NBA: Preseason-Brooklyn Nets at Washington Wizards
Oct 12, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward AJ Dybantsa (4) dunks the ball as Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin (8) looks on in the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
NBA stars Cooper Flagg, Victor Wembanyama, Dylan Harper, Jared McCain, Alperen Sengun, and Jalen Duren, all drafted in recent seasons, have produced for their franchises, changing the perception of rookies. Prospects join the league, some more polished than others, hoping to contribute to a contender. Now, we’re in an era where young players get the platform to contribute to a team’s success right away.
Player development and success depend on a mix of a franchise’s situation and the opportunities provided. While a few players in this year’s draft class will enter situations built for success, others might warm the bench. Here’s a look at the top seven NBA rookies entering the 2026-27 season.
MORE: NBA power rankings entering 2026 preseason
7. Mikel Brown Jr. – Brooklyn Nets
NBA: Brooklyn Nets-Media Day
Sep 28, 2026; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets Mikel Brown Jr. (0) talks with media at Brooklyn Nets HSS Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
As the primary playmaker for a promising Brooklyn Nets squad, Mikel Brown Jr. steps into an ideal role. Brown Jr. will play alongside Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle – two elite scoring forwards. Brown’s a talented scorer, but will have an opening to exhibit his facilitating upside.
6. Darius Acuff Jr. – Sacramento Kings
After an exciting season at Arkansas, under Coach Calipari, Acuff is primed for an exciting rookie season. Playing on a team in the lower half of the league, the high-volume scorer will have ample opportunities to put his offensive prowess on full display.
5. Cameron Boozer – Memphis Grizzlies
NBA: Preseason-Orlando Magic at Memphis Grizzlies
Oct 7, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cameron Boozer (27) looks on during the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Cameron Boozer was selected third overall by the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies step into the new season at the bottom of the league, meaning Boozer will walk into a high-usage role. However, he’s ranked below a few of his peers due to his lack of raw talent and concerns over his ceiling.
4. Darryn Peterson – Utah Jazz
Peterson joins a surprisingly competitive roster. Through trades and off-season signings, Utah has thrust itself into playoff conversations. Though Peterson will likely start, he won’t have as many opportunities as the guys listed above him – yet he remains a top-3 talent in this class.
3. Yaxel Lendeborg – Golden State Warriors
NBA: Preseason-Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors
Oct 6, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Yaxel Lendeborg (1) pushes the ball up the court during the third quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Yaxel Lendeborg enters this season as arguably the most NBA-ready prospect in this year’s class. Following an impressive summer league and pre-season, the 24-year-old has been awarded a starting role with Golden State. Playing alongside Stephen Curry, Lendeborg will have limited opportunities, but his ability to affect the game in every facet makes him invaluable.
2. AJ Dybantsa – Washington Wizards
The Wizards acquired Anthony Davis, Trae Young, and Alex Sarr, building a strong core to slot AJ Dybantsa into. Washington takes the pressure off the No. 1 overall pick and most polished talent in this year’s rookie class. Dybantsa will thrive playing alongside an elite playmaker like Trae Young, but won’t have many opportunities to take over games.
1. Caleb Wilson – Chicago Bulls
NBA: Preseason-Memphis Grizzlies at Chicago Bulls
Oct 9, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson (8) during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Chicago completely revamped the front office, along with the roster, placing Wilson in a unique situation. He displayed his growth as a shooter, tenacity attacking the rim, and length on defense throughout the summer league and pre-season. Wilson has the best chance at success, setting him apart from the rest of the Rookie class.