After making a strong impression during their rookie campaigns, members of the 2025 Draft class are ready to build on that momentum. As the 2026–27 season approaches, these rising stars will look to elevate their games and solidify their place in the league.
The players from the 2025 NBA Draft class made their presence felt right away—not just in the regular season, but deep into the playoffs and even the NBA Finals.
From the No. 1 overall pick, Dallas Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg, to second-round standout Maxime Raynaud of the Sacramento Kings, the 2025–26 rookies showcased talent and poise that hint at future All-NBA, All-Star, and even MVP potential.
All five members of the All-Rookie First Team were lottery selections, including picks 1–4: Flagg, Charlotte Hornets’ Kon Knueppel, Philadelphia 76ers’ VJ Edgecombe, San Antonio Spurs’ Dylan Harper, and Memphis Grizzlies’ Cedric Coward. Flagg narrowly edged Knueppel—his former Duke teammate—for Kia Rookie of the Year, winning by one of the slimmest margins in voting history (412 points to 386).
The All-Rookie Second Team featured Raynaud, New Orleans Pelicans’ Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears, Utah Jazz’s Ace Bailey, and Toronto Raptors’ Collin Murray-Boyles.
Now, as the 2026–27 season approaches, the question becomes: how will this promising class build on its early success? Year two will reveal which of these rising stars can turn potential into lasting impact.
2025-26 All-Rookie First Team
Cooper Flagg, Mavericks
Flagg led all rookies in scoring with 21.0 points per game, ranked second in assists (4.5 per game), tied for second in steals (1.2 per game), and finished fourth in rebounding (6.7 per game). Turning 20 on December 21, he has already established himself as the centerpiece of Dallas’ push toward playoff contention under team president Masai Ujiri, general manager Mike Schmitz, and first-year head coach Dusty May.
At 6-foot-9, Flagg’s versatility makes him a perfect fit for May’s system, and watching his development in Year Two promises to be one of the most exciting storylines of the 2026–27 season.
Kon Knueppel, Hornets
The No. 4 overall pick wasted no time proving his value, putting on a shooting display that rewrote the rookie record books. Knueppel drilled 273 three-pointers, shattering the previous rookie mark of 206 set by Keegan Murray in 2022–23. He averaged 18.5 points per game while posting percentages that suggest he could become a rare 50-40-90 shooter: 47.5% from the field, 42.5% from beyond the arc, and 86.3% at the free-throw line.
Beyond his scoring, Knueppel contributed 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game, showing the potential to grow into a consistent 20-5-5 player. With the Hornets’ offseason moves, he and Brandon Miller now stand as the team’s primary offensive options. At 6-foot-6, Knueppel’s combination of size, shooting, and playmaking makes him one of the most intriguing sophomores to watch heading into the 2026–27 season.
VJ Edgecombe, Philadelphia 76ers
The No. 3 overall pick delivered a standout rookie season on both ends of the floor. Edgecombe averaged 16 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and led all rookies with 1.4 steals per game, showcasing his two-way impact. His blend of athleticism, defensive instincts, and offensive versatility made him one of the most complete players in the 2025–26 class.
Edgecombe also gained valuable playoff experience, further sharpening his game. With the additions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown to a roster already featuring Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Anfernee Simons, Dean Wade, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and 2026–27 rookie Labaron Philon, Edgecombe will have plenty of opportunities to thrive in Nick Nurse’s system.
At 6-foot-5, his ability to contribute across the stat sheet and guard multiple positions makes him a cornerstone for Philadelphia’s future. Year Two will be a chance to see how he elevates his role alongside established stars.
Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs
The No. 2 overall pick delivered a fantastic rookie season that culminated in a Western Conference championship and a trip to the NBA Finals. Harper’s per-36-minute averages underscored his impact in a reserve role: 18.8 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.4 rebounds. His growth was evident throughout the season, and it became even clearer in the playoffs, where his confidence and elite shotmaking—especially at the rim—soared.
Harper’s ability to create offense, facilitate for teammates, and rise to the occasion in big moments makes him one of the most promising young guards in the league. It will be difficult to keep him out of the starting lineup in 2026–27, and regardless of his role, his minutes and responsibilities are certain to increase.
With Victor Wembanyama anchoring the frontcourt, Harper’s continued development as a playmaker and scorer positions him as a vital piece of San Antonio’s future.
Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies
As Memphis reshaped its roster through trades, Coward emerged as a central figure in the franchise’s present and future. Selected with the No. 11 pick, he averaged 13.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting an efficient 47.1% from the field. His production and poise made him one of the most impactful rookies outside the top 10 selections.
Coward’s size and strength give him the tools to be a versatile wing, and his development as both a shooter and defender will be critical for the Grizzlies this season. With a young core blended alongside veteran leadership, Memphis is positioning itself for long-term success—and Coward’s growth is a key part of that equation.
Year Two will be an opportunity for him to expand his offensive repertoire and solidify his role as a cornerstone in the Grizzlies’ rotation.
2025–26 All-Rookie Second Team
Ace Bailey, Utah Jazz The No. 5 pick finished fifth among rookies in scoring, averaging 13.8 points per game along with 4.2 rebounds. His growth as a two-way player—improving defensively while adding efficiency and versatility on offense—will be crucial to Utah’s progress. With Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. leading the way, Bailey doesn’t need to be the No. 1 option, and the arrival of 2026 No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson adds another layer to the Jazz’s future.
Jeremiah Fears, New Orleans Pelicans Fears, the No. 7 pick, averaged 14.3 points (fourth among rookies), 3.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.2 steals. He was one of only two rookies to play all 82 games, and encouragingly, he avoided the “rookie wall,” improving his scoring, assists, and shooting after the All-Star break. His durability and steady production make him a key piece of New Orleans’ young core.
Collin Murray-Boyles, Toronto Raptors Murray-Boyles, selected ninth, impressed with his per-36-minute numbers: 14 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals. In the 2026 playoffs, his role expanded, and he delivered 14.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks in seven games against Cleveland. His ability to contribute in multiple areas makes him a versatile piece for Toronto’s future.
Maxime Raynaud, Sacramento Kings The lone second-rounder to earn All-Rookie honors, Raynaud averaged 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting 57.1% from the field. He was especially effective inside 10 feet, converting 62.1% of his attempts. Raynaud led all rookies with 18 double-doubles, including a standout 21-point, 19-rebound performance against New Orleans. Adding strength and rim protection will be central to his development.
Derik Queen, New Orleans Pelicans Queen, the No. 13 pick, showed double-double potential in 81 games, averaging 11.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 47.3%. He recorded 14 double-doubles, capped by a monster 30-point, 22-rebound game against Minnesota to close the regular season. Under new head coach Jamahl Mosley, Queen and Fears will be tasked with taking the next step in their development.
Other Second-Year Players to Watch in 2026–27
Tre Johnson (Wizards), Will Riley (Wizards), Egor Dëmin (Nets), Ryan Kalkbrenner (Hornets), Kasparas Jakučionis (Bucks), Carter Bryant (Spurs), Nique Clifford (Kings), Khaman Maluach (Suns), Joan Beringer (Timberwolves), Walter Clayton Jr. (Grizzlies), Rasheer Fleming (Suns), Ryan Nembhard (Hawks), Javon Small (Grizzlies), Hugo González (Celtics), Asa Newell (Hawks), Thomas Sorber (Thunder), Noah Penda (Magic), Jase Richardson (Magic).