The race for the top spot in the 2026-27 NBA Fantasy Rookie Power Rankings is getting tighter, with four rookies making strong cases for No. 1 after impressive performances over the past week. Yaxel Lendeborg moves to the top following a standout scoring display, while Caleb Wilson, Cameron Boozer and Darius Acuff Jr. remain among the leading contenders.
Key Highlights:
- Yaxel Lendeborg climbs from No. 2 to No. 1 after scoring 37 points and dishing out six assists against the Clippers.
- Caleb Wilson drops to second despite averaging 21.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, two steals and 1.3 blocks this season.
- Cameron Boozer maintains third place after averaging 21 points, 10 rebounds and 6.7 assists over three games.
- Meleek Thomas enters the rankings at No. 8 after delivering consistent double-digit scoring performances for Cleveland.
10. Trevon Brazile – PF/C, Denver Nuggets
Last Week: No. 9 ↓
Denver appears to have found a reliable backup frontcourt option in Trevon Brazile. His five seasons of college basketball experience are already proving valuable, allowing him to contribute effectively around the paint.
Across six games, Brazile ranks seventh on the Nuggets in playing time, averaging 22 minutes per game. He is also recording 8.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 0.8 steals and 0.7 blocks per contest.
The 35th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft has shown that he deserves a consistent role, having already recorded two double-digit scoring performances and one game with double-digit rebounds.
9. Aday Mara – C, Oklahoma City Thunder
Last Week: No. 8 ↓
With Chet Holmgren sidelined through injury, Mara was expected to receive more opportunities in Oklahoma City's rotation. However, that increased role has yet to materialise, as he has played at least 21 minutes in just one game this season.
Mara is currently sharing minutes with Jaylin Williams, who has struggled to provide much offensive production. This could create an opportunity for Mara to earn more playing time in the coming games. The rookie has recorded nine rebounds in consecutive appearances, suggesting he could develop into a regular double-double threat if his minutes increase.
8. Meleek Thomas – SG, Cleveland Cavaliers
Last Week: Not Ranked ↑
Meleek Thomas has carried his impressive Summer League form into the regular season, making an encouraging start with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The 34th overall pick is averaging 14 points, three rebounds and one steal, having featured in four of Cleveland's last five games. He has also scored in double figures in every appearance while shooting at least 40% from the field.
Thomas recently delivered a career-high 17 points, five rebounds and one steal against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday. If head coach Kenny Atkinson continues to give the second-round selection opportunities, Thomas could become a useful fantasy option in deeper leagues.
7. Keaton Wagler – SG, Los Angeles Clippers
Last Week: No. 7 –
Keaton Wagler has struggled with his shooting recently, making just 25.6% of his attempts from the field across four games this week.
Despite his offensive difficulties, the rookie continues to hold a defined role in the Los Angeles Clippers' rotation. If the team's losses continue to accumulate, Wagler could receive more playing time and opportunities to develop, even if his shooting struggles persist.
6. Darryn Peterson – SG, Utah Jazz
Last Week: No. 5 ↓
Darryn Peterson has not enjoyed the strongest start to his rookie campaign, but he remains an important part of a deep Utah Jazz roster and continues to produce respectable numbers.
The second overall pick is averaging 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game. While his overall field-goal percentage stands at 36.3%, he has been more effective from beyond the arc, shooting an impressive 37.5% from three-point range.
With plenty of scoring options around him in Utah, Peterson can continue to make an impact by maintaining his threat from long distance. His overall numbers still offer encouraging signs for fantasy managers.
5. AJ Dybantsa – SF, Washington Wizards
Last Week: No. 6 ↑
AJ Dybantsa made his NBA debut this week and immediately delivered encouraging numbers, averaging 19 points and 4.7 rebounds across three games. The rookie played 30 minutes per contest while attempting 13.3 shots per game.
Despite sharing the court with established teammates such as Trae Young and Anthony Davis, he managed to maintain a productive role. The former BYU standout should have more opportunities to develop as he gains experience at the NBA level.
4. Darius Acuff Jr. – PG, Sacramento Kings
Last Week: No. 4 –
Darius Acuff Jr. continues to play with confidence as a scorer, making him an appealing option in Yahoo High Score leagues. Sacramento secured its first win of the season on Monday, with the seventh overall pick contributing an efficient 25 points, five rebounds and six assists on 10-of-21 shooting.
His recent form has also been encouraging, with Acuff shooting at least 47% from the field in each of his last three games. His best performance came on October 29 against the New Orleans Pelicans, when he recorded an impressive 34-point, 14-assist double-double.
Beyond his scoring ability, Acuff has also demonstrated strong playmaking skills, making him a productive all-around fantasy option.
3. Cameron Boozer – PF, Memphis Grizzlies
Last Week: No. 3 –
Cameron Boozer maintains his third-place position after another productive week with the Memphis Grizzlies. Across three games, Boozer averaged 21 points, 10 rebounds and 6.7 assists while shooting 52.9% from three-point range.
Despite his impressive production, the competition at the top of this rookie class remains strong. Boozer has also established a consistent role in a Grizzlies team that has performed better than expected, making his current ranking a reflection of just how competitive the rookie race has become.
2. Caleb Wilson – PF, Chicago Bulls
Last Week: No. 1 ↓
Although Yaxel Lendeborg has taken over the top spot, Caleb Wilson's performances should not be overlooked, particularly over his last three games. Wilson continues to deliver consistent production, averaging 21.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, two steals and 1.3 blocks this season.
He has scored fewer than 20 points in only two of his seven appearances, while recording multiple steals in four games. The Chicago Bulls have also given him opportunities to contribute offensively, and his energy has translated into defensive production.
1. Yaxel Lendeborg – PF, Golden State Warriors
Last Week: No. 2 ↑
Yaxel Lendeborg has been pushing for the top position throughout the season, and his latest performance has finally moved him to No. 1 in the rookie rankings. The Golden State Warriors forward delivered a dominant 37-point, six-assist performance on 13-of-19 shooting in a victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, making a strong case for the weekly top spot.
Lendeborg is averaging 21.5 points, seven rebounds and 3.9 assists per game this season while shooting an impressive 50% from the field. Maintaining this level of production will be important if he wants to remain at the top in the coming weeks, but his recent performances suggest he has the ability to do so.
