AJ Dybantsa leads four rookies in ESPN’s top 100 NBA player rankings image
The 2026 NBA Draft class has not played a regular-season game, but four rookies are already being counted among the league’s top 100 players. ESPN included AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson in the first half of its annual NBA player rankings.
Dybantsa led the rookie group at No. 78. Peterson followed at No. 83, while Boozer landed at No. 85 and Wilson debuted at No. 97. Their placements reflect an unusual amount of confidence in a class filled with recognizable college stars and potential franchise centerpieces.
The rankings were determined by predicted contributions during the 2026-27 regular season. That means ESPN’s panel expects all four rookies to produce meaningful results immediately.
The four rookies were revealed in ESPN’s NBA Rank countdown from Nos. 100 through 51.
AJ Dybantsa enters season with highest expectations
Dybantsa begins his career with the Washington Wizards after becoming the franchise’s first No. 1 overall pick since John Wall in 2010. The former BYU star led the nation with 25.5 points per game during his only college season. He became the first player since Glenn Robinson in 1994 to lead Division I in scoring and then become the top selection in the NBA Draft.
ESPN projected Dybantsa to average 20.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists.
Reaching those numbers would put him at the center of the Rookie of the Year race.
His situation in Washington is more complicated than that of a traditional No. 1 pick. The Wizards have several young players but also added established stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis. Dybantsa may not lead Washington in shot attempts immediately. He should receive opportunities to attack without facing every opponent’s best defender, however, which could make his adjustment easier.
Peterson also enters an interesting situation in Utah. The former Kansas guard averaged a freshman-record 20.2 points for the Jayhawks before becoming the No. 2 pick. He joins a Jazz roster featuring Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George and Ace Bailey.
ESPN ranked Peterson 83rd and projected him to average 19.4 points.
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Cameron Boozer could receive biggest role
Boozer landed with a Memphis Grizzlies organization beginning a major rebuild after trading Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. That creates an enormous opportunity.
The former Duke forward averaged 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists while leading the nation in win shares. He became the first college underclassman since Larry Bird to average at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Boozer may not possess the explosive athleticism of Dybantsa or Peterson, but his strength, decision-making and rebounding could make him the most NBA-ready player in the class.
ESPN projected Boozer to produce 18.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists.
Wilson rounds out the group after joining the Chicago Bulls as the No. 4 pick. The former North Carolina star became only the second freshman in program history to lead the Tar Heels in scoring, rebounding and steals. The other was Tyler Hansbrough.
Wilson also displayed a developing outside shot during summer league, making 42 percent of his 3-point attempts on considerable volume. His 21 turnovers against seven assists showed that the transition will include mistakes, but his athletic upside could make him one of Chicago’s most exciting players.
The Bulls are building around Wilson, Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey. Wilson should receive enough minutes and touches to justify ESPN’s projection of 17.9 points and 8.1 rebounds.
Rookie rankings are always risky. Young players must adjust to a longer schedule, stronger defenders and more complicated offensive systems. Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer and Wilson will not all follow the same developmental path.
Their inclusion in the top 100 shows why the 2026 rookie class will be one of the NBA’s biggest stories from opening night.
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