NEW YORK, NY — The 2025 NBA rookie class is already showing why they were highly coveted back in June. From being polished scorers to dynamic playmakers, these young athletes fresh on the scene are stepping into meaningful roles early in their professional careers.
Here are three rookies to watch this NBA season—plus one more standout as an honorable mention.
First on the list, we have VJ Edgecombe, a guard from the Philadelphia 76ers.
VJ Edgecombe: Philadelphia 76ers
14.4 PPG on 41.4 FG%, 5.7 RPG, 4.0 APG in 20 games
Before his rise to NBA stardom, the Bahamas native started off at Baylor University, earning the honors of Big 12 Freshman of the Year, All-Big 12 Second Team and Big 12 All-Freshman Team. He averaged 15 points per game with 5.6 rebounds and over three assists as a freshman.
Drafted third overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, the former Baylor Bear standout brings elite athleticism, energy, and defensive upside to Philadelphia’s backcourt. The Sixers have needed young two-way wings for years, and Edgecombe, listed at six-four, fits that mold seamlessly. His ability to create his own shot, push the pace, and thrive in transition complements Tyrese Maxey beautifully. In limited minutes, the first-year guard has already flashed legitimate ability in scoring and playmaking, proving he could become a long-term piece for Philadelphia.
In Charlotte, the Hornets’ sharp shooting rookie Kon Knueppel adds a completely different dynamic.
Kon Knueppel: Charlotte Hornets
18.0 PPG on 45.9 FG%, 5.5 RPG, 3.3 APG in 24 games
The six-six forward closed out his college career at Duke averaging 14.4 points, 4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and a steal per game while shooting 48% from the field, 40% from three and an impressive 91% clip at the free-throw line. His consistency and efficiency helped him rise to the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Unlike Edgecombe’s defensive-first identity, Knueppel shines through his pure shooting ability. The Wisconsin native already looks like a natural complementary piece next to franchise star LaMelo Ball. His floor spacing, off-ball movement, and late game shotmaking gives Charlotte something it has lacked for years: reliable perimeter scoring. His game isn’t flashy, it’s fundamentally sound and that makes him one of the most NBA-ready rookies in his class.
For the Pelicans, first year center Derik Queen adds something the roster has lacked: reliable interior scoring.
Derik Queen: New Orleans Pelicans
13.0 PPG on 50.4 FG%, 6.3 RPG, 4.0 APG in 26 games
Queen dominated inside his freshman year at Maryland, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors, averaging 16.5 points and nine rebounds per game. Selected number 13th overall by the Atlanta Hawks and traded immediately to New Orleans, the six-nine big man wasted no time making his presence felt.
He’s strong, versatile, physical and has a natural rebound with a real scoring touch around the rim. The Pelicans desperately needed a big who could create his own offense inside without relying on Zion Williamson, among others, to set him up. Queen provides exactly that. His high basketball IQ shows in the post, mid-range, and in his passing reads. If he continues to polish his footwork and face-up game, New Orleans may have landed one of the biggest steals of the draft.
Rounding out the last is Mavericks rookie superstar Cooper Flagg, who entered the league with massive exceptions.
Cooper Flagg: Dallas Mavericks
17.3 PPG on 47.5 FG% 6.3 RPG, 3.3 APG in 24 games
Flagg was selected No. 1 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft after a dominant freshman season at Duke where he averaged 19 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks. He became just the fourth freshman ever to win the Naismith College Player of the Year award, which goes to the best College Basketball player across the country each season.
The newest part of Jason Kidd’s rotation has already shown remarkable pro-readiness. Dallas has used him at lead guard and on the wing, highlighting his all-around skill set. Despite injuries to key players including Anthony Davis, and Kyrie Irving, who is recovering from ACL surgery on his left knee, the 18-year-old has shouldered major responsibility. His defense, scoring, hustle plays, and late-game closure has made him a crucial piece of the Mavericks’ early-season success.
Three rookies, three different styles—yet all of them are proving they belong on the NBA stage.
Make sure to look out for these young stars, because they’re just getting started.
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