# 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.
- Title: NBA rookie impact rankings: 10 first-year players who will…
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: nba, rookie, cameron boozer, darryn peterson, aj dybantsa, wizards, jazz, kings, warriors, rookie of the year, sports, impact
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-rookie-impact-rankings-cameron-boozer-darryn-peterson
- Published: 2026-10-14T14:14:07+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: nba, rookie, cameron boozer, darryn peterson, aj dybantsa, wizards, jazz, kings, warriors, rookie of the year, 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.
## Key takeaway

Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and other top 2026 NBA rookies will make significant contributions to their teams' success this season.