Top 5 Rookies to Watch in the 2025-26 NBA Season

With narratives swirling—lottery miracles, trade-fueled rebuilds, and international intrigue—these rookies are poised to steal headlines. Below, we break down the top five newcomers to watch, each with a detailed look at their background, skills, fit, and what to expect this season. From Dallas to Phoenix, these are the names you’ll hear all year.

1. Cooper Flagg (Power Forward, Dallas Mavericks)

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Cooper Flagg, the consensus No. 1 pick, is the crown jewel of the 2025 draft, snagged by the Dallas Mavericks after they beat 1.8% lottery odds. Hailing from Duke, where he dominated as a freshman, this 6'9" prodigy is just 18 but carries the hype of a generational talent. His college stats—16.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game—paired with a silky 39% from three, cemented him as the safest top pick since Zion Williamson. Flagg’s two-way versatility draws comparisons to Paolo Banchero’s scoring and Scottie Barnes’ defensive IQ, setting the stage for instant NBA impact. Flagg’s game is a highlight reel waiting to happen. Offensively, he’s a nightmare with his ability to score off the dribble, hit spot-up threes, and finish through contact in the paint. Defensively, his switchable frame and elite instincts make him a rim-protecting menace who can guard 1-through-5 in spurts. In preseason, he showcased his full arsenal, dropping 22 points and grabbing 8 rebounds against the Clippers, with fluid pull-up jumpers and chase-down blocks that screamed “future superstar.” His basketball IQ and work ethic only amplify his ceiling. Landing in Dallas, Flagg slots into a Mavericks roster retooling post-Luka Dončić, playing alongside Kyrie Irving and a beefed-up frontcourt. He’s expected to start at power forward, stretching defenses with his shooting while anchoring the second unit’s defense. Coach Jason Kidd’s motion offense should unlock Flagg’s off-ball cuts and playmaking flashes (2.4 assists per game at Duke), though he’ll need to adjust to NBA physicality. With Irving drawing double-teams, Flagg could feast on open looks, projecting as a 15-18 PPG scorer from Day 1. Flagg is the unanimous Rookie of the Year favorite, with -150 odds reflecting his plug-and-play impact. His preseason flashes suggest he could flirt with 20 points and 10 rebounds nightly by midseason, especially if Dallas leans on his versatility in crunch time. Fantasy managers are all-in—he’s the No. 1 rookie pick in nearly every draft. If Flagg adapts to the NBA’s speed and physicality like Victor Wembanyama did, he’s not just a rookie standout but a cornerstone for Dallas’ title chase, making him must-see TV every night.

2. Dylan Harper (Combo Guard, San Antonio Spurs)

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Dylan Harper, the No. 2 pick, brings NBA bloodlines as the son of five-time champion Ron Harper. Selected by the San Antonio Spurs after a draft-night trade-up, the 6'6" lefty from Rutgers rewrote the program’s record books, averaging 18.2 points and 4.8 assists as a freshman. His blend of size, scoring, and vision made him a lottery lock, with scouts drooling over his polish. Harper’s Spurs debut in preseason—a 19-point, 6-assist gem against Houston—proved he’s ready to shine alongside Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. Harper’s a scoring machine with a bag deeper than most veterans. His NBA-range pull-up jumpers, crafty handle, and knack for threading no-look passes evoke a bulkier De’Aaron Fox. He shot 41% from three in college, with a buttery midrange game that punishes floaters and hesitations. Defensively, his length and quick feet hold up against bigger guards, though he’s not elite yet. Preseason showed his playmaking flair, setting up Wemby for lobs while draining step-back triples, signaling he’s no ordinary rookie. In San Antonio, Harper joins a dream scenario: a young core with Wembanyama and Castle, coached by Gregg Popovich. He’ll split ball-handling duties with De’Aaron Fox, likely starting at shooting guard but running point in second units. Pop’s system, which thrives on motion and spacing, suits Harper’s high-IQ passing and off-ball scoring. Expect him to hover around 15 PPG and 5 assists, with his three-point shooting (projected 38%) opening the floor for Wemby’s rolls. His biggest hurdle? Avoiding rookie turnovers in Pop’s meticulous offense. Harper’s polish and fit make him a safe bet for All-Rookie First Team honors, with +250 odds for Rookie of the Year. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate for a contender gives him a rare Year 1 ceiling. If he meshes with San Antonio’s core, he could post 18-5-5 stat lines by the All-Star break, fueling the Spurs’ playoff push. Fans should watch for his Eurostep finishes and slick dimes—Harper’s the engine of a Spurs squad that’s no longer rebuilding but contending.

