2025-2026 Fantasy Basketball: Top 10 Rookie Rankings

The next big thing is always going to catch our attention. Adjusting to life in the NBA, at least for most, isn’t easy. Players are jumping to the NBA without much seasoning, and while the talent is there, competing professionally is often a different story. Yes, this even means you, Cooper Flagg. Despite rolling through the NCAA last year and being the number one overall pick in June, Flagg is still being drafted in the fourth round of fantasy drafts.

This doesn’t mean we should ignore rookies in our drafts. Instead, it’s a call to action. Maintain reasonable expectations and don’t rely too heavily on rookies. But at the same time, don’t miss their upside. Just like everything else, it’s a balancing act. With that being said, let’s take a look at the Top-10 Rookies for fantasy basketball for the 2025-2026 NBA season.

Top 10 Rookie Rankings for 2025-26 Fantasy Basketball

1. Cooper Flagg, F, Dallas Mavericks

Was this really a surprise? I know, this is truly the groundbreaking analysis you’re looking for here.

Cooper Flagg is a very good basketball player. He’s going to have a very good NBA career, and he will be a true fantasy asset this season. It’s not a secret that Flagg is currently being drafted in the fourth round of fantasy drafts.

The forward steps right into the starting lineup for a Dallas Mavericks team that was right on the cusp of making the playoffs last year. Playing with Anthony Davis should help keep opposing defenses from keying on Flagg, which will only help his development.

Last year, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game in a well-rounded performance. Flagg is strong from the free-throw line, 84%, while also shooting 48% from the field. He’ll add about a steal and a blocked shot per game, and also has some range from long distance. There still might be some bumps, but Flagg can contribute across all areas.

2. VJ Edgecombe, G, Philadelphia 76ers

There is a level of rawness to VJ Edgecombe’s game, but there’s also plenty of potential and opportunity. Based on the health, both currently and overall trend, of Paul George and Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers likely won’t be playing at full strength all season. The current injury to Jarred McCain only further highlights that. With that being the case, there should be plenty of volume, albeit some of it a come-from-behind situation, for Edgecombe.

Having Tyrese Maxey run the offense should also help the rookie, as there will be less he has to worry about. The good news is that Edgecombe’s defense will keep him on the court. Although he also averaged 15 points and 5.6 rebounds per game at Baylor last year, we need the rookie on the court.

That was the case in Thursday’s preseason opener as Edgecombe scored 14 points while leading Philadelphia in minutes. The issue, though, is that he made just four of his 13 shots from the field. At the least, we are going to get points, even if they come with some inefficiencies, and steals from Edgecombe, who can come away with some rebounds as well.

3. Ace Bailey, F, Utah Jazz

Ace Bailey is entering the NBA with a clear plan, and that is to take the league by storm. Being drafted by a very clearly rebuilding Utah Jazz team should allow him to do just that.

After a season at Rutgers that was filled with buzz, Bailey was drafted fifth overall. He finished with 17.2 points and 7.2 rebounds. While he shot 46% from the field last year, there’s going to be some potential stress on that mark in 2025-2026. The fact that Bailey is slated to start out of the gate is a good thing for his fantasy value.

While we know that Bailey can score and hit the boards, his 69% mark from the free-throw line does present some risk.

4. Kon Knueppel, F, Charlotte Hornets

The fact that Kon Kneuppel enters the season as a projected starter for the Charlotte Hornets certainly helps from a fantasy perspective. This is a Hornets team that’s clearly playing for the future, and that should only serve to benefit Knueppel.

Knueppel proved in the Summer League that he can lead a team offensively and put the ball in the net. Yes, it’s very different than the regular season, but it’s a good first step into the NBA.

When looking at Knueppel, his three-point shooting is what draws attention. Last year at Duke, the forward made 2.2 per game in 30 minutes of action. His 91.4% mark from the free-throw line is another clear asset.

5. Derik Queen, C, New Orleans Pelicans

The opportunity is there for Derik Queen, but he needs to get healthy first. If Queen hadn’t had wrist surgery in July, he’d likely be higher on the list.

At this point, there’s no clarity on Queen’s return timetable, although he is doing conditioning activities. When he returns, Queen should find his way into regular playing time. After he averaged 16.5 points and nine rebounds per game last year, there’s some real upside in place.

If I felt better about his return, Queen would likely be ranked higher.

6. Dylan Harper, G, San Antonio Spurs

Dealing with a thumb injury currently, it’s unclear whether Dylan Harper will be ready to go for the first game of the season. Regardless, Harper won’t miss much time, but the injury does create an early-season obstacle.

When it comes to playing time, Harper should see plenty of minutes, but they will be off the bench. The San Antonio backfield does belong to De’Aaron Fox, and Stephon Castle will be starting ahead of Harper. Having Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson on the wing as well does mean the Spurs won’t have to lean as heavily on Harper.

With 19.4 points per game last year, it’s clear that Harper can score. With Rutgers, Harper averaged 4.6 rebounds and four assists per game while making 1.7 three-pointers. Minutes might be at a premium at first, but Harper could be instant offense with the second unit.

7. Khaman Maluach, C, Phoenix Suns

With Mark Williams starting at center, Khaman Maluach isn’t going to get an unlimited amount of playing time. However, the Suns are in a rebuilding stage, and there’s a reason why they acquired Maluach with the 10th overall pick.

At this point, Maluach’s offensive game is limited. However, in 21 minutes per game last year at Duke, Maluach was efficient, averaging 8.6 points and 6.6 rebounds. With solid playing time, the athleticism is there for him to come close, in time, to a double-double. But what has my attention is the blocked shot potential (1.3 per game). Additionally, for a center, you have to like his 76.6% free-throw shooting.

8. Egor Demin, G, Brooklyn Nets

Egor Demin is raw, but he’s also filled with upside and was drafted eighth overall. The Brooklyn Nets are taking rebuilding to the next level, and their intention is to see what Demin can do this season.

It’s not going to be easy, as he’s still learning to play point guard, and it will be an adjustment to life in the NBA. Shooting is going to be difficult, but Demin can make plays and has legit skills as a passer.

At least initially, the problem is going to be Demin’s health, though. He’s been dealing with a foot injury, didn’t play much in the Summer League, and has been delayed to this point. When Demin gets rolling, though, he will deserve our attention.

9. Tre Johnson, G, Washington Wizards

To say that the Washington Wizards are in a rebuilding state would be an understatement. Bub Carrington showed flashes last year, but the backcourt depth that would potentially hold Tre Johnson back is limited. And with an expiring contract, veteran CJ McCollum doesn’t have a long-term future in Washington.

With 19.9 points per game last year at Texas, Johnson doesn’t have a problem scoring. What’s even better was the 2.7 three-pointers he made per game. As far as rebounds and assists, Johnson doesn’t offer much, but he also made 85.8% of his free throws. There are going to be games that get out of hand quickly for Washington, which means garbage time scoring for Johnson.

10. Jeremiah Fears, G, New Orleans Pelicans

Let’s continue with the theme here. With Jeremiah Fears, we have another high-scoring guard on a rebuilding team. Jordan Poole can score, but ultimately, if Fears shows upside, the veteran isn’t going to stand in the way.

It might be a slow go at first, but Fears was drafted seventh overall for a reason. The rookie did perform well in Summer League, but for now, he’s an upside play who averaged 17.1 points per game in college last year.