The 2026 NBA Draft class has been marketed as the best in some time, potentially even better than 2025, which had a tight, two-man race for the Rookie of the Year Award.The ’26 class had as many as four No. 1-esque draft selections, meaning it’s sure to be another fireworks-laden race for the award. Below, we’ll outline the top four’s upcoming case:AJ Dybantsa, WizardsThe top pick’s potential claim to the Rookie of the Year Award is likely to be rooted in Washington’s ascension — now armed with Trae Young, Anthony Davis and a host of talented young players — as well as being the No. 1 scoring option on said team.Dybantsa is a centrifugal offensive piece that is likely to plug in as the go-to scorer for the Wizards, even being flanked by two former All-Stars.If he can fill it up and do so effectively while the Wizards climb the standings, his pathway toward taking home hardware is clear.Darryn Peterson, JazzThe No. 2 overall pick in Darryn Peterson may have the current clearest pathway toward winning the away, joining a team that is set to be drastically better than last season, but one that also desperately needs his off-ball scoring spark.The Jazz now have Jaren Jackson Jr., as well as Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George and a budding group of prospects, with Peterson likely plugging in as the go-to offensive hub as he looks to build out his post-Kansas game.If Utah is meaningfully in the postseason hunt with Peterson playing well, it will be hard to keep him out of ROY conversations.Cameron Boozer, GrizzliesThe No. 3 pick in Cameron Boozer is certain to feel slightly left out of conversations, though those plugged into his basketball career would advise against that.He’s been a winning machine and strong producer for years, having won National Player of the Year last year at Duke while putting up a stat line few have seen, all at 18 years old.He’s certain to have counting stats in some capacity, and could be more NBA-ready than many expect.Caleb Wilson, BullsLast but certainly not least is Caleb Wilson, who was drafted to the Bulls at No. 4, then promptly put everyone on notice with white-hot shooting at Summer League.Wilson is entering the perfect situation, joining a team in desperate need of star-power, with a pass-first point guard who has helped a now-champion team in the Thunder through a rebuild before.Wilson will be able to get shots up, rove as a play-maker on defense and will likely b be the focal point of his team. With good counting stats — and improved 3-point shooting — he could stake his claim as the league’s best rookie.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow