The 2026 NBA Draft concluded earlier this week in Brooklyn with no major surprises among the top selections. Betting markets and experts have now set their early favorites for the 2026-27 Rookie of the Year award.
Cameron Boozer, selected third overall by the Memphis Grizzlies, opened as the favorite at +240 on FanDuel. AJ Dybantsa went first to the Washington Wizards and Darryn Peterson second to the Utah Jazz, while Darius Acuff Jr. was picked seventh by the Sacramento Kings.
FanDuel listed the top odds as of June 25 with Boozer at +240, followed by Peterson and Dybantsa at +400 each and Acuff at +450. Experts offered split views, with several citing Boozer's immediate role as the Grizzlies' primary option.
Acuff, the 2026 SEC Player of the Year from Arkansas, drew attention for his projected heavy minutes in Sacramento. The Kings' recent history of developing point guards was noted as a positive factor for his outlook.