3. Ace Bailey (Shooting Guard, Utah Jazz)

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Ace Bailey, the No. 5 pick to the Utah Jazz, is the draft’s ultimate boom-or-bust prospect. The 6'9" Rutgers wing, a teammate of Harper’s, lit up college hoops with 17.6 points per game and a jaw-dropping 35 dunks, showcasing athleticism that screams highlight machine. His 42% three-point shooting as a freshman silenced doubters about his jumper, earning Donovan Mitchell comps. Bailey’s preseason eruption—25 points, including four threes, against Sacramento—has Jazz fans dreaming of a Markkanen-Bailey duo to lead their rebuild. Bailey’s a walking bucket, blending explosive leaps with a silky scoring arsenal. He thrives creating his own shot, with pull-up jumpers, hesitation moves, and a knack for posterizing bigs in transition. His 6'9" frame and 7'0" wingspan give him mismatch potential, though his playmaking (2.1 assists in college) and shot selection need polish. Defensively, he’s raw but disruptive, with quick hands that generated 1.4 steals per game. Preseason showed his flair: step-back threes and alley-oop finishes that broke social media. Utah’s youth movement, centered on Lauri Markkanen and Collin Sexton, is a perfect runway for Bailey’s high-octane game. He’ll start at shooting guard, with coach Will Hardy giving him the green light to fire from deep and attack closeouts. The Jazz’s up-tempo offense suits his transition scoring, though he’ll need to cut down on forced shots to maximize efficiency. Expect 15-18 PPG as a rookie, with his dunk reel and three-point volume making him a fantasy darling, even if his defense lags early. Bailey’s the X-factor of this class—his ceiling is All-NBA, but his floor hinges on tightening his decision-making. If he harnesses his raw talent, 20 PPG isn’t out of reach, especially in Utah’s free-flowing system. Watch for viral moments: a windmill dunk or a 40-foot bomb could swing a game and flood your timeline. With +400 ROY odds, Bailey’s a dark horse who could steal the award if his shot selection clicks, making him a must-track rookie.

4. V.J. Edgecombe (Shooting Guard, Philadelphia 76ers)

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V.J. Edgecombe, selected No. 3 by the Philadelphia 76ers, is the draft’s safest two-way bet. The 6'5" Baylor product was a defensive dynamo in college, averaging 16.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals while shooting 39% from three in Big 12 play. His blend of lockdown defense and reliable offense made him a lottery darling. In preseason, Edgecombe swiped three steals and hit three triples in a win over Miami, signaling he’s ready to complement Tyrese Maxey’s flash in Philadelphia. Edgecombe’s game is built on efficiency and tenacity. Offensively, he’s a quick-trigger shooter with a compact stroke, excelling in catch-and-shoot scenarios and transition buckets. His handle is tight enough to attack gaps, though he’s more finisher than creator. Defensively, he’s a pitbull, with quick feet and a 6'9" wingspan that suffocates guards—think Jrue Holiday with a better jumper. His preseason hustle, including diving for loose balls, showed a grit that coaches love. Philadelphia’s contending roster, headlined by Joel Embiid and Paul George, gets a perfect puzzle piece in Edgecombe. He’ll start at shooting guard, locking down opposing wings while spotting up for Maxey’s acrobatic passes. Coach Nick Nurse will lean on his defense to stabilize a perimeter unit, with Edgecombe’s steals and fast-break dunks adding spark. He’s projected for 12-15 PPG and 1.5 steals, though his offense may take a backseat to the stars’ usage. His challenge? Staying aggressive without forcing shots. Edgecombe’s low-risk, high-floor profile makes him a lock for All-Rookie consideration, with +600 ROY odds reflecting his sleeper status. His defensive impact could make him a fan favorite in Philadelphia, especially if he pairs 15-point nights with All-Defensive-level clamps. Watch for his chase-down blocks and corner threes—moments that could anchor the Sixers’ identity. If he bulks up to handle bigger wings, Edgecombe might lead the league in steals by Year 2.

5. Khaman Maluach (Center, Phoenix Suns)

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Khaman Maluach, the No. 10 pick to the Phoenix Suns, is the draft’s international gem. At 17, the 7'2" South Sudanese center from Duke dominated with 3.1 blocks per game and 62% field goal shooting, drawing Rudy Gobert comps for his rim protection. The Suns see Maluach as their long-term anchor post-Kevin Durant. His preseason debut—12 rebounds, four blocks in 18 minutes against the Lakers—proved he’s no raw project, even in a win-now roster. Maluach’s 7'7" wingspan is a game-changer, altering shots at the rim and clogging passing lanes. Offensively, he’s a lob threat with soft hands, finishing pick-and-rolls and flashing surprising passing touch (1.8 assists at Duke). His footwork needs work, but his 68% free-throw shooting hints at stretch potential. Preseason showcased his instincts: he swatted shots off the glass and cleaned up misses, showing a motor that belies his age. He’s raw but polished enough to contribute now. In Phoenix, Maluach backs up Jusuf Nurkic and Mark Williams, soaking up 15-20 MPG in a frontcourt rotation. Coach Mike Budenholzer will use his length to anchor the second unit’s defense, pairing him with Devin Booker’s scoring. Maluach’s role is simple: protect the rim, crash boards, and finish lobs, though his passing could add flair. His biggest hurdle is NBA physicality—adding muscle is key. Still, 8-10 points and 2 blocks per game are realistic as a rookie. Maluach’s upside is tantalizing: a 7'2" anchor with All-Defensive potential and offensive flashes. With +800 ROY odds, he’s a long shot but could surge if he earns starter minutes. Watch for his rim-rattling dunks and game-changing swats, especially in Phoenix’s high-stakes games. If he develops like Chet Holmgren, Maluach could extend the Suns’ title window—or become their cornerstone as the Big Three ages. He’s the rookie to track for double-doubles and highlight blocks.

These five rookies are set to light up the 2025-26 season, each bringing a unique flavor to their teams. From Flagg’s two-way dominance to Maluach’s rim protection, they’re not just future stars—they’re ready to make noise now. Catch them on NBC, ESPN, or NBA League Pass as they kick off their careers, and don’t be surprised if one (or more) crashes the All-Star conversation by February.