Way-Too-Early 2026 NBA All-Rookie Team Predictions

Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks

Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs

Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets

Tre Johnson, Washington Wizards

Kasparas Jakucionis, Miami Heat

On the projected All-Rookie First Team, the most talented rookies earn likely spots. Flagg and Harper have been the top two prospects since the cycle first kicked off, and that speaks to their superior skill-set. Given Flagg's two-way capabilities that earned him the Wooden Award as college basketball's best player, and Harper's potent offensive package that supported his near-20 points per game scoring average at Rutgers, first team spots are theirs to lose.

To fill out the rest of the first team, fellow top-six picks Knueppel and Johnson bring a mix of sheer sharpshooting and projected responsibility that bodes well for their seaosn performance. They both should be able to experiment with their creation ability while being able to cash in on teammates' playmaking given their three-point ability.

Further, it's not uncommon to see later first-round picks on the first team as well, and Jakucionis sticks out as a leading candidate to be next in this lineage. He brings a well-rounded skill-set to a Heat team that has a track record of getting the most out its young talent.

Second Team

Ace Bailey, Utah Jazz

V.J. Edgecombe, Philadelphia 76ers

Collin Murray-Boyles, Toronto Raptors

Walter Clayton Jr., Utah Jazz

Carter Bryant, San Antonio Spurs

On the projected All-Rookie Second Team, some of the class' other biggest talents make an appearence with Bailey and Edgecombe. Both of these players' potential is undeniable, but slower NBA translation and a lesser role than the other top picks may bump them to the second team.

Bailey's Utah teammate Clayton Jr. also has a good chance to make an appearance as the 22-year-old brings the sharpened backcourt skill-set that led Florida to a National Championship earlier this year. He's joined by defensive specialists Murray-Boyles and Bryant. They likely won't put up the flashiest stats, but should be able to make an all-around impact with their size, defensive energy and feel for the game.