NBA Rookie Rankings Week 2: Boozer Remains at the Top

In the first two weeks of the season, the 2026 draft class has demonstrated exceptional immediate impact and immense potential. The official NBA Kia rookie rankings have been updated, with five young core players leading the list thanks to their outstanding performances:

1. Cameron Boozer (Memphis Grizzlies | #1 last week)

Third overall pick Carlos Boozer continues his stellar performance, averaging 17.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game this season, leading all rookies with three double-doubles and rebounds per game. Against the Trail Blazers, he recorded his first triple-double with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, and his plus-minus of +6.4 directly propelled the Grizzlies to a strong 6-1 start, firmly establishing them at the top of the standings.

2. Axel Lundberg (Golden State Warriors | 2nd pick last week)

Lenderberg, the 11th overall pick, has secured a starting position in the Warriors' rotation, averaging 21.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Against the Clippers, he scored a career-high 37 points and dished out 6 assists, becoming only the 6th player in NBA history to achieve at least 100 points, 40 rebounds, and 20 assists in his first 5 career games, continuing to rank second.

3. Darius Eckaf Jr. (Kings of Sacramento | 4th last week)

7th overall pick guard Ekaff has had a breakout week, averaging 32.3 points and 8.3 assists per game. Against the Grizzlies, he hit nine three-pointers, scoring a game-high 38 points, setting a new single-game scoring record for this year's rookies. He currently moves up one spot in the league rankings with an average of 6.3 assists per game.

4. Caleb Wilson (Chicago Bulls | 3rd last week)

Fourth overall pick Wilson is a well-rounded player on both offense and defense, averaging 21.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. He leads the rookies in steals, and ranks second in points, blocks and minutes played, though he dropped slightly to fourth this week.

5. AJ Dibanza (Washington Wizards | Not listed last week)

After recovering from a left ankle injury, top draft pick Dibanza made his debut, scoring 17+ points in all three games he played, averaging 19 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. He quickly integrated into the core rotation and made a strong debut in the top five.

Image source: Internet/NBA official website