The 2026 NBA draft class is special, and early indications are that it will live up to high expectations. That translates to fantasy basketball as well. In a typical season, only a small number of rookies are discussed for fantasy drafts, but this year six rookies currently have Average Draft Positions (ADPs) in the top 130, meaning they are being picked in typical fantasy drafts. Several others on the fringe are being drafted in deeper leagues or will be on the radar as free agents as soon as the season begins.
Caleb Wilson (ADP 75.2), Cameron Boozer (ADP 75.3) and AJ Dybantsa (ADP 76.1) are coming off fantasy draft boards in a similar range, around the seventh round. All three seem poised to start for their respective teams and contribute significantly right away. AJ Dybantsa, a forward for the Washington Wizards, was the top overall pick in the 2026 draft and the leading scorer in college basketball as a freshman. He averaged 25.0 PPG and 7.0 RPG at the Las Vegas Summer League and is a strong candidate to lead the rookie class in scoring. However, he doesn't hit many 3-pointers and may offer little outside of scoring, so the author ranks him more top 85 than top 75.
Cameron Boozer, a power forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, was the third overall pick and has been the betting favorite for NBA Rookie of the Year since draft night, sitting at +300 at DraftKings. He was a 20-10 big man in college and is also a strong passer who can knock down the 3-pointer. The Grizzlies traded Ja Morant this offseason, opening the way for Boozer to become the centerpiece of their rebuilding efforts. He ranks top 70 in points leagues and top 80 in categories.
Caleb Wilson, a power forward for the Chicago Bulls, went fourth overall. Once considered an elite athlete who would be a strong defender and rebounder, he showed a new 3-point shooting skill at the Summer League, knocking down seven 3-pointers in his debut. In three preseason games he has averaged 17.7 PPG and 2.0 3PG in 28.7 MPG, and his strong projections in defense and 3-point shooting have him ranked slightly higher than his ADP.
Source: ESPN NBA · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing