Ranking the top NBA rookies from the 2026 preseason
The 2026-27 NBA rookie class is considered deep, with top picks like A.J. Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson leading the way. A preseason ranking highlights nine rookies who have performed well relative to expectations, including Sacramento's Darius Acuff. The list omits some players who have not yet played in the preseason or are honorable mentions.
The 2026-27 rookie group is viewed as unusually deep, with Washington’s A.J. Dybantsa, Utah’s Darryn Peterson, Memphis’ Cameron Boozer, and Chicago’s Caleb Wilson forming a highly regarded top four. A preseason ranking of nine standouts places Sacramento’s Darius Acuff ninth.
Acuff has connected on 41 percent of his preseason three-point attempts, though turnovers and shot selection remain concerns. Atlanta’s Kingston Flemings has posted a 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio across four preseason games. The list excludes honorable mentions and prospects such as Brooklyn’s Mikal Brown and Toronto’s Allen Graves, who had not appeared in preseason.
Preseason rookie rankings may influence fan expectations and early media narratives around players such as Acuff, Flemings, and the top picks. For teams and local communities, promising rookies could boost engagement and ticket interest, while players may face added pressure from public comparisons. Because preseason samples are small, these effects could be fleeting and should be viewed cautiously.