We’re not even a month into the fantasy basketball season, and the 2025 rookie class is already showing out. Some are thriving on opportunity, others are flashing promise in limited minutes and a few are just waiting for the right lineup shake-up to break out.
What’s clear is that this class is deep — not necessarily star-driven, but full of players carving real roles that translate to fantasy basketball relevance.
Cedric Coward – SG/SF, Memphis Grizzlies
Coward’s been the best player for Memphis through 10 games, and he’s been quietly productive in fantasy. His balanced scoring, rebounding and efficiency make him one of the most playable rookies in fantasy.
Coming into Wednesday, Coward was the only rookie to average 50/40/90 shooting splits for more than 10 games in NBA history. Those numbers have since fallen to 48/38/89, but he’s still squarely in that territory.
That level of efficiency and production has league-winning potential. His ceiling is sky-high, given the high level of volatility and injuries affecting the Grizzlies.
Ryan Kalkbrenner – C, Charlotte Hornets
Kalkbrenner’s emergence in Charlotte has been one of the bigger rookie surprises through three and a half weeks. He was very impressive at the Vegas Summer League. However, no one thought he’d become a top-50 player this fast.
His rim protection and efficient finishing have made him a steady front-court option for fantasy managers who need reliable rebounds, blocks and percentages. He leads the NBA in FG percentage (83.3%) and is second in the NBA in blocks (2.4 per game).
Not only is he one of the best rookies at the moment in fantasy, but he’s also been one of the best big men overall.
Cooper Flagg – SF/PF, Dallas Mavericks
The preseason hype wasn’t misplaced. Flagg’s usage continues to rise as Dallas leans on him for secondary playmaking and perimeter defense. His stat profile is starting to fill out — scoring, rebounding, assists, stocks — and once the efficiency catches up, he’ll push toward top-60 value. He’s not going to shoot 38% from the field and 28% from 3 all season, so there’s still some unrealized value with plenty of time to materialize.
At least Nico Harrison is gone; now the Mavs can focus on getting back on track, which Flagg’s 21% usage rate will undoubtedly factor into.
VJ Edgecombe – PG/SG, Philadelphia 76ers
Edgecombe was the hottest rookie through two weeks, but has started to settle down over the past week and a half. The explosive guard from Baylor, who possesses freakish athleticism, has demonstrated a knack for scoring, complemented by strong defensive instincts (averaging 1.4 steals per game).
The Sixers need his offensive output, so I don’t see his role diminishing anytime soon with Joel Embiid and Paul George still sidelined. Edgecombe is better in points leagues because his efficiency isn’t measured, but he’s still one of the handful of rookies who needs to be rostered in most formats.
Kon Knueppel – SG/SF, Charlotte Hornets
Knueppel’s game is tailor-made for fantasy basketball. He spaces the floor, shoots efficiently and doesn’t need volume to make an impact. Now with LaMelo Ball out of the lineup, his counting stats and efficiency are rising. Knueppel leads rookies in PPG and 3s made and is on pace to break the rookie record for 3s made in a season. Here’s Knueppel’s stats with and without Ball this year:
As long as Ball and Brandon Miller are out, expect Knueppel to be a valued asset across all leagues and formats. I wouldn’t sell high.
The rookie I’m excited about
Derik Queen – C, New Orleans Pelicans
While the NBA world is still debating whether it was worth it for the Pelicans to trade their unprotected 2026 first-rounder for Queen, at least he’s getting a chance to prove why he was worth it. On Wednesday, he played a career-high 38 minutes and put up 26 points (12-for-18 FG) with 7 rebounds and 4 assists.
Given the draft capital and early results, Queen should be a fixture of the Pelicans’ rotation. His court vision, footwork and overall feel are superior to those of Yves Missi and Kevon Looney. I recommend buying low after an off night.
Three rookies on the come up
Ace Bailey – SG/SF, Utah Jazz (28% rostered)
Bailey’s finally cracking the starting lineup, and the early returns are encouraging. The counting stats haven’t popped yet, but it’ll come with more reps. He dropped 20 in his second start on Tuesday and there’s likely more slack for the rookie to get more meaningful minutes. He’s an add in 12-team leagues.
Jeremiah Fears – PG, New Orleans Pelicans (18% rostered)
Jordan Poole’s injury opened the door for Fears to get valuable minutes earlier than expected. It’s always tough for score-first guards to be efficient early in their careers and Fears is no different. It’s why I prefer him for points leagues, but he’s getting the counting stats, especially in points and steals, to be rostered in 12-team formats.
Nique Clifford – SG, Sacramento Kings (1% rostered)
Sacramento’s 33-point loss to Atlanta might have been the breaking point. Head coach Doug Christie hinted at lineup changes, and Clifford could benefit the most. His defensive activity and playmaking from the wing are exactly what this roster needs. If he slides into a larger role, he could quickly become a streaming option in 9-cat leagues.
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