The NBA draft marks a key moment in shaping the league`s future. The first day of the two-day 2025 draft saw the next wave of basketball stars begin their professional careers.
Headlining the class is Cooper Flagg, the highly anticipated Duke standout, who was officially selected as the first overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks. While Flagg`s ascent to the top spot wasn`t unexpected, he is certainly not the only rookie poised to make a significant impact in their debut season.
Let`s analyze the rookies who secured the most advantageous team placements and determine which players are best positioned to offer valuable fantasy basketball production in the 2025-26 season.
Lottery Picks to Target in Fantasy Drafts
Cooper Flagg, SF, Dallas Mavericks: The undisputed first overall pick, Cooper Flagg joins the Mavericks. Touted as potentially the best freshman in Duke history by draft analysts, Flagg showcased a versatile skillset, leading his college team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. His 6`9″ frame is ideal for a small forward, and he steps into a significant opportunity in Dallas, particularly with Kyrie Irving sidelined early due to an ACL injury. This situation positions Flagg well for immediate production.
Ace Bailey, SG/SF, Utah Jazz: Widely considered a top-3 talent, Bailey fell slightly in the draft, reportedly due to his decision not to participate in team workouts – a unique approach for an American prospect. Despite this, the Jazz recognized his undeniable potential. A 6`8″ wing with a 7`0″ wingspan, Bailey is a gifted scorer capable of both isolation buckets and effective catch-and-shoot plays. While he needs refinement in decision-making and playmaking, his physical attributes and scoring ability give him star potential. He lands on a rebuilding Jazz squad that lacks a similar player profile, potentially offering him early playing time.
Tre Johnson, SG, Washington Wizards: Touted as the best overall shooter in this draft class, Tre Johnson joins the Washington Wizards. He excels at both catch-and-shoot opportunities and creating his own shot off the dribble. With long arms (6`10″ wingspan), he moves well without the ball and can operate in pick-and-roll actions. Johnson is a natural scorer, having led the SEC in scoring as a freshman. He arrives after the Wizards traded leading scorer Jordan Poole. Although veterans like CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton are on the wing, Washington is rebuilding, which could open the door for Johnson to contribute early.
Jeremiah Fears, PG, New Orleans Pelicans: Jeremiah Fears is described as a highly confident scoring point guard. Analysts have called him `gifted` and `swaggy.` He possesses speed and physicality, excelling at driving to the basket and drawing fouls, which he converts at an elite rate. Fears lands with the Pelicans, who recently acquired Poole but will be missing starting guard Dejounte Murray for the first half of the season due to a torn Achilles. This injury could provide Fears an early opportunity to compete for significant playing time or even a starting role.
Egor Demin, PG, Brooklyn Nets: Egor Demin is a notable point guard prospect due to his impressive size (6`8″ with a 6`10″ wingspan). He`s also praised as the best passer in the draft. Having played internationally with Real Madrid and collegiately at BYU, he led the Big 12 in assists and set a BYU freshman record. Demin is an excellent ballhandler with outstanding pick-and-roll vision. While his 3-point shot isn`t always consistent, he`s willing to take them and can get hot. The Nets are undertaking a complete rebuild, and Demin was their first of five first-round picks. His size and skillset could allow him to challenge for an early starting position, even potentially defending bigger players.
Other Lottery Prospects to Monitor
Dylan Harper, PG, San Antonio Spurs: Ranked as the consensus second-best prospect in the draft, Dylan Harper is a young scoring point guard with impressive size and toughness. The son of NBA champion Ron Harper, Dylan broke Rutgers` freshman scoring record after being named co-MVP of the 2024 McDonalds All-American game. He`s a skilled three-level scorer with excellent body control, adept at making shots and finishing strong at the rim. Joining a Spurs team with established perimeter players like De`Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Devin Vassell, Harper might not see extensive minutes immediately. However, his unique skillset and promising future make him a player to watch as he integrates into the roster.
