NBA Rookie of the Year Odds: Cameron Boozer Leads AJ Dybantsa, Others Entering 2026-27 Season
Cameron Boozer leads the 2026-27 NBA Rookie of the Year odds, but Caleb Wilson and Darryn Peterson are close behind following the opening games. No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa enters fourth in the betting market despite leading college basketball in scoring last season. Check out the latest NBA Rookie of the Year odds and contenders for the 2026-27 season.
Peter Alexis - October 22, 2026, 10:57 AM EDT
4 Minute ReadNBA Rookie of the Year Odds: Does Cameron Boozer Have Better Scoring Opportunities than Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa in Year 1?
The 2026-27 NBA Rookie of the Year race features one of the most competitive draft classes in recent memory, with Cameron Boozer leading the betting market at +300. Darryn Peterson and Caleb Wilson follow at +450, while No. 1 overall selection AJ Dybantsa surprisingly enters fourth at +475 despite arriving with arguably the highest scoring ceiling in the class.
Dybantsa led college basketball with 25.5 points per game at BYU last season, ahead of Darius Acuff Jr. at 23.5 and Boozer at 22.5. However, Wednesday's NBA openers offered an early reminder that opportunity and efficiency matter, with Wilson scoring 16 points, Peterson finishing with nine and Boozer struggling to seven. Dybantsa has yet to make his debut because of an ankle injury, leaving the race wide open.
NBA Rookie of the Year Odds
NBA Rookie of the Year Odds Breakdown
Cameron Boozer +300 Click here to get the best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
Boozer enters as the Rookie of the Year favorite after an outstanding freshman campaign at Duke, averaging 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 55.6% from the field. The No. 3 overall pick also averaged 18.5 points and eight rebounds during Summer League, demonstrating his readiness for the NBA.
His regular-season debut was considerably tougher, finishing with seven points, 11 rebounds and five assists on 2-of-15 shooting in Memphis' 123-103 victory over Utah. Despite the offensive struggles, Boozer demonstrated his versatility on the glass and as a passer.
Memphis offers Boozer an opportunity to establish himself as a major part of its young frontcourt following Ja Morant's offseason departure. His ability to contribute across several statistical categories makes him a strong candidate, although his scoring efficiency must improve.
Darryn Peterson +450 Click here to get the best odds at Bet365 Sportsbook
Peterson averaged 20.2 points per game during his freshman season at Kansas, establishing a program record for freshman scoring average. The No. 2 overall selection also led the Jayhawks with 63 made three-pointers despite missing 11 games because of injuries.
The Utah guard opened his NBA career with nine points, four rebounds and three assists in Wednesday's loss to Memphis. Peterson attempted just seven field goals, suggesting he will need considerably more offensive involvement to compete for the league's top rookie award.
Utah provides Peterson with an opportunity to develop into a primary scoring option alongside its young core. His shot-creation ability gives him significant upside, but durability and consistent playing time will be crucial throughout his rookie season.
Caleb Wilson +450 Click here to get the best odds at BetMGM Sportsbook
Wilson averaged 15.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.3 blocks during his freshman season at North Carolina, establishing himself as one of the nation's most versatile defensive prospects. The No. 4 overall pick subsequently impressed during Summer League, averaging 23.5 points in just 27.7 minutes per game.
Wilson led the top four draft selections in opening-night scoring with 16 points and four rebounds during Chicago's 135-92 loss to Toronto. However, he shot 7-of-21 from the field, committed nine turnovers and finished with a minus-45 rating.
The Bulls are expected to provide Wilson with significant opportunities as their young roster develops. His combination of scoring potential, rebounding and defensive production gives him a strong foundation for Rookie of the Year consideration if his efficiency improves.
AJ Dybantsa +475 Click here to get the best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
Dybantsa was the No. 1 overall pick after leading the nation with 25.5 points per game at BYU, adding 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 51.0% from the field. His scoring average was the highest among the leading 2026 draft prospects, reinforcing his reputation as an elite offensive talent.
However, Dybantsa missed Washington's 128-116 opening victory over Milwaukee because of a mild left ankle sprain sustained during the preseason. The 19-year-old is considered day-to-day, with the Wizards preparing for Friday's matchup against Toronto.
Dybantsa's fourth-place position in the odds is particularly surprising given his draft status and college scoring dominance. However, Washington now features established stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis, potentially reducing his offensive opportunities compared with other rookies. His ability to command consistent touches alongside those veterans will be central to his award chances.
