The 2026 NBA Draft arrived with three names dominating the conversation, but two months later the race to become the class's first genuine superstar already looks wide open.
AJ Dybantsa went No.1 to the Washington Wizards, Darryn Peterson followed to the Utah Jazz and Cameron Boozer landed with the Memphis Grizzlies at No.3. All three have a realistic route to becoming franchise players.
Darryn Peterson: The future scoring star?
Peterson may have the clearest path to superstardom.
The 19-year-old averaged 20.7 points and four assists across five Summer League games, and his scoring ability is already considered one of the most polished parts of his game. ESPN's panel narrowly picked Peterson ahead of Dybantsa when asked which rookie has the fastest route to becoming an NBA superstar.
Utah also looks an excellent landing spot. Peterson joins Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Keyonte George, giving him proven scoring around him without requiring him to dominate every possession immediately.
If his game translates quickly, Peterson could become the headline act of this class.
AJ Dybantsa: The highest ceiling
Washington still got the player with perhaps the biggest long-term upside.
Dybantsa announced himself in Summer League with 27 points on debut, tying the record for a No.1 pick, and his combination of size, strength and ability to attack the rim explains why Washington took him first.
He will also have considerable support. Trae Young can create opportunities for him, while Anthony Davis provides defensive cover around the basket.
The question is the jump shot. If Dybantsa develops into a reliable perimeter scorer, Washington could have found its next long-term superstar.
Did Memphis make the best pick?
There is a strong argument that the Grizzlies got the best value of the entire draft.
Cameron Boozer fell to No.3 despite arguably being the most NBA-ready player available. He averaged 18.7 points, seven rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.3 steals in Summer League, showing the all-round game that made him an All-American at Duke.
ESPN's experts voted Boozer as both the rookie most likely to make an All-NBA team first and the lottery pick most likely to have the biggest impact on winning this season.
For a third pick, that could prove exceptional business.
More other rookies to keep your eyes on
Chicago's Caleb Wilson is another name with genuine star potential after going fourth overall, while Brayden Burries could quickly make Milwaukee's No.10 selection look very clever.
Burries averaged 22.3 points while shooting 50% from the field and 44% from three in Summer League, earning the most votes in ESPN's prediction for the biggest steal of the draft.
Dybantsa may have the ceiling, Peterson could become the scorer and Boozer looks ready to win now.
The 2026 rookie class has barely arrived, but this already feels like a race worth following.
