CW
Chris Williams
February 5, 2026
This year's NBA rookie class has exceeded expectations with multiple first-year players making immediate impacts for their teams. The Rookie of the Year race features at least five legitimate candidates.
Several rookies are averaging double figures in scoring while contributing on both ends of the floor. The talent and NBA-readiness of this class has scouts already calling it one of the best in recent memory.
As the season progresses, the race will likely come down to which rookie can maintain their production while helping their team win games. Playoff contention could be the tiebreaker if statistics remain close.