Eric Moody Nov 5, 2026, 11:00 AM ET Close Eric Moody is a writer for fantasy football, men's and women's basketball, and sports betting at ESPN. Eric joined ESPN in 2021 after working as a senior fantasy analyst at Pro Football Network. Prior to that, he spent much of his career as a manager at a Fortune 100 financial services company.
The first two weeks of the season have already shown how differently these rookies are being used. Some have stepped into significant roles and are delivering for fantasy managers. Others are struggling with their shot or simply aren't getting enough minutes to make an impact.
Let's rank the top 15 rookies based primarily on their rest-of-season value in points leagues, with some consideration for category formats. We'll also look at which players could become more fantasy relevant as the season progresses. 1. Caleb Wilson, SF, Chicago Bulls Chicago hasn't wasted any time putting Wilson to work.
The rookie has 19.5 PPG and 6.5 RPG in 34.1 MPG. He's also attempted 17.1 shots with a 26.3% usage rate. The shooting hasn't been particularly efficient, and averaging more than three combined steals and blocks will be difficult to sustain.
Still, Wilson is getting plenty of opportunities on both ends of the floor. He's an automatic starter in fantasy lineups and has a chance to be especially valuable in category leagues. 2. Cameron Boozer, PF, Memphis Grizzlies The shooting hasn't caught up with the rest of Boozer's game, but fantasy managers have a lot to like.
He's averaged 16.5 PPG, 9.8 RPG and 5.4 assists while making 2.3 3-pointers per game. His 23.4% assist percentage shows how much Memphis relies on him as a passer. Boozer is also shooting 94.4% from the free throw line, which helps offset his field goal percentage below 40%.
He's a strong hold in every format and someone I'd consider trading for if another manager is frustrated with his shooting. 3. Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Sacramento Kings Sacramento has essentially given Acuff the keys to its offense. He's averaged 25.6 PPG, 7.0 APG and 3.0 3-pointers in 36.6 MPG, with a 32.3% usage rate.
Acuff recently scored 38 points with nine 3-pointers against the Grizzlies. The downside is his efficiency. Acuff's shooting 37.7% from the field and committing 3.6 turnovers per game.
That makes him more appealing in points leagues than category formats, but it's hard to argue with this kind of volume. Keep him in your starting lineup. 4. Yaxel Lendeborg, SF/PF, Golden State Warriors Lendeborg has delivered in an expanded role for Golden State.
He's averaged 21.5 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 3.9 APG and 2.5 3-pointers. Lendeborg's 63.8% true shooting percentage is impressive considering his offensive responsibilities. Jimmy Butler III's absence has helped create minutes and touches, and Lendeborg has played well.
He's a must-start player, especially in category leagues. The one thing to watch is how much his role changes when Butler returns and Golden State's rotation gets healthier. 5. AJ Dybantsa, SF, Washington Wizards Dybantsa missed the start of the season with an ankle injury, but the No. 1 overall pick has looked comfortable offensively through three games.
He's averaged 16.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG and 1.0 SPG in 30.5 minutes per game. His limited assists and 3-point production make him somewhat dependent on scoring right now. Washington also has other established offensive options, so his role could take time to develop.
Dybantsa belongs on fantasy rosters, and there's no reason to rush to conclusions after such a small sample. 6. Darryn Peterson, SG/PG, Utah Jazz Peterson's shooting has been rough, but there's more to his early numbers than the 35.4% field goal percentage. He's averaged 12.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.8 APG and 1.1 steals in 30.3 minutes showing his versatility.
The minutes and defensive production give Peterson a decent foundation while he works through his shooting struggles. I'd hold him in 12-team leagues and consider trading for him if another manager is inpatient. 7. Keaton...
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