The NBA’s 2026-27 Rookie of the Year race is expected to be a competitive one.
It isn’t a surprise that AJ Dybantsa is viewed as a top contender for the award after the Washington Wizards selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft.
“You’re overthinking it if you don’t pick A.J.,” an Eastern Conference scout told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. “He’s the most equipped to win the award. Last year, Kon [Knueppel] had a great opportunity, and he had a case but, you know, Cooper [Flagg] was best equipped, and he won it in the end.”
Utah Jazz guard Darryn Peterson’s outlook for the honor wasn’t as certain despite his status as the No. 2 overall pick. He could operate in a smaller role as part of a Jazz starting lineup that also includes Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Keyonte George.
“Rookie of the Year is an award that’s centered on opportunity,” a Western Conference executive told Windhorst. “[Peterson] is going to be great, but on that team I’m not sure how much opportunity he’s going to get.”
Meanwhile, Memphis Grizzlies forward Cameron Boozer should receive plenty of opportunities to operate as the team’s offensive engine during his rookie season after he was taken with the No. 3 pick.
“Boozer is a winner and he’s won things his entire young life,” an Eastern Conference executive said to Windhorst. “Memphis isn’t going to have a good year, but he’s going to be the bright spot and he’s going to win the award.”
The Grizzlies traded Jackson to the Jazz on Feb. 4 before sending Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers in a June 29 swap, leaving Boozer as their key building block moving forward.
Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson is also playing on a squad that has an eye on the future and could find success under new head coach Tiago Splitter.
“Wilson looked awesome when we got into the film,” an Eastern Conference assistant coach said. “He’s got all the tools and I have to assume [Bulls coach] Tiago [Splitter] is going to lean into what he can do.”
The No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 draft is coming off an impressive Summer League run in which he averaged 23.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game while shooting 50.0 percent from the field and 41.9 percent from behind the arc.
