As the 2026-27 NBA season approaches, the league reflects on this year’s rookie class, particularly the top lottery picks from the 2026 NBA Draft. The Washington Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa first overall, followed by the Utah Jazz with Darryn Peterson at second, the Memphis Grizzlies who took Cam Boozer third, and the Chicago Bulls, who chose Caleb Wilson fourth.

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In this edition of the Kia Rookie Ladder, we examine notable comments regarding the new talent entering the league.

**No. 14 Pick | Hannes Steinbach, Charlotte Hornets**

Hornets coach Charles Lee praised Steinbach's eagerness to learn, stating, “He wants to be coached, which is really exciting... He’s got a great motor, rim-running, and good hands around the basket.”

**No. 13 Pick | Nate Ament, Milwaukee Bucks**

Bucks general manager Jon Horst noted Ament's performance on a strong Tennessee team, emphasizing his assertiveness and team-first attitude, saying, “Once he found his grounding, you saw him explode.”

**No. 12 Pick | Aday Mara, Oklahoma City Thunder**

Thunder guard Alex Caruso described Mara as a dominant force, highlighting his versatility: “He can pass, he can dribble... you don’t see that in college.”

**No. 11 Pick | Yaxel Lendeborg, Golden State Warriors**

Warriors coach Steve Kerr remarked on Lendeborg’s impact in both summer league and training, emphasizing his skills: “He’s a connector on offense, a really good passer and ball handler.”

**No. 10 Pick | Brayden Burries, Milwaukee Bucks**

Bucks coach Taylor Jenkins acknowledged the leadership responsibilities that come with being a guard in their system, praising Burries’ defensive and offensive capabilities: “He wants to be a team defender. It’s infectious.”

**No. 9 Pick | Morez Johnson Jr., Dallas Mavericks**

Mavericks coach Dusty May highlighted Johnson Jr.’s adaptability and tenacity, stating, “Whatever that moment needs... he is adaptable.”

**No. 8 Pick | Kingston Flemings, Atlanta Hawks**

Hawks guard CJ McCollum commended Flemings' intelligence and work ethic, saying, “He’s super smart and very responsive... The talent is through the roof.”

**No. 7 Pick | Darius Acuff Jr., Sacramento Kings**

Kings coach Doug Christie emphasized the importance of routine for Acuff Jr., noting, “He’s very polished... he wants to be really good.”

**No. 6 Pick | Mikel Brown Jr., Brooklyn Nets**

Brown spoke about his integration into the team, stating he’s focused on learning and contributing: “They see the work that I put in... and Julius has pushed me to communicate more.”

**No. 5 Pick | Keaton Wagler, Los Angeles Clippers**

Clippers coach Ty Lue described Wagler as a hardworking player who has adapted quickly to the professional level. “We’re going to enjoy this,” he said.

**No. 4 Pick | Caleb Wilson, Chicago Bulls**

Bulls executive vice president Bryson Graham discussed expectations for Wilson, noting the team's focus on his development amid inevitable ups and downs, stating, “It’s a season of growth.”

**No. 3 Pick | Cameron Boozer, Memphis Grizzlies**

Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo praised Boozer's passing ability and acknowledged the adjustment period he will experience as a rookie: “He is very developed for his age, but he is still a 19-year-old.”

**No. 2 Pick | Darryn Peterson, Utah Jazz**

Jazz president Austin Ainge highlighted Peterson's maturity and work ethic, expressing confidence in his ability to handle the challenges of the NBA: “He’s going to have some ups and downs this year.”

**No. 1 Pick | AJ Dybantsa, Washington Wizards**

Wizards forward-center Anthony Davis expressed high expectations for Dybantsa, highlighting his skills and work ethic: “He’s a very special talent... dedicated and motivated.”

Jeff Zillgitt has covered the NBA since 2008. For more information, he can be contacted at [email protected].