The 2026 NBA draft class seems to be living up to the hype as the NBA’s next golden generation. Several rookies have already started turning heads at NBA Summer League, prompting one NBA legend to offer some high praise.
Kevin Garnett Compares 2026 NBA Rookies to Historic 1996 Draft Class
Utah Jazz guard Darryn Peterson, Memphis Grizzlies forward Cameron Boozer, and Sacramento Kings guard Darius Acuff Jr. didn’t take long to stand out in NBA Summer League action.
Peterson made his debut against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, posting a stellar 28 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks on 11-of-21 shooting. He followed it with a game-high 25 points and 12 assists, plus 2 steals, on 8-of-15 shooting against the Grizzlies on Monday. The Jazz won 109-100.
No. 2 overall pick Darryn Peterson SHINED tonight 🤩
🎶 25 PTS (game-high)
🎶 12 AST (game-high)
🎶 2 STL
🎶 3 3PMThe @utahjazz pick up the win at the Salt Lake City Summer League! pic.twitter.com/XpQqPJuYkC
— NBA (@NBA) July 7, 2026
Boozer also made his debut for the Grizzlies on Saturday in a 111-74 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, contributing 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists in just 24 minutes. On Monday against the Jazz, he recorded 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists on 6-of-9 shooting from the field.
Acuff also had an impactful debut against the Brooklyn Nets over the weekend, dropping a game-high 25 points. On Monday, he led the Sacramento Kings to a 95-89 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, recording 22 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists while shooting 7-of-19 from the field and 4-of-9 from beyond the arc.
Darius Acuff Jr. EXCELLED tonight 🙌
22 PTS
3 REB
3 AST
4 3PM
2 BLKThe 7th overall pick led the @SacramentoKings to victory at the California Classic 🔥 pic.twitter.com/AwpZZ4ro0C
— NBA (@NBA) July 7, 2026
It certainly seems this rookie class is full of potential stars, and the rookies’ collective brilliance immediately sparked widespread appreciation and praise. NBA legend Kevin Garnett even chimed in, as the Hall of Famer took to social media to praise the incoming rookies and draw a direct parallel to the legendary 1996 draft class.
“This draft class got some [expletive] to em! 1996 written all over it… early I kno,” tweeted Garnett.
The historic 1996 NBA Draft is considered one of the deepest and most talented in league history, producing 11 future All-Stars, 8 All-NBA selections, 3 All-Defensive First Team selections, and 4 MVP awards. The draft also produced 5 Hall of Famers and 11 NBA champions.
MORE: Luka Dončić Snubs Ex-Lakers Co-Star LeBron James While Picking ‘Ultimate 2-on-2’ Teammate
The 11 All-Stars in the 1996 class were Kobe Bryant (No. 13), Allen Iverson (No. 1), Steve Nash (No. 15), Ray Allen (No. 5), Stephon Marbury (No. 4), Peja Stojaković (No. 14), Shareef Abdur-Rahim (No. 3), Antoine Walker (No. 6), Jermaine O’Neal (No. 17), Žydrūnas Ilgauskas (No. 20), and Ben Wallace (undrafted).
The fact that Garnett is already comparing this 2026 class to the 1996 group is high praise. While comparison can be the thief of joy, being mentioned in the same sentence as Iverson, Bryant, and Co. is a massive compliment and confidence booster for these budding talents as they embark on their professional journeys.
By flashing superstar potential right out of the gate, this incoming class might be the next big thing that alters the NBA landscape for many years to come.
