The loaded 2026 NBA Draft class is more than two weeks into its first season and early returns suggest there may be even more top-end talent than anticipated. Top picks AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson have all flashed star potential during encouraging starts, but perhaps the biggest revelation in the NBA thus far is Yaxel Lendeborg's rapid emergence for the Golden State Warriors.
The No. 11 overall pick, who helped Michigan win a national title last season, has quickly provided the franchise hope it can extend its window as a championship contender during the final years of Steph Curry's career. Lendeborg is one of six rookies currently averaging more than 30 minutes per game. There are 17 rookies overall playing at least 15 minutes per appearance,
including three second-round picks and one player signed to a two-way contract.
The race to be named rookie of the year and earn a spot on one the league's all-rookie teams is going to be fierce if this many first-year players continue to play significant roles.
USA TODAY Sports is tracking the NBA's rookies throughout the 2026-27 season. Here's how the top first-year players stack up after the opening two weeks:
NBA Rookie Rankings, Vol. 1
Stats as of games played on Wednesday, Nov. 4
5. AJ Dybantsa, Washington Wizards
▶ Stats: 16.5 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists
The No. 1 overall pick missed the first four games of the season with an injury but has looked the part since making his NBA debut. Dybantsa shot 50% from the floor across his first three appearances while providing an immediate scoring punch on the wing for a Washington team that appears ready to push for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. He entered Nov. 4 with the best NET rating among all rookies.
4. Caleb Wilson, Chicago Bulls
▶ Stats: 19.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists
The Bulls have been more than five points per 100 possessions better with Wilson on the floor so far this season, one of several early signs he's ready to embrace a leading role in the franchise's rebuild. Wilson's better-than-expected 3-point shooting and defensive activity have expanded an already intriguing skill set. The No. 4 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft has a 30-point, 14-rebound performance to his credit and recently put together his first three-game streak of 20-plus points, in addition to leading all rookies in steals.
3. Darius Acuff Jr., Sacramento Kings
▶ Stats: 25.6 points, 7 assists, 3.8 rebounds
Acuff's shot selection and chemistry with Sacramento's veteran roster remain works in progress, but no rookie has been more productive offensively through the season's first two weeks. The No. 7 pick leads the class in scoring, assists and minutes played while posting at least 19 points in seven straight games, including back-to-back outbursts of 34 and 38 points.
2. Cameron Boozer, Memphis Grizzlies
▶ Stats: 16.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists
Boozer has quickly become a focal point of the Grizzlies' rebuild, and his diverse skill set has been a major factor in the team's strong start. He is the only rookie with a triple-double this season and leads all first-year players in plus/minus, rebounding and double-doubles while ranking second in assists per game. Few rookies are being asked to shoulder as much responsibility, and none have handled a larger all-around workload more effectively.
1. Yaxel Lendeborg, Golden State Warriors
▶ Stats: 21.5 points, 7 rebounds, 3.9 assists
Steve Kerr, Steph Curry and Draymond Green have all gushed over Lendeborg's ascension as a potential star on the wing and he's carried the team to a couple wins in recent weeks, including a 37-point explosion on Nov. 1 when Curry and Green weren't in the lineup. Those performances, and Lendeborg's fun-loving interactions with reporters afterwards, have turned him into the talk of the league at times. He's the only rookie who ranks among the top five in his class in scoring, assists, rebounds and field goal percentage and nobody in his class has a better player efficiency rating as of Nov. 4.
Also under consideration: Darryn Peterson, Utah Jazz; Trevon Brazile, Denver Nuggets; Meleek Thomas, Cleveland Cavaliers; Keaton Wagler, Los Angeles Clippers; Aday Mara, Oklahoma City Thunder, Kingston Flemings, Atlanta Hawks
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA rookie rankings: Yaxel Lendeborg leads loaded 2026 draft class
