Impressive Start for the 2025 NBA Rookie Class

The 2025 NBA rookie class is off to an exciting and impressive start, showcasing a wealth of talent from both top prospects and unexpected second-round gems. With about a quarter of the season behind us, it’s time to reevaluate how the draft might unfold if it were held today.

Revisiting the Top Picks

Cooper Flagg, originally selected first overall, has not been the standout rookie many expected early on. Despite this, he maintains impressive stats of 17.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. His recent achievement of becoming the youngest player to score 35 points in a game serves as a reminder of his potential. While Flagg is still in the conversation for the top pick, his former Duke teammate, Kon Knueppel, who is currently averaging 18.1 points, has stolen the spotlight with his remarkable performance.

Dylan Harper, originally drafted second, has been hampered by a calf injury but has displayed talent reminiscent of James Harden and remains a solid choice for the second pick. In contrast, VJ Edgecombe has shown flashes of brilliance, remaining among the league's most exciting rookies despite recent cooling off.

Impact Players Surging Up the Draft Board

With Knueppel leading all rookies in scoring and consistently showing his prowess from three-point range, his stock is undoubtedly rising. The Charlotte Hornets made a wise choice with this pick as he’s quickly become a fan favorite.

Ace Bailey is also worth mentioning. Although he has recently seen an upswing in performance, Cedric Coward has proven to be the better overall player, ranking high in both scoring and assists among rookies, demonstrating his readiness to contribute. Bailey’s growth suggests he is still a great choice for teams looking for a promising talent.

Mid-Round Shakeups and Rising Stars

The middle of the draft features interesting developments as players like Jeremiah Fears continue to impress with robust scoring and defensive capabilities. The New Orleans Pelicans are glad to retain him after his strong showing, while Derik Queen has emerged as a unique big man option and a potential cornerstone for the Brooklyn Nets.

Settling in for the Future

As the season progresses, teams will continue to assess their young talent, like Khaman Maluach and Ryan Kalkbrenner. Kalkbrenner’s impressive rebounding and scoring efficiency have warranted his rise in this re-draft scenario.

Overall, the 2025 NBA rookie class has already established itself as an exciting group, and with many players still developing, it will be fascinating to see how they impact their teams and the league as a whole moving forward.