The hype around the 2025 NBA rookies has been building for the last couple of years. The basketball world was certain that multiple players would impact their prospective franchises.
The rookies have delivered so far this year, with the ever-looming Rookie of the Year looking competitive. It’s rare to see so many rookies be this good this early.
Both the East and the West have amazing rookies that are captivating to watch.
The West’s Best Rookies
Cooper Flagg, the number one pick in this year’s draft, has been touted as a generational talent. He went to the Mavs, a team in a huge transition period.
The animosity between the fans and the front office was at a boiling point. In the midst of Nico Harrison’s firing, team injuries, and Flagg having to play out of position, the former Blue Devil has still performed at a high level. He’s averaging 15.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. Given the circumstances, this is as good a start as anybody could ask for.
Cedric Coward was the 11th pick in the draft after the Grizzlies traded up to acquire him. Coward was a Division Three basketball player a couple of years ago. Since then, He’s taken every opportunity and run with it.
He’s supremely skilled on the offensive end and has the measurables and athletic skill to be elite defensively. The 22-year-old is averaging 13.7 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. The Grizzlies have found a future cornerstone of their franchise.
Derik Queen arguably had the most pressure to perform out of any rookie. The Pelicans drafted the 20-year-old at the cost of their 2026 unprotected first-round pick. Since the firing of Willie Green, Queen’s been dominant.
At 6 feet 9 inches, 250 pounds, he has unparalleled footwork and vision. The Baltimore native is extremely patient and never seems rushed. He gets to his spots and manipulates the defense to create shots for himself and his team.
He’s been New Orleans’ one bright spot in an otherwise terrible season.
The East’s Best Rookies
Kon Knueppel has done wonders for the Hornets this season. Knueppel had one of the highest floors in the draft, with his shooting bound to translate to the pros. He shoots the ball at a high percentage regardless of whether it’s off the dribble or catch and shoot.
The fourth overall pick is averaging 18.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists this season. Knueppel has become a leader on his team in a very short amount of time. The guard consistently scoring highly bodes well for the rest of his career.
VJ Edgecombe jumped out of the gate with a 34-point debut, which set a franchise record for the most points in a rookie debut. Since then, the third pick has cooled off but is still performing at a high level.
Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey are poised to be Philadelphia’s backcourt of the future. Edgecombe has All-NBA potential thanks to his unreal slashing ability and underrated shot-making potential. The 20-year-old is a walking highlight reel.
Ryan Kalkbrenner’s stats might be quieter than those of his peers, but his presence is still felt on both sides of the floor. The 7-footer has filled the Hornets’ center need.
Kalkbrenner averages 1.9 blocks a game and shoots 80.7% from the field. He affects shots and finishes around the rim, two skills centers need for an NBA team to compete. Charlotte’s draft class has been one of the best in the league.
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2025 Rookie Class
It’s been amazing to see so many rookies play great basketball. From role players to future superstars, this draft class seems to have every player archetype. With many young players performing well, we can expect great future rivalries and matchups. A new influx of talent brings anticipation to NBA teams’ fanbases.
As the college basketball season starts, people have begun to look at the 2026 draft class. The 2026 Class has a lot to live up to after the previous class’s hot start.
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