Preparing for your 2025-26 fantasy basketball draft? Identifying the right rookies is crucial for success. This guide breaks down the most impactful rookie targets, from can't-miss prospects like Cooper Flagg to high-upside sleepers who could win you your league.
Top Rookies for 2025-26 Fantasy Basketball
Cooper Flagg: High Upside, Early Pick
Early mock drafts show Flagg often going as high as 35th, with some managers even snagging him as the first pick in the third round.
Flagg's appeal lies in his potential to be the second offensive option on his team, especially before the return of Kyrie Irving. The added bonus? Anthony Davis's history of missing games means Flagg could step into a primary role for 15-20 contests, offering considerable upside.
Despite the excitement, concerns exist. Rookies, especially guards, rarely crack the top 50 in fantasy. Dallas' roster might lead Flagg to play shooting guard or small forward, potentially limiting his rebounds and blocks. His field goal percentage and assists could also be a concern if teams effectively switch pick-and-rolls involving him and Anthony Davis.
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Egor Demin: The Floor General for Brooklyn
Demin, out of BYU, is set to be the starting point guard for the bizarre Brooklyn Nets roster. While his summer league performance saw him firing a lot of threes and averaging only one assist, this isn't indicative of his true play style.
Demin is projected to average between four and six assists, functioning more as a setup man and floor general. If he consistently plays high-20s to low-30s minutes and provides closer to six to seven dimes per game, he's a valuable consideration in fantasy, especially for those seeking assists late in drafts.
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Kon Knueppel: Charlotte's Three-Point Threat
The Hornets' need for dependable three-point shooters makes Knueppel an attractive option, with projections placing him at around two threes per game.
Knueppel demonstrated in summer league that he's more than just a shooter; he's a heady player willing to do the dirty work. This well-roundedness makes him a late-round target with potential.
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Ace Bailey: Volume and Opportunity in Utah
The Utah Jazz, with their lowest opening win total in a decade, present a unique opportunity for Ace Bailey. With no definitive number two option after Lauri Markkanen, Bailey could step into a significant role.
While his field goal percentage might not be stellar, Bailey is an underrated rebounder and racks up defensive deflections. The Jazz's ability to maximize Markkanen's offensive game suggests they could create similar opportunities for Bailey. The sheer volume of shots and minutes he's likely to accumulate in Utah makes him valuable, particularly with Markkanen's track record of missed games.
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Dylan Harper: Spurs' Bench Playmaker
Harper joins a stacked San Antonio Spurs roster and is expected to come off the bench. Despite injuries, he's projected to get six-man minutes, ranging from 22-28 MPG.
The Spurs lack playmakers beyond their top four, and Harper is likely to run the bench unit. While his rookie season might start slow, his talent suggests he'll put up quality numbers in the minutes he receives.
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Tre Johnson: Washington's Future Scorer
Johnson in Washington presents a really tough situation to evaluate. While established veterans like CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton are on the roster, their future with the team after the trade deadline is uncertain.
Johnson is a volume scorer and shooter who isn't afraid to fire away, also contributing rebounds and assists. While field goal percentage might be an issue, his excellent free-throw shooting (over 85% as a freshman) bodes well for his shot development. He's a worthwhile dart throw in deeper leagues, especially if the Wizards move off veteran contracts, opening up minutes and usage.
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VJ Edgecombe: Energy and Effort in Philadelphia
Edgecombe joins a complicated mix in Philadelphia. With Tyrese Maxey leading the charge and other scoring options like Paul George and Joel Embiid (if healthy), Edgecombe's fantasy value might not immediately translate to stats.
However, Edgecombe's energy and versatility to play across multiple positions suggest he'll earn consistent minutes. He's an IQ, energy and effort bet with the expectation that his consistent play will eventually lead to production.
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Cedric Coward: Memphis' Wing Opportunity
Coward is an intriguing prospect. Memphis traded up to the 11th pick to acquire him, indicating a significant investment. With Desmond Bane now in Orlando, there's an opportunity on the wing.
Despite his own injury history, Coward could be one of the steals of the draft. The Grizzlies' wing rotation is entirely up for grabs, and Coward possesses the most offensive talent for the long term. While his role might be uncertain early on, he could quickly establish himself as a third offensive option.
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Potential Rookie Sleepers
Jeremiah Fears (Pelicans): A last-round flyer for deeper leagues, with preseason action likely to clarify his role.
Ryan Kalkbrenner (Hornets): A second-rounder who is a plodding big but fantastic defender. If he can secure 20 minutes a game, he could average two blocks, making him an interesting waiver wire target.
Kasparas Jakucionis (Heat): With Tyler Herro out, Jakucionis could see early playing time. While his draft stock fell and summer league was inconsistent, the Heat drafted him for his playmaking ability, and he could be a factor off the bench.
