The NBA Draft is where the league`s future takes shape. The recent draft saw the next wave of stars begin their journey. Headlining the class was Cooper Flagg, the long-hyped Duke phenom, who officially joined the Dallas Mavericks as the first overall pick. While Flagg`s rise to the top was not a surprise, he is far from the only newcomer poised to make a significant impact in their debut season.
Let`s break down the rookies who landed in the most favorable team situations and examine which players are best positioned to deliver value in fantasy basketball during the 2025-26 season.
Cooper Flagg, SF, Dallas Mavericks: Highly praised by ESPN analyst Jay Bilas as potentially Duke`s best freshman ever. Flagg was a statistical leader for Duke last season. His size (6-foot-9) and versatile skills are ideal for a small forward. He has a great chance to produce for the Mavericks, especially with Kyrie Irving injured for the season`s first half. Historical analysis suggests potential rookie numbers.
Ace Bailey, SG/SF, Utah Jazz: Despite being a top-3 talent, Bailey`s draft position slipped after he reportedly declined workouts. The Jazz selected him anyway, recognizing his significant talent. At 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot wingspan, Bailey is a skilled scorer, effective both in isolation and catch-and-shoot situations. While he needs to improve decision-making and playmaking, his physical tools and scoring suggest star potential and an early impact role on the rebuilding Jazz, who lack a player with his specific skill set.
Tre Johnson, SG, Washington Wizards: Described by Bilas as potentially the draft`s best shooter, proficient off the catch and the dribble. With a 6-foot-10 wingspan, he moves well without the ball and can operate in pick-and-roll. As a natural scorer who led the SEC in freshman scoring, he joins a Wizards team that traded its leading scorer (Jordan Poole). Although veterans like CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton are present, the rebuilding Wizards could provide Johnson with early playing time.
Jeremiah Fears, PG, New Orleans Pelicans: A confident, scoring point guard. Analysts highlight his “gifted” and “swaggy” style. Fears possesses speed and physicality, excelling at driving and drawing fouls, which he converts efficiently. He joins a Pelicans team that acquired Poole but will be without starting guard Dejounte Murray for the season`s first half due to injury. This opens a potential path for Fears to compete for significant minutes or even a starting spot early on.
Egor Demin, PG, Brooklyn Nets: A large guard at 6-foot-8 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, noted as potentially the draft`s top passer. He signed with Real Madrid young and later led the Big 12 in assists as a BYU freshman, setting a school record. Demin is an excellent ballhandler with outstanding pick-and-roll vision. While his 3-point consistency varies, he`s willing and capable of heating up. The Nets are in full rebuild mode, and Demin was their first of five first-round picks. His size could allow him to defend small forwards even while playing point, potentially earning him an early starting role.
Lottery Prospects to Watch
Dylan Harper, PG, San Antonio Spurs: Widely considered the second-best prospect, Harper is a young scoring point guard with good size and toughness, son of NBA champion Ron Harper. He set Rutgers` freshman scoring record and was a McDonald`s All-American co-MVP. Harper is a skilled scorer at all three levels, with great body control, finishing well through contact. The Spurs have established perimeter players (De`Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell), so Harper`s immediate minutes might be limited. However, his unique skill set and talent indicate a bright future once his role is defined.
VJ Edgecombe, SG, Philadelphia 76ers: An exceptionally athletic shooting guard, compared to players like Russell Westbrook and Dwyane Wade, and who likens himself to Anthony Edwards. Edgecombe is a capable 3-and-D wing, excels above the rim, hits spot-up threes, and set Baylor`s freshman steals record. The 76ers have perimeter talent (Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain), but Edgecombe`s specific skills are distinct and could complement them, potentially leading to significant early playing time.
Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Charlotte Hornets: Ranked as the draft`s top catch-and-shoot 3-point shooter with deep range. He can also drive to the basket and finish off two feet. Staying in North Carolina, he joins a Hornets team with playmaker LaMelo Ball and scorer Brandon Miller. Knueppel could quickly earn major minutes as a wing shooter playing alongside them.
Collin Murray-Boyles, SF/PF, Toronto Raptors: A strong defensive forward prospect, also an efficient scorer and good rebounder. His main strength is defensive versatility, highly regarded by analyst Jay Bilas. However, his playing style and the Raptors` frontcourt depth might limit his fantasy impact and playing time.
Khaman Maluach, C, Phoenix Suns: A very talented but raw center prospect over 7 feet tall. He started basketball late, developing at the NBA Academy Africa. Maluach was a strong shot-blocker and offensive rebounder at Duke, using his athleticism to finish put-backs and lobs (leading D-1 in dunks from lobs). With the Suns also acquiring center Mark Williams on draft night, Maluach might be developed gradually rather than making an immediate fantasy impact.
Other Notable Picks
Derik Queen, C, New Orleans Pelicans: Nicknamed `Baby Jokic` by teammates. He`s an excellent ball-handler and passer for a center, regularly threatening double-doubles. Queen has a good face-up game, skills that translate well to fantasy stats, and could complement teammate Yves Messi`s athletic defensive style.
Walter Clayton Jr., PG/SG, Utah Jazz: Stood out in the NCAA tournament with multiple high-scoring games, including leading in crunch-time points, earning comparisons to Stephen Curry for clutch shooting. Despite being considered undersized for a shooting guard, his speed, strength (from his background as an elite football recruit), and scoring ability could earn him an early role on the rebuilding Jazz.
Kasparas Jakucionis, PG/SG, Miami Heat: Unexpectedly slid in the draft from projected top-10, making him a potential late-round steal for the Heat. Described as a mix of Austin Reaves and Andrew Nembhard, he could be Miami`s point guard of the future, possibly even impacting the present.
Rookie of the Year Outlook
Favorite: Cooper Flagg (-200)
Contenders: Ace Bailey (+650), Tre Johnson (+750), Dylan Harper (+1200)
Potential Sleepers: VJ Edgecombe (+2500), Derik Queen (+3000), Kasparas Jakucionis (+6000), Walter Clayton Jr. (+10,000)
Flagg is the clear frontrunner and odds-on favorite for Rookie of the Year. As a highly touted generational prospect joining a team where he could be a focal point, he is well-positioned to accumulate impressive statistics for a potential playoff team. Bailey and Johnson are gifted scorers joining rebuilding franchises, offering opportunities for significant early stats.
Harper and Edgecomb, despite being top picks, join teams with playoff ambitions and existing stars, which might limit their individual statistical output. Queen, Jakucionis, and Clayton showed strong college performance with games that could generate notable rookie stats if they earn sufficient playing time.
