In an NBA draft class considered to be deep with talent, there are sure to be plenty of strong candidates to take home the Rookie of the Year award in 2026-27.
Memphis Grizzlies power forward Cameron Boozer, selected No. 3 overall on Tuesday, is the early odds leader for the award at +240, ahead of both No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa of the Washington Wizards (+300) and No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson of the Utah Jazz (+330).
But there are many others with a strong chance to be in the conversation until the final day of the season. Sacramento's Darius Acuff Jr., the No. 7 pick, is next on the odds board at +550.
No. 4 pick Caleb Wilson of the Chicago Bulls (12-1) and Mikel Brown Jr. of the Brooklyn Nets (14-1) are the others with shorter than 20-1 odds.
So which player is the one to bet on? And is there a longshot worth considering? Several names immediately jump out.
Odds by DK Sports
and subject to change.
Caleb Wilson is a strong value
In this deep, possibly historic NBA draft, there were four prospects that were consensus as the best available with legitimate justification for the top spot. While Boozer, Dybantsa and Peterson start their NBA careers as almost co-favorites to win Rookie of the Year, the fourth of the group comes in with almost longshot odds with Wilson at 12-1.
Wilson has elite physical tools for a forward/wing, standing over 6-foot-9 in bare feet with explosive athleticism. But more than that, Wilson is an excellent leader who could come in and make a big impact on the Bulls from Day 1.
Bobby Marks said that his draft interview with Wilson was the most impressive one he's ever conducted. Alan Hahn says he could see Wilson leading the Bulls onto the court in Game 1, and that he expects him to assume his spot as the franchise player for the team early.
As such, I could see Wilson starting and producing big numbers out the gate, with at least as good of a chance to win the Rookie of the Year as any of his other three "Big 4" draftmates. But he is getting about four times as much juice as they are, making Wilson for Rookie of the Year the best value on the board.
Don't overlook Darius Acuff Jr.
I would also keep an eye on Acuff, who projects as an explosive scorer/distributor for the Kings and could also start out the gate.
He is solid value to bet for Rookie of the Year at +550, but Wilson's combination of upside and near long shot odds make him the one bet to make.