Get ready, because the Rookie of the Year race is officially shaping up to be a tight, fun, and let’s be real, likely discourse-filled battle for the ages. The top-4 picks , AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson , all threw down early markers for why their teams are buzzing. But here’s the kicker: one of those four *will not* make the top three for the award. Let that sink in for a second. This class is deep, man, and the ceiling feels like the roof right now.
Cameron Boozer Is Already Setting the Bar for Consistency
Dude, Cameron Boozer with the Grizzlies just showcased consistency throughout *both* the Salt Lake City and Vegas Summer Leagues. It wasn’t just flashes, it was steady, every-game stuff. His versatility was constantly on display, and the confidence he showed handling the ball? Unreal. He was letting it fly from three, off the bounce or catch-and-shoot, with zero hesitation. The guy read defenses like a seasoned vet, creating opportunities for his teammates with passes that were always on time and on target. The Grizzlies even moved him around the board, mixing in post-ups as the league went on. Playing eight games deserves a serious tip of the cap, and while we knew what we were getting, seeing that growth was a huge bonus.
Dybantsa Dropped a Bomb, Wilson Brought the Bass
AJ Dybantsa for the Wizards came out swinging in Vegas, making sure everyone felt his presence right from the jump, even after Boozer and Peterson had already played in Salt Lake City. That 27-point debut? It tied for the most points by a No. 1 pick in their Summer League debut! He played with a confidence and force that was seriously impressive. His drives were straight-up nasty; he saw any space as an invitation to get a paint touch, setting up his moves and jumpers with a mindset of getting to his spot. Sure, he might have had the ball more than he will in the regular season, but that open-court comfort isn’t going anywhere.
Then you got Caleb Wilson for the Bulls. If nothing else, this guy used Summer League to show the full package. The size speaks for itself, and his athleticism was popping off on both ends of the floor. He showed a real comfort in creating space for his jump shot, and those early three-point splashes felt like an exclamation point. Even when things weren’t perfect, his effort rarely wavered. He wanted to play, he worked to erase mistakes, and that will to compete is the kind of mindset that pays off big time down the line.
Peterson’s Shot Is Cold, But the Upside Is Scorching
Alright, let’s talk Darryn Peterson for the Jazz. Yeah, those Vegas shooting splits , 30.8% from the field and 23.1% from three , might dim the light for some folks, but don’t sleep on him yet. He still put his full skill set on display across both summer leagues. His best moments? When he was decisive, making the defense pay. Rejects were aplenty if you weren’t paying attention, and he found ways to counter defenses trying to cut him off. The shot wasn’t falling, but the raw talent is there.
So, who’s going to be the odd one out from the top four? We’re heading into October, and seeing how these guys translate those Summer League flashes to a full roster is gonna be must-watch TV. This Rookie of the Year race is already looking like it’ll be a wild ride.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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