NBA rookie of the year odds for 2026-27 are shaping up around one name as the new season gets going: Memphis Grizzlies forward Cam Boozer. In Yahoo Sports’ preseason awards predictions, all five analysts picked Boozer to win the trophy. AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Caleb Wilson are expected to push him all year, but Boozer enters the race as the clear name to beat.
Why Boozer Tops the ROY Favorites
Among the early roy favorites, Boozer stands out because of the role waiting for him in Memphis. Yahoo’s Dan Devine believes he is poised to step into a central role that produces across the board. Nekias Duncan expects him to screen, punish mismatches on the block, clean the glass, and attack bigger defenders off the dribble.
Context matters here. Tom Haberstroh noted that Boozer is the youngest player in his class, and he made the same point about Cooper Flagg last year, when Flagg went on to win the award. Kelly Iko likes the fit with coach Tuomas Iisalo, who has a history of building offenses around skilled, versatile big men. Iko thinks Boozer’s usage and versatility could be the floor for a 30-win Memphis team.
What Shapes NBA Rookie of the Year Odds This Season
Three factors move NBA rookie of the year odds more than anything else: opportunity, team success, and health. Voters tend to reward rookies who put up big, well-rounded numbers on teams that win more than expected.
That is why Boozer’s situation is so appealing. If Zach Edey and Ty Jerome stay healthy, Haberstroh believes the Grizzlies could surprise people. Duncan even sees Memphis in the play-in picture, and he says that wouldn’t happen without Boozer’s multifaceted play.
Top Rookies Chasing Boozer
The race is far from over, and the top rookies behind Boozer each have a real case. Devine worries that Dybantsa and Peterson may not get the offensive usage needed for big numbers right away, because they share rosters with established All-Stars. Steve Jones sees it differently, noting that Dybantsa plays with force and won’t be asked to carry the playmaking.
Jones also says Peterson’s context suits his game both on and off the ball and that Wilson will compete regardless of any adjustment period. Utah’s roster includes Peterson alongside Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen, so his path to the award depends on how much the ball finds him. Any shift in minutes, injuries, or team results could quickly change NBA rookie of the year odds for the rest of the field.
What to Watch as the Season Unfolds
Watch three things over the first two months. First, track the usage rates of Dybantsa and Peterson, since a jump in shot volume would make them real threats. Second, follow Memphis in the standings, because wins give Boozer’s case extra weight with voters. Third, keep an eye on health around the league, as the early weeks have already brought injury concerns.
For more context on how the season is shaping up, check our NBA power rankings for the 2026-27 preseason, our breakdown of the NBA MVP odds for 2026-27, and our look back at the most shocking NBA trades.
FAQs
Who leads the NBA rookie of the year odds right now?
Cam Boozer of the Memphis Grizzlies is the clear choice among Yahoo Sports’ experts, who all picked him to win the award. Check your preferred sportsbook for live numbers, since lines change often.
Who are the main challengers to Boozer?
AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Caleb Wilson are the names analysts mention most. Each has a different path, but all face questions about role and usage.
Why do analysts like Boozer’s chances?
His versatility fits Memphis’s system; he is expected to hold a large role, and the Grizzlies could win more games than most people predict. Those are the traits voters usually reward.
Where can I follow NBA rookie of the year odds during the season?
Sportsbooks and major sports sites update their lines regularly. Follow our NBA coverage for fresh analysis as the race develops.