Yaxel Lendeborg +1000 Click here to get the best odds at BetMGM Sportsbook
Lendeborg averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists while helping Michigan win the national championship last season. His versatility on both ends of the floor made him an attractive prospect for Golden State, which selected him 11th overall.
The 23-year-old started his NBA debut against the Lakers, recording 12 points, three rebounds and two assists in 29 minutes. Golden State lost 127-105, but Lendeborg showed flashes of his offensive versatility and defensive competitiveness.
With Jimmy Butler and Kristaps Porzingis sidelined, Lendeborg has an opportunity to establish a substantial role early in the season. His experience and ability to contribute without dominating the ball could make him one of the more consistent rookies.
Darius Acuff Jr. +1300 Click here to get the best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
Acuff enjoyed a remarkable freshman season at Arkansas, averaging 23.5 points, 6.4 assists and 3.1 rebounds while shooting 44.0% from three-point range. His scoring average ranked second among the leading draft prospects behind Dybantsa, and Sacramento selected him seventh overall.
The Kings immediately handed Acuff a starting role, although his NBA debut was difficult. He scored 12 points with three assists and three steals in 35 minutes against the Clippers but shot just 5-of-24 from the field in a 121-96 defeat.
Acuff's 24 field-goal attempts demonstrate the offensive freedom Sacramento is prepared to give him. That volume could become a major advantage in the Rookie of the Year race if he adjusts to NBA defenders and improves his shooting efficiency.
Keaton Wagler +4000 Click here to get the best odds at Bet365 Sportsbook
Wagler averaged 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists during his freshman season at Illinois before becoming the fifth overall selection in the NBA Draft. The versatile guard offers a combination of perimeter shooting, playmaking and positional flexibility.
He delivered one of the strongest debuts among the leading rookies, recording 15 points, five rebounds and five assists in the Clippers' 121-96 victory over Sacramento. Wagler shot 4-of-8 from the field and 3-of-6 from beyond the arc while playing 29 minutes off the bench.
With Los Angeles transitioning toward a younger roster, Wagler should receive opportunities to expand his role. His efficient debut and balanced statistical production make him an intriguing longer-priced contender if his minutes continue increasing.
Mikel Brown Jr. +4000 Click here to get the best odds at Bet365 Sportsbook
Brown averaged 18.2 points and 4.7 assists during his freshman campaign at Louisville, including a 45-point performance against NC State. However, a back injury limited his availability during the college season, making his durability an important consideration.
Brooklyn selected Brown sixth overall, adding another promising young guard to its developing roster. He scored six points in 20 minutes during Wednesday's 110-103 opening loss to Charlotte, offering a relatively modest start to his professional career.
Brown has the shot creation and passing ability to become a productive NBA guard, although Brooklyn's offensive hierarchy will take time to develop. More consistent playing time and improved scoring efficiency would strengthen his case at +4000.
Brayden Burries +8000 Click here to get the best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
Burries averaged 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists at Arizona last season while shooting 39.1% from three-point range. Milwaukee selected the versatile guard 10th overall, adding an accomplished scorer to its rebuilding backcourt.
Burries opened his NBA career with 12 points and five rebounds in just 16 minutes during the Bucks' 128-116 loss to Washington. He shot 3-of-6 from the field and made both of his three-point attempts, delivering encouraging offensive efficiency.
With Milwaukee adjusting to life after Giannis Antetokounmpo, younger players should receive opportunities to establish larger roles. Burries could become an attractive longshot if his minutes increase and he develops into a consistent scoring option.
Aday Mara +8000 Click here to get the best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
Mara helped Michigan win the national championship last season, averaging 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.6 blocks while shooting 66.8% from the field. The 7-foot-3 center was selected 12th overall by Oklahoma City after establishing himself as one of college basketball's premier rim protectors.
Mara made his NBA debut Tuesday against San Antonio, producing seven points, two rebounds, one assist and one block in 12 minutes. His most memorable play came when he blocked a Victor Wembanyama dunk attempt before scoring at the other end during Oklahoma City's 116-104 victory.
The biggest obstacle to Mara's Rookie of the Year chances is playing time on a championship contender featuring Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. His defensive impact could earn additional minutes, but limited offensive opportunities make him a considerable longshot compared with the leading scorers in this class.
NBA ODDS
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