Going into the season, we all knew the talent in the 2026 draft class, but what they have delivered in their first few weeks in the league is nothing short of spectacular.
AJ Dybansta
The overall #1 pick in the NBA draft landed at the Washington Wizards, with huge expectations going into the new season. After suffering an ankle sprain before the season started and missing the first four games, Dybansta has played the last three and looked increasingly comfortable, averaging 19 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per game to start his young career.
After debuting with a limited minutes restriction, his on court time has only increased after each game, helping the Wizards improve to 4-3. With the help of Anthony Davis and Trae Young, Washington are looking to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2020-21 season.
Darryn Peterson
Peterson was drafted #2 overall by the Utah Jazz. After pre-draft rumours that Peterson didn't want to play in Utah, he has slotted into their starting shooting guard role and looked solid.
With averages of 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, he has struggled with his efficiency and consistency, shooting 36 per cent from the field and 37 per cent from the arc. Peterson was a gifted scorer in college, so no doubt that these numbers will rise as he builds confidence.
Cameron Boozer
Boozer was drafted #3 overall by the Memphis Grizzlies and has been on fire to start his debut season, currently leading the rookie ladder and averaging a double-double. Through seven starts, Boozer has set marks of 17.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game, and has helped lead the Grizzlies to a surprising 6-1 record, though they lost their first game of the season to the Pelicans in an OT loss yesterday.
In only his fifth career game, Boozer recorded his first career triple-double with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, becoming the second-youngest player in NBA history to do so, behind only Australia's Josh Giddey.
Caleb Wilson
Wilson was drafted fourth overall by the Chicago Bulls, and after an amazing preseason, it's not surprising he's had a fast start to the season. Wilson, a tall, athletic wing, has looked comfortable on both ends of the court, averaging 21.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game.
Although the Bulls have had a rough start to the season, going 1-6 and losing their last five games, Wilson can build on his start and improve his three-point efficiency to improve this record fast.
Darius Acuff Jr.
Acuff was selected #7 overall by the Sacramento Kings and has been one of the most entertaining players to watch to start the season. Acuff Jr. is currently 9th in the league in scoring, ahead of stars of the ilk of Victor Wembanyama, Cooper Flagg, and Jalen Brunson - averaging 26.1 points per game, to go along with 3.9 rebounds and 6.3 assists.
He has already broken multiple rookie records, such as most field-goal attempts in his first 3 career games (73), surpassing Kevin Durant's previous 64. He tied the NBA's single-game rookie record of three-pointers made with nine, and is the first teenager since LeBron James to record 30 points and 12 assists in a game. Full of confidence already, there is much more to come.
With the Kings finally winning their first game of the season yesterday, they are one of the worst teams in the league and now sit at 1-6, but they have their franchise point guard of the future.
Yaxel Lendeborg
Lendeborg was selected 11th overall by the Golden State Warriors - he was also the oldest player drafted in the first round and is currently 24 years old. However, he has shown that he is more than NBA-ready, becoming the Warriors' second-best player, only behind Steph Curry, averaging 21.5 points, 7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 0.9 steals per game.
Lendeborg scored a career-high 37 points last week against the Los Angeles Clippers, marking the most points in a single game by a Warriors rookie since Steph Curry in 2010. The star and the rookie have led the Warriors to five straight wins and a 5-3 record.
Aday Mara
Mara was drafted 12th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Although his stats so far don't jump off the stat sheet - 6.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.7 blocks per game - he has been impressive so far. Mara is 7 feet 3 inches, and didn't look likely to get much gametime to start the season. But - after three long-term injuries to the Thunder's starting unit - Mara's minutes have increased as they rely further on his defensive presence.
In the Thunder's last game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, he was just one rebound shy of a double-double, and in the previous game against the Houston Rockets, he had a career-high four blocks. With the Thunder short-handed for a while, he will be leaned on more and should continue to improve as he gains confidence and chemistry with the team.
Is this one of the greatest rookie-of-the-year races we have ever seen? Let us know in the comments below!
