Rookie rankings: Cooper Flagg still the standard as first-year class reshapes NBA

The 2025 rookie class continues to separate itself by depth as much as potential star power. Productive rotation players now stretch well beyond the top 10, while the race at the top has stabilized between two American-born neophytes. 

Viewed from the bottom up, the ladder shows how quickly this group has adapted to NBA roles. Let's rank the best of this year. 

14. Egor Demin, Brooklyn Nets
Demin isn't yet a volume scorer but has found success as a connective piece. He's answered the call, as the feisty Nets ask everyone to defend, move the ball and stay disciplined. His impact is subtle, but the Nets have valued his consistency and willingness to play within structure.

13. Walter Clayton Jr., Utah Jazz
Clayton has found a niche with Utah as a floor spacer and secondary scorer. His shooting has translated in stretches, particularly with the second unit, and he has shown comfort operating without the ball. The Jazz have kept his role narrow, which has helped his efficiency.

12. Collin Murray-Boyles, Toronto Raptors
Murray-Boyles has earned minutes with physicality and effort. Toronto has leaned on him for rebounding, defense and energy rather than offense. He's carving out a role as a poor man's Josh Hart. While the scoring remains limited, his presence has stabilized lineups that need toughness and positional versatility.

11. Tre Johnson, Washington Wizards
Johnson’s offensive skill set has been evident on a Washington team still searching for reliable scoring. He's shown the ability to create shots and score in bunches, even as efficiency has been up and down. The Wizards remain focused on his long-term scoring upside as an eventual 1A dude. 

10. Ryan Nembhard, Dallas Mavericks
Nembhard’s emergence coincided with improved ball security for Dallas. Since entering the starting lineup, he has limited turnovers and boosted offensive flow. His playmaking has addressed a clear need for the Mavericks. Could Nembhard and Cooper Flagg be the next Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson?

9. Ryan Kalkbrenner, Charlotte Hornets
Kalkbrenner has been productive around the rim, blocking shots and finishing at a high rate. December has been his strongest stretch, though foul trouble continues to test his adjustment to NBA physicality. Charlotte has leaned on his interior defense.

8. Ace Bailey, Utah Jazz
Bailey’s move into the starting lineup changed his season. His scoring has jumped, his shooting percentages have climbed and his overall impact has improved. Playing alongside Utah’s starters has simplified his role and increased his confidence.

7. Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs
Harper’s season has been split by injury, but his production has remained steady. San Antonio has managed his minutes carefully, and he has rewarded that approach with improved efficiency and decision-making. His late-game basket at New Orleans highlighted his growing trust within the rotation.

6. Jeremiah Fears, New Orleans Pelicans
Fears’ shooting dipped recently, but his speed continues to influence games. New Orleans has played faster with him on the floor, and his ability to push the ball has altered tempo even after made shots. His pace-setting role remains central to the Pelicans’ approach.

5. Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies
Coward has delivered steady production while embracing physical assignments. His rebounding and willingness to take on difficult matchups have helped Memphis navigate an uneven season. He has become a stabilizing presence rather than a volume scorer.

4. VJ Edgecombe, Philadelphia 76ers
Edgecombe’s contributions have been consistent regardless of role or minutes. Before and after a brief injury absence, his scoring, rebounding and assist rates have barely changed. Extended minutes against the Lakers reinforced his value as a versatile wing who complements established players. And those dunks, whew. 

3. Derik Queen, New Orleans Pelicans
Queen’s 30-point triple-double placed him in rare company and underscored his versatility. Scoring, passing and rim protection from a rookie center remain uncommon, and he has provided consistent bright spots for New Orleans amid a difficult year and question marks around Zion Williamson. Could Queen be what the Pelicans hoped Williamson would be?

2. Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets
Knueppel remains one of the league’s most productive rookie shooters. Even during a down week from 3-point range, his volume keeps defenses stretched. His all-around game, including rebounding and defense, has rounded out his impact.

1. Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks
Flagg remains the standard. His efficiency and composure in late-game situations have separated him from the rest of the class. Dallas has relied on him in tight games, and he has responded with scoring, rebounding and poise beyond his years. The top spot remains unchanged.