The NBA’s 12 best rookies this season, ranked, including 2026 Rookie of the Year pick

Key Points:

• The 2025 NBA Draft class has produced several standout rookies beyond No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, including Kon Knueppel, VJ Edgecombe, and Dylan Harper, with many exceeding expectations in their first year.
• Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets is ranked as the top rookie of the 2025-26 season, leading the NBA in three-point makes with a 43% shooting percentage and playing a key role in Charlotte's rise in the Eastern Conference.
• Cooper Flagg, despite being the No. 1 overall pick and showing strong scoring and playmaking abilities for the Dallas Mavericks, may not win Rookie of the Year due to the exceptional performances of his college teammates now in the NBA.
• Other notable rookies include VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers) who excels with athleticism and defense, Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs) who contributes as a facilitator and scorer, and Cedric Coward (Memphis Grizzlies) who impresses with defense and scoring efficiency.
• Several second-round picks like Ryan Kalkbrenner (Charlotte Hornets) and Maxime Raynaud (Sacramento Kings) have also made significant impacts, showcasing the depth and talent of the 2025 rookie class across the league.