NBA Draft: Making Each of the Top Four Pick’s Rookie of the Year Case

Making the ROY case for all of AJ Dyabntsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson.

Jun 25, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards first round draft pick and number one overall pick AJ Dybantsa (left) poses for a photo with Wizards general manager Will Dawkins (right) during a press conference at InterContinental Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The 2026 NBA Draft class has been marketed as the best in some time, potentially even better than 2025, which had a tight, two-man race for the Rookie of the Year Award.

The ’26 class had as many as four No. 1-esque draft selections, meaning it’s sure to be another fireworks-laden race for the award. Below, we’ll outline the top four’s upcoming case:

AJ Dybantsa, Wizards

The top pick’s potential claim to the Rookie of the Year Award is likely to be rooted in Washington’s ascension — now armed with Trae Young, Anthony Davis and a host of talented young players — as well as being the No. 1 scoring option on said team.

Dybantsa is a centrifugal offensive piece that is likely to plug in as the go-to scorer for the Wizards, even being flanked by two former All-Stars.

If he can fill it up and do so effectively while the Wizards climb the standings, his pathway toward taking home hardware is clear.

Darryn Peterson, Jazz

The No. 2 overall pick in Darryn Peterson may have the current clearest pathway toward winning the away, joining a team that is set to be drastically better than last season, but one that also desperately needs his off-ball scoring spark.

The Jazz now have Jaren Jackson Jr., as well as Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George and a budding group of prospects, with Peterson likely plugging in as the go-to offensive hub as he looks to build out his post-Kansas game.

If Utah is meaningfully in the postseason hunt with Peterson playing well, it will be hard to keep him out of ROY conversations.

Cameron Boozer, Grizzlies

The No. 3 pick in Cameron Boozer is certain to feel slightly left out of conversations, though those plugged into his basketball career would advise against that.

He’s been a winning machine and strong producer for years, having won National Player of the Year last year at Duke while putting up a stat line few have seen, all at 18 years old.

He’s certain to have counting stats in some capacity, and could be more NBA-ready than many expect.

Caleb Wilson, Bulls

Last but certainly not least is Caleb Wilson, who was drafted to the Bulls at No. 4, then promptly put everyone on notice with white-hot shooting at Summer League.

Wilson is entering the perfect situation, joining a team in desperate need of star-power, with a pass-first point guard who has helped a now-champion team in the Thunder through a rebuild before.

Wilson will be able to get shots up, rove as a play-maker on defense and will likely b be the focal point of his team. With good counting stats — and improved 3-point shooting — he could stake his claim as the league’s best rookie.