The 2025-26 NBA season is just a few weeks in, but the rookie class has already shown promise and pitfalls. No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg is struggling with the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 14.4 points on 39.4% shooting, while VJ Edgecombe leads Philadelphia with strong playmaking and defense. Other rookies like Dylan Harper face setbacks due to injury.
The excitement surrounding the 2025 NBA draft class is evident early in the season, with top lottery picks making impacts despite some hurdles. Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall selection by the Dallas Mavericks, has averaged 14.4 points and 2.8 assists while shooting 39.4% from the field and 29% from three-point range. Analysts point to coach Jason Kidd's experiment with Flagg at point guard as a factor, noting his 50 pick-and-roll possessions have produced just 0.500 points per possession, ranking him last among 55 qualifying players. "The Mavericks' plan for Flagg was misguided at best, deeply arrogant at worst," wrote James Herbert, highlighting the team's lack of shooting support—ranking 23rd in potential assists, 24th in three-point attempt rate, and 28th in effective field goal percentage—with only Max Christie shooting above league average from beyond the arc.
In contrast, VJ Edgecombe, a top-five pick for the Philadelphia 76ers, has impressed with his explosiveness and playmaking. He leads all rookies in assists, surpassing even Dwyane Wade's rookie average, and shoots 39% from three. "Edgecombe is leading all rookies in assists comfortably," noted Sam Quinn, praising his ability to collapse defenses and distribute. Jack Maloney highlighted his rim attacks, including a near-miss dunk against the Nets, while Herbert lauded his improved jumper arc and decision-making in pick-and-rolls. Multiple experts now favor Edgecombe for Rookie of the Year over Flagg, citing his fit in Philadelphia's system.
Dylan Harper's promising start with the San Antonio Spurs ended with a calf injury, sidelining him for multiple weeks. The Spurs went 5-0 with Harper active but are 0-2 without him, dropping to fifth in the West. With De'Aaron Fox also out, the injury poses challenges amid a tough schedule including games against the Rockets, Bulls, and Warriors.
Underrated performers include Charlotte Hornets' second-rounders Sion James (14-of-20 from three, 62.2/70/90.9 shooting splits) and Ryan Kalkbrenner (82.9% field goal percentage, leading rookies with 7.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game). New Orleans Pelicans' Derik Queen ranks third among rookies in steals, fourth in blocks, and fifth in deflections, showing solid driving and activity despite defensive issues. Toronto Raptors' Collin Murray-Boyles has stood out defensively with quick hands and physicality against top bigs like Evan Mobley and Jaren Jackson Jr.