Top Rookie Standouts Of The 2025-2026 NBA Preseason

The NBA preseason has come and gone, with many of the top rookies from the 2025 NBA Draft showing out. Despite being only in preseason, each rookie’s performances lend themselves to excitement for these players as the new season arrives. Let’s dive into the excellent performances of each top rookie throughout the NBA preseason and what it could mean for the regular season.

Top Rookie Standouts Of The 2025-2026 NBA Preseason

Cooper Flagg

It should be no surprise that Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg is on this list. Flagg impressed at every level of basketball, and that continued into preseason. He put together multiple games that highlighted his well-rounded skill set. He has shown himself to be a talented three-level scorer who can also facilitate and defend at a high level. Flagg also demonstrated his role versatility as he had moments where he was essentially the point guard on offense. Flagg only played limited minutes in preseason, but it is hard to underscore how impactful he was and can be. When the regular season starts, he will be a two-way force for Dallas.

Dylan Harper

Despite only playing three games in preseason, San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper looked like a star prospect. What was made apparent by Harper‘s performances was the level of skill and poise he brought. In particular, he demonstrated himself to be a highly talented playmaker and slasher on the floor. While he is a rookie who only played one year in college, Harper conducts himself like a 10-year veteran in the league.

One thing that stands out about Harper and his performances is the high degree of basketball IQ and feel he exhibited. In terms of both his driving and playmaking, Harper’s IQ is on full display as he knows how to manipulate or exploit defenses. In those cases, it either ends up a layup for Harper or an open shot for his teammates. With that overall talent, he will be an excellent creator off the bench for the Spurs. If he can continues his excellence, San Antonio’s rotation will face som difficult decisions.

Ace Bailey

Out of any player on this list, Utah Jazz forward Ace Bailey had the most impressive performances in preseason. Specifically, Bailey put together outings that completely maximize his strengths and mitigate his glaring weaknesses. Some of the biggest things that plagued him as a prospect were his poor shot selection, underwhelming on-ball creation, and lack of passing. These key weaknesses, alongside other issues, caused his draft stock to diminish ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft.

Considering those weaknesses, Bailey has shown dramatic improvement in terms of mitigating those deficiencies. Bailey took most of his shots within the flow of the offense, which completely maximizes his strengths as a scorer. In particular, two key things stood out in that department. First, he got plenty of open shots in the mid-range, which is where Bailey is the most comfortable operating from. Second, the Jazz utilized him in a movement shooter-like role that consistently ran actions to put him in positions to score. In that role, Bailey does not have to worry about breaking down defenses in an on-ball capacity. He only needed to focus on scoring the ball, which is where his talents lie. The approach clearly worked as he put up multiple efficient 20+ point games.

Bailey also flashed potential in other areas of his wheelhouse during preseason. He displayed some impressive playmaking and showed an increased willingness to pass. Additionally, Bailey demonstrated upside as a defender, showing solid flashes of weakside rim protection. In all, Bailey demonstrated encouraging adjustments in preseason, and the role he played will likely stay the same in the regular season. Considering the success, that placement will only help him in the long run.

Nique Clifford

As the upperclassman here, Sacramento Kings wing Nique Clifford is a prospect billed as an NBA-ready player. Based on his overall performance in preseason, Clifford certainly looks the part. He has shown himself as a versatile wing who can be impactful on both ends for the Kings.

On the floor, Clifford consistently found ways to make plays as a rebounder and playmaker. As a playmaker, he shown an excellent degree of patience and court vision while throwing incredible passes. In terms of scoring, Clifford looked like an NBA veteran, flashing three-level scoring both on and off the ball. Defensively, Clifford is consistently engaged and uses his length well to bother opponents. Considering his skill set and what he showed in preseason, Clifford has the potential to be an immediate contributor to a Kings team looking to make the playoffs.

Jase Richardson

One of the big steals of the draft is Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson, and he definitely proved that in preseason. Richardson demonstrated that he can bring exactly what the Magic need from a guard. Specifically, he’s a great three-level scorer with excellent poise, effort, and feel for a rookie. In almost every preseason game he played, Richardson brought the offensive punch that the Magic have been lacking outside of their stars. Plus, he flashed potential as a passer with high basketball IQ. With the level of play he demonstrated, it is hard to imagine him out of Orlando’s rotation.