25th Best Rookie Prediction: Who can make a big splash?

Looking back at the overall performance of the 2024 NBA draft was not ideal, which also somewhat disappointed the fans, but turning to the 2025 echelon, the situation was completely different.

This year, a group of talented rookies have emerged, with all-round defenders who can create influence on both offense and defense; there are fixed-point sharpshooters, and the offensive ends are in a game rhythm; there are also big gates with excellent physical fitness, with outstanding value on the defensive end. It is undoubtedly a challenging thing to pick out 10 best rookies from these new stars. Below, we will take a look at the most noteworthy rookie lineups in the 2025-26 season to see who are most likely to stand out in the rookie season:

Best Rookie First Team Forecast:

Dylan Harper

The Spurs locked in the second draw in the draft and selected Rutgers University's potential defender Dylan Harper without any suspense. For the Spurs, this is their right and only choice. But the problem is that there are already Fox in the team, and Castle has just won the Best Rookie, which inevitably leads to questions about Harper's playing time and team positioning.

But Harper is talented and can make steady contributions no matter where he is. Fixed-point shooting is the Spurs' tactical choice. Thanks to the defensive diversity brought by their size, the Spurs' three-guard lineup has a chance to become a reality. But even so, how to allocate playing time will directly affect Harper's rookie season. The situation of

VJ Edgecom

76ers is a bit complicated. The team is still aiming to compete for the championship this season. The core Embiid and Paul George have a stable contract, and Maxi will not leave the team easily in the short term. As a high-couple rookie, Edgecom needs to help the team immediately during his rookie season, which is both an opportunity and a pressure for him.

On the summer league stage, this newcomer has shown strong control and shooting skills, but in the 76ers, he may have to take on fixed-point three-pointers and backcourt fill-in roles. This may limit his comprehensiveness, but it can also allow him to slowly adapt to the NBA rhythm during the game. In particular, combined with Edgecombe's excellent defense and talent, this is enough to quickly integrate him into the team system as a supporting role.

Of course, his starting chance ultimately depends on his performance in training camp and his competitive performance with McCain, Grimes and others during the regular season. And what is certain is that Edgecombe has been able to play an important role from the start of the new season, which is crucial to supporting him to win rookie honors.

Kon Knuper

As Xialian MVP, Knuper is naturally the Hornets' well-deserved new hope.

For the Hornets, their strategy for this offseason is obvious enough, and the general goal of signing is still to some high-quality auxiliary players, and Knuper just can meet this standard.

Although not the standard size 4 position, with its control of luck, confrontational strength and basket rushing skills, the threat of this No. 4 show on the offensive end is definitely worthy of attention, even if he is in the bad Hornets.

As one of the most stable fixed-point shooters in the 25th rookie, he can quickly make judgments and complete scores whether it is a pick-and-roll offense or a run without the ball. With excellent ball quotations, both pass vision and finishing ability are online. The defensive end is also active, knowing how to find the best position in the team system.

The Hornets also intend to give him core responsibilities at the beginning of the season. If there is no accident, he is likely to form a three-core lineup with Lamelo Ball and Brandon Miller, becoming an important fire support for the team's outside.

Cooper Flag

No surprise, Flag is the hottest rookie in the 2025 draft, but for the result of being selected by Dallas, he is destined to face greater challenges than other rookies.

Although the talent is overflowing, the current Mavericks still have a lot of confusion in the lineup direction, but their victory is that Flag is talented enough and has shown his dominance at the age of 18.

Duke University, Flag was forced to take on ball possession and offensive tasks, and also demonstrated the NCAA's top scoring ability and defensive value. Whether it is breaking through the basket, pick-and-roll support, or defensive sweep, he is competent. If Dallas can use him reasonably in the new season, it is entirely possible to get additional surprises.

Nick Clifford, 23, is the older rookie echelon in the first round draft, but referring to his college season, he has made significant progress every year, comprehensive skills and excellent athletic ability. He finally dropped to the 24th pick and was selected by the King, which was undoubtedly an underrated draft operation.

Judging from the performance of the game, Clifford can shoot three-pointers, execute pick-and-rolls, passes at high speed, and can also play a value on both offense and defense. As a defensive all-rounder, he can guard multiple positions and make up for the team's shortcomings. The large amount of game experience accumulated during college will help him quickly gain a firm position in the NBA arena.

Best Rookie Second Team Forecast:

Trey Johnson

Johnson's performance during the University of Texas was excellent enough. He relied on excellent long-range shots to show his value. He is a typical scoring rookie who can successfully complete the shooting at any time and anywhere.

Although he is thin and there are doubts on the defensive end, the Wizards have enough resources to protect him on defense so that his outside value can be maximized.

As the new season advances, the Wizards in the bad stage, the No. 6 pick has a full chance to expand their team role and become the team's core scorer. Even if the Wizards may not get much record support, and his data will likely have a slightly lower direct impact on the team's victory than other new players, but his chances of being selected are still quite large..

Jess Richardson

Richardson fell to the 25th pick in the first round in the draft, and such a result would not conceal his ability during college. Although he is not tall, he can accurately complete the shooting and ending under the basket. He has extremely high running ability and ball quotient, and he can find gaps on the ball end and complete the score.

After joining the Magic, the youth defensive team, he has the opportunity to take on the core key roles and partner with Paul Banchero and Wagner to form an offensive firepower combination. Based on the team environment, his offensive performance is very likely to win a chance for him.

Yegor Jamin

Jamie was outstanding during Brigham Young University, but had to face greater challenges after entering the NBA. As a point guard who is 206 in height, he has excellent passing but his shooting is not stable enough.

Summer League also showed a lot of three-point value during the period, which is a positive signal enough. The Nets have the scoring resources to develop an offensive system around him. In this chaotic team, Jamin, with commander attributes, has the opportunity to gain enough playing time to hone his skills.

Although defense and physical confrontation may be a shortcoming, there should be a chance to win the recognition of the Best Rookie Team.

Colin Murray Boyles

As the first round ninth pick, Boyles is in the Raptors' youth lineup. In his rookie season, he is likely to be limited by the depth of the lineup on the offensive end, but his defensive value is still impeccable.

can cover multiple positions, destroy the opponent's pass route, and complete unlimited defense switching in positional battles, these are all his advantages. Even though the current offensive skills are being honed, the breakout attack basket, low-post finishing and rebounding ability shown at this stage will have the opportunity to help him become the backbone of the Raptors' defensive force.

Ryan Calkebrenner

As the second round fourth pick, in the Hornets, the 23-year-old Calkebrenner has the opportunity to win an important role in Charlotte's frontcourt position.

As a large inside frame guard, he has potential on both ends of offense and defense, and his partner with ball holder LaMelo Ball and scorer Brandon Miller, the 216-year-old big man has a chance to become the pillar of the Hornets' offense and defense.

Even though he is a little older now, his game experience and football quotient are the keys to help him quickly adapt to the NBA rhythm.