AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and eight other top-10 picks are the rookies to watch as NBA teams open camp for 2026–27. The list follows the first ten selections in the NBA’s September 15 preview; it is an editorial watch list based on draft position and current league coverage, not a prediction that these will be the season’s ten most productive rookies. Their roles remain provisional until teams settle rotations.
Why these rookies merit a camp watch
Camp can reveal how a rookie fits a roster: whether there is a path to minutes, what responsibilities the team gives him, and which skills need to translate against NBA competition. The NBA’s September 15 preview says opportunity, learning and team needs matter as rookie seasons begin—not draft position alone. It also notes that 39 of the past 40 Kia Rookie of the Year winners came from the top 14 lottery slots, a historical figure that supports watching high picks but does not guarantee individual success. NBA.com’s 2026 preview
The opportunity and role-clarity notes below reflect the storylines identified in that preview, not confirmed rotation assignments. Summer League numbers are small-sample context, not regular-season projections.
The 10 rookies to watch
1. AJ Dybantsa, Washington Wizards
The No. 1 pick joins a young roster where Trae Young and Anthony Davis are counted on for leadership. The NBA preview says Dybantsa scored about a point per minute in Las Vegas Summer League; that eye-catching rate is a limited summer sample, not a forecast. At camp, watch how Washington divides creation and responsibility between the rookie and its veterans. In the July rookie roundtable, several players named Dybantsa as an early Rookie of the Year possibility. Nate Ament said, “He’s a great player, got the skill set, the mentality. A good chance to win it.” Those are peers’ opinions, not a prediction. NBA.com · NBA.com rookie roundtable
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
2. Darryn Peterson, Utah Jazz
The No. 2 pick is a 6-foot-5 guard whose camp test is broader than scoring. Utah’s roster includes Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George and Jaren Jackson Jr.; the question highlighted by the NBA is whether Peterson can show an all-around game alongside them. Rookies also named him among early Rookie of the Year candidates, a measure of peer expectations rather than evidence of his eventual role. NBA.com · NBA.com rookie roundtable
3. Cameron Boozer, Memphis Grizzlies
The No. 3 pick is listed by the NBA as a 6-foot-9, 253-pound forward/center and college Player of the Year. The league preview sees room for minutes and usage on a reconfigured Memphis roster; Boozer’s first-team Summer League recognition and praise for his smarts and shooting add to the interest. The key camp signal is whether those strengths earn him a defined role. Wilson called Boozer a likely team focal point, while Flemings also pointed to his opportunity in the rookie roundtable. NBA.com · NBA.com rookie roundtable
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
4. Caleb Wilson, Chicago Bulls
The No. 4 pick is a 6-foot-10 forward who has said he wants to win Rookie of the Year and lead a Bulls resurgence. Those ambitions make the first weeks of camp a useful check on what Chicago asks him to do. His early-season meeting with Dybantsa is another storyline to follow, though the matchup itself will be only an early snapshot of their rookie seasons. NBA.com · NBA.com matchup preview
5. Keaton Wagler, LA Clippers
The No. 5 pick is a 6-foot-6 shooting guard from Illinois. The NBA preview identifies his fit alongside Darius Garland as the central challenge. Camp should clarify how the Clippers use Wagler around Garland—whether his off-ball shooting or his ball-handling is emphasized—but those are questions to watch, not established rotation facts. NBA.com
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
6. Mikel Brown Jr., Brooklyn Nets
The No. 6 pick is a 6-foot-5 point guard from Louisville. He has reported that former NBA All-Star Rajon Rondo mentored him, including through film sessions, and shared Rondo’s advice: “Make the simple play.” In Brooklyn’s camp, watch how Brown organizes the offense and makes decisions when NBA-level pressure takes away easy options. NBA.com
7. Darius Acuff Jr., Sacramento Kings
The No. 7 pick is an Arkansas guard with a possible opening in Sacramento’s backcourt after DeMar DeRozan’s departure, according to the NBA preview. Acuff averaged 19.0 points and 5.3 assists across three Las Vegas Summer League games. Three games offer a glimpse, not a reliable measure of what he will produce against NBA regular-season competition. Watch whether he can turn that playmaking into a clear place in the Kings’ rotation. NBA.com
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
8. Kingston Flemings, Atlanta Hawks
The No. 8 pick averaged 16.1 points per game at Houston, with a 3-to-1 assists-to-turnovers ratio and 39% three-point shooting, as reported in the NBA preview. Atlanta’s backcourt is described as crowded, so the camp question is how Flemings fares in competition for minutes—and whether the team prioritizes his development or an immediate role. The college figures describe his previous season, not his NBA output. NBA.com
9. Morez Johnson Jr., Dallas Mavericks
The No. 9 pick is a Michigan forward whose college coach, Dusty May, also joined Dallas. May described Johnson as positionally versatile and able to guard all five positions. That range could be useful, but it leaves a practical camp question: which assignment does Dallas trust him with first, and what role follows from it? NBA.com
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
10. Brayden Burries, Milwaukee Bucks
The No. 10 pick is a 6-foot-4 guard from Arizona and, in the NBA preview’s description, Milwaukee’s highest-profile addition to its rebuild. The preview anticipates substantial playing time and notes his 16.1 points per game at Arizona. Camp will show what responsibilities come with that opportunity. Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd praised Burries this way: “There’s nothing wrong with being a great human being off the court and being a killer on the court. He definitely has that combination.” NBA.com
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to read the early signals
- Opportunity: Look for evidence of access to minutes and touches. A roster opening or an expectation of playing time is a reason to watch, not a settled rotation decision.
- Role clarity: Notice whether a player has a defined job—such as organizing the offense, spacing the floor or defending multiple positions—or is still competing to establish one.
- Transition test: Focus on the specific adjustment each team faces: Peterson’s all-around game, Wagler’s fit beside Garland, Brown’s decisions under pressure or Johnson’s path from versatility to a defined assignment.
Summer League performances can help identify skills to track, but they do not establish how a rookie will fare over an NBA season. Likewise, the rookie roundtable’s Dybantsa, Peterson and Boozer predictions are player opinions, not an independent projection. For further storylines, the NBA’s August 14 matchup preview highlights early-season pairings involving Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer, Wilson, Wagler and Acuff. Check the current schedule for dates and broadcast details, which can change. NBA.com matchup preview
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
