The NBA training camp is underway for all teams as they prepare for the upcoming season. It’s that time of the year when veterans find their rhythm while rookies get their first taste of pro competition.
For the new batch of players, training camp serves as a test of how they can handle NBA-level talent. Their raw talent gets tested against veterans who have been in the league for several seasons. Lottery picks are highly anticipated, but some late-draft selections may surprise during training camp.
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Here are 10 NBA rookies who are worth watching in training camp.
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#1 AJ Dybantsa
AJ Dybantsa was selected No. 1 by the Washington Wizards. He showed promise in his lone college season at BYU, winning the Big 12 Freshman of the Year.
Dybantsa is a high-level scorer who is expected to be the third option behind Anthony Davis and Trae Young. Training camp could show how he will take the immediate call to be one of the team’s leaders.
#2 Darryn Peterson
The Utah Jazz drafted Darryn Peterson with the No. 2 pick. In college, Peterson was primarily a scoring guard at Kansas, averaging 20.2 points on 38.2% shooting from long range.
So far, Peterson has gained praise from some of his veteran teammates. Center Jusuf Nurkic spoke highly of the young guard’s maturity when training camp started.
“I’ve never seen in my 13 years, a kid come in and be that mature for his age,” Nurkic said.
The NBA rookie will share the backcourt with incoming fourth-year guard Keyonte George.
#3 Cameron Boozer
Cameron Boozer enters the NBA with enormous expectations, following in the footsteps of his father, former All-Star Carlos Boozer. He is expected to be one of the best rookies in the 2026-27 season. Cameron showed that he can be a double-double machine in his one year at Duke, averaging 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds.
In camp, he showcased an all-around game that Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome loved seeing.
“I think Boozer has got to be one of the most mature 19-year-olds I’ve seen,” Jerome said. “On the court, off the court, feel for the game. His ability to shoot, pass, and dribble at that height is super impressive. I think he’s just going to impact winning.”
Boozer was drafted at No. 3 by the Grizzlies.
#4 Yaxel Lendeborg
Yaxel Lendeborg is one of the most experienced rookies of the recent NBA draft class. He spent six seasons in college, playing for Arizona Western, UAB and Michigan. Lendeborg is exactly what the Golden State Warriors need.
The No. 11 pick in the 2026 draft showed flashes of brilliance during Summer League, leading the Warriors to the championship. He also earned the MVP award for his 21-point and 10-rebound game.
Coach Steve Kerr said Lendeborg needs to work on his defensive awareness.
“It’s the defensive side where there’s so many actions that you see in the NBA that you don’t see in the college game,” Kerr said. “You have to learn personnel.”
That could be the main area of concern the Warriors could address in training camp.
#5 Aday Mara
Although the OKC Thunder drafted Aday Mara with the No. 12 pick, the big man has a lot of expectations in his rookie season. Mara, a former UCLA and Michigan standout, was immediately labeled the “Wemby Stopper.” Standing at 7-foot-2, he is viewed as an elite rim protector.
His new teammate, Kenrich Williams, is already loving what he sees from the rookie big man.
“The sky is the limit, and I feel really confident in what he will be able to give us this year,” Williams said.
Training camp will show how well he will develop next to experienced big men Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams.
#6 Caleb Wilson
Caleb Wilson was an outstanding scorer in his one college season at North Carolina. He averaged 19.8 points on an inefficient 25.9% from beyond the arc. Fortunately for Wilson, he’s teamed up with efficient Chicago Bulls scorers like Norman Powell, Buddy Hield and Josh Giddey.
Coming from college, Wilson admitted the NBA is faster. After four days of training camp, things are starting to slow down for him.
“Honestly, my first two days, it seemed like everything was moving so fast out there because obviously you’re in the NBA,” Wilson said.
Wilson added that he’s watched film and is gradually learning the necessary steps. He was selected fourth overall by the Bulls.
#7 Keaton Wagler
In the wake of the LA Clippers’ controversy with Kawhi Leonard, the franchise is transitioning to a new era of basketball. Drafting Keaton Wagler with the No. 5 pick was the team’s move to start its rebuild.
Early in training camp, he’s already surprised his teammates and coaches. NBA veteran Kris Dunn said Wagler boasts a high IQ on the court and that he’s “been shooting the ball really well.”
Coach Ty Lue revealed what he has planned for Wagler.
“Just mixing it up when he’s bringing it up the floor, when he’s catching the ball with a live dribble, running pick and rolls,” Lue said. “Just give him different looks. We know he’s a great pick-and-roll player so we want to make sure we use him the right way.”
Wagler spent one season at Illinois, averaging 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists.
#8 Darius Acuff Jr.
Darius Acuff Jr. was the No. 7 pick by the Sacramento Kings. After a standout freshman season at Arkansas, Acuff is expected to be a starter ahead of the new NBA season and will usher in a new era of Sacramento basketball.
Coach Doug Christie praised Acuff’s leadership, despite being one of the youngest players.
“There’s a lot,” Christie said. “The leader of men, the leader of a team, the ability to understand time and score, and one of the biggest things is when to shoot and when to pass, and he can do both. So there’s a lot for him, but to his credit, he’s first one in, last one out. Works extremely hard, takes coaching, watches film. The kid is a machine.”
Acuff has also started to develop chemistry with NBA star Domantas Sabonis.
#9 Brayden Burries
Brayden Burries showcased that he’s one of the best guards in the NBA rookie class. He averaged 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists for Arizona last season.
The Milwaukee Bucks would want Burries to make an impact early in his career. The No. 10 pick could play both guard positions, and training camp will allow him to learn both roles.
#10 Kingston Flemings
After moving on from Trae Young last season, the Atlanta Hawks wasted no time in drafting a new rookie guard. With the No. 8 pick, the franchise selected Kingston Flemings out of Houston.
After the first day of training camp, Flemings revealed the biggest lesson he has learned since becoming an NBA player.
“I would probably say rotations, really,” Flemings said. “Rotations, [and] just being more physical on ball.”
Dealing with physicality is something most rookies deal with early on. Flemings could address that in training camp, ahead of his first NBA game.
Edited by R. Elahi
