. -- Ben Golliver