From CBS Sports · · 2m
NBA rookie impact rankings: 10 first-year players who will make presence felt immediately
Top 10 NBA rookies set to impact teams immediately in 2025-26 season.
In brief
Top 10 NBA rookies set to impact teams immediately in 2025-26 season. Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and other top 2026 NBA rookies will make significant contributions to their teams' success this season. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
2025-26 college basketball hype
Entering the 2025-26 college basketball season, the hype around incoming freshmen was palpable.
Top 10 rookie impact players
The article identifies 10 first-year players who could make significant impacts for their teams this season.
Darryn Peterson and Jazz
Peterson joins the Jazz, a team that missed the playoffs but has infrastructure for a huge jump this season.
AJ Dybantsa and Wizards
Dybantsa joins the Wizards, a team that bought low on Trae Young and Anthony Davis to finish in the top 10 of the eastern conference.
Cameron Boozer, Grizzlies
Boozer, the no. 3 pick, is expected to be the best rookie in the league with elite basketball IQ and rebounding.
Darius Acuff Jr., Kings
Acuff, the kings' new point guard, will be handed the keys to sacramento's offense immediately.
Yaxel Lendeborg, Warriors
Lendeborg, the oldest first-round pick, could start from day one with kristaps porziņģis' status in limbo.
Caleb Wilson, Bulls
Wilson, a top dunker, has a chance to improve his 3-point shooting in the nba.
Mikel Brown Jr., Nets
Brown, a potential point guard, could make his debut against the wizards after an ankle injury.
Aday Mara, Thunder
Mara, a strong shot blocker, will play spot minutes on an nba title contender.
Keaton Wagler, Clippers
Wagler, the clippers' new player, will likely come off the bench to contribute in the second unit.
Kingston Flemings, Hawks
Flemings, the hawks' no. 8 pick, will play significant minutes off the bench with his mid-range scoring.
Rookie of the year odds
All rookie of the year odds are via fan duel sportsbook.
2026 rookie impact
The 10 rookies identified will make significant impacts on their teams' success this season.
The big picture
Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and other top 2026 NBA rookies will make significant contributions to their teams' success this season.