VJ Edgecombe, SG, Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe is an incredibly athletic shooting guard. On draft night, he drew comparisons to players like Russell Westbrook, Victor Oladipo, and Dwyane Wade, while he compares himself to Anthony Edwards. Edgecombe is a strong 3-and-D wing known for playing above the rim, hitting spot-up threes, and setting a Baylor freshman record for steals. While the 76ers have talented perimeter players like Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain, Edgecombe`s distinct skillset could complement his teammates and help him earn significant minutes early in his career.
Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Charlotte Hornets: Kon Knueppel is recognized as the best catch-and-shoot 3-point shooter in the draft, boasting incredible range. He can also drive to the basket in a straight line and finish effectively around the rim. Joining the Charlotte Hornets, led by playmaker LaMelo Ball and scoring wing Brandon Miller, Knueppel`s shooting could earn him significant minutes early as a complementary threat on the wing.
Collin Murray-Boyles, SF/PF, Toronto Raptors: Collin Murray-Boyles is a promising defensive forward prospect. He`s an efficient scorer and a solid rebounder, but his primary strength is his defensive versatility. While favored by some analysts, his playstyle and the Raptors` existing frontcourt depth might limit his immediate fantasy basketball impact and playing time.
Khaman Maluach, C, Phoenix Suns: Khaman Maluach is a highly talented but still developing center prospect for the Suns. Standing over 7 feet tall, he began playing basketball later than many, learning at the NBA Academy Africa. At Duke, he was a strong shot-blocker and offensive rebounder, utilizing his athleticism to finish plays, especially lobs and put-backs (leading D-1 in dunks off lobs). The Suns also acquired center Mark Williams on draft night, suggesting Maluach might be more of a long-term project rather than an immediate fantasy impact player.
Other Notable Draft Picks
Derik Queen, C, New Orleans Pelicans: Nicknamed `Baby Jokic` by teammates, Derik Queen joins the Pelicans. He`s an excellent ball-handler and passer from the center position, in addition to being a consistent double-double threat. His face-up game and versatile skillset could translate well to fantasy production and offer a valuable complement to the athletic defense of second-year big man Yves Messi.
Walter Clayton Jr., PG/SG, Utah Jazz: Walter Clayton Jr. made a name for himself in the NCAA tournament with multiple 30-plus point games, including leading all players in crunch time scoring, earning Most Outstanding Player honors. His clutch shot-making drew comparisons to Stephen Curry. Although considered undersized for a shooting guard, his speed, strength (developed partly from being an elite football recruit), and scoring prowess could help him secure a role early on a rebuilding Jazz team.
Kasparas Jakucionis, PG/SG, Miami Heat: Kasparas Jakucionis was projected by many mock drafts to be a top-10 pick, making his slide to the Miami Heat a potential late-round steal. Described as a combo guard akin to Austin Reaves and Andrew Nembhard, he`s seen as a possible point guard of the future for the Heat, with potential to contribute even in the present.
Outlook for the Rookie of the Year Race
Current Rookie of the Year Odds
- Leader: Cooper Flagg (-200)
- Contenders: Ace Bailey (+650), Tre Johnson (+750), Dylan Harper (+1200)
- Potential Sleepers: VJ Edgecombe (+2500), Derik Queen (+3000), Kasparas Jakucionis (+6000), Walter Clayton Jr. (+10,000)
Cooper Flagg is the clear odds-on favorite (-200) for Rookie of the Year. He is widely regarded as a generational talent landing on a team where he could immediately be a focal point and produce significant statistics, potentially contributing to team success.
Bailey and Johnson are seen as strong contenders due to their scoring talent and roles on rebuilding teams that are likely to give them ample playing time and opportunities to put up numbers.
Harper and Edgecombe, drafted second and third, possess immense talent but join teams with existing playoff aspirations and established stars. This team context might limit their individual statistical output compared to players on rebuilding rosters.
Queen, Jakucionis, and Clayton all showcased abilities in college that could lead to impressive statistics if they earn consistent playing time, making them interesting long shots.
