The 2026 NBA Draft class was one of the most hyped in years, and the first week of the season didn’t disappoint. Here’s our early Rookie of the Year (ROY) ladder.
The top of the 2026 draft
| Pick | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | AJ Dybantsa | Washington Wizards |
| 2 | Darryn Peterson | Utah Jazz |
| 3 | Cameron Boozer | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 4 | Caleb Wilson | Chicago Bulls |
| 5 | Keaton Wagler | LA Clippers |
| 6 | Mikel Brown Jr. | Brooklyn Nets |
| 7 | Darius Acuff Jr. | Sacramento Kings |
| 8 | Kingston Flemings | Atlanta Hawks |
| 9 | Morez Johnson Jr. | Dallas Mavericks |
| 10 | Brayden Burries | Milwaukee Bucks |
Our early ROY ladder
1. Cameron Boozer, Grizzlies (No. 3 pick)
NBA general managers picked Boozer to win Rookie of the Year in the league’s annual survey, and he’s the betting favorite too. He averaged at least 10 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists in every preseason game and has looked comfortable in Memphis’ 2-0 start. He gives the Grizzlies a strong, skilled forward who can score inside and out.
2. Caleb Wilson, Bulls (No. 4 pick)
Wilson already has the best single game of any rookie: 30 points and 14 rebounds in a close loss to Washington. In the preseason, he averaged 21.4 points per 36 minutes. On a rebuilding Bulls team, he’ll get the ball a lot.
3. Darryn Peterson, Jazz (No. 2 pick)
Peterson scored 23 points in his second preseason game and had 13 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists in another. He’s a smooth guard who can run an offense, and Utah will give him big minutes next to Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen.
4. AJ Dybantsa, Wizards (No. 1 pick)
The top pick scored in double figures in all four preseason games, but a sprained left ankle delayed his debut. Once he’s healthy, he has the talent to jump to No. 1 on this list. Washington’s roster (Trae Young and Anthony Davis) helps, but it also means sharing the ball.
5. Yaxel Lendeborg, Warriors (No. 11 pick)
Here’s a surprise. With Jimmy Butler, Kristaps Porziņģis and Moses Moody injured, Lendeborg is starting for Golden State and scored 26 points against Phoenix. Playing time is the biggest factor in rookie awards, and he’s getting plenty.
Also watch
- Darius Acuff Jr., Kings: Made 8 of 19 three-pointers in the preseason and had a 25-point, 8-assist game against Golden State.
- Brayden Burries, Bucks: GMs called him the biggest steal of the draft at No. 10. Milwaukee is rebuilding, so he’ll play.
- Keaton Wagler, Clippers: The No. 5 pick should get chances on a team missing several veterans.
- Mikel Brown Jr., Nets: Showed off his scoring with 15 points in his only preseason game.
What decides Rookie of the Year?
- Playing time and role: Rookies who start and get lots of shots put up bigger numbers.
- Health: Players need to play at least 65 games to be eligible for most major awards.
- Team success: It’s a bonus, not a must. Many ROY winners played on losing teams.
Last season’s All-Rookie First Team included the Spurs’ Dylan Harper, who’s now a key part of a title contender.
We’ll update this ladder every few weeks. For the full MVP picture, read our NBA MVP race.
