As we hit the heart of the NBA season, the Rookie of the Year race is shaping up to be one of the most compelling storylines on the hardwood. With a deep class of young talent making waves across the league, the top of the rookie power rankings is anything but settled. And while Cooper Flagg is starting to separate himself from the pack, there’s still plenty of movement just beneath him-making this a race worth watching week in and week out.
Let’s break down the top 10 rookies right now and what’s fueling their rise-or holding them back.
10. Ryan Kalkbrenner - Charlotte Hornets
Kalkbrenner has quietly carved out a role in Charlotte, bringing size, rim protection, and a steady presence in the paint. He’s not putting up gaudy numbers, but his defensive instincts and ability to alter shots have been a bright spot for a Hornets team still finding its identity.
9. Maxime Raynaud - Sacramento Kings
Raynaud’s size and feel for the game are starting to translate at the NBA level. While still raw in some areas, the Kings are giving him meaningful minutes, and he’s making the most of them.
His ability to stretch the floor and rebound gives Sacramento a new wrinkle in their frontcourt rotation.
8. Ryan Nembhard - Dallas Mavericks
Nembhard has been a steady hand off the bench for Dallas, giving the Mavericks quality minutes as a backup guard. His poise, court vision, and ability to control pace have made him a reliable contributor in a high-pressure environment.
He’s not flashy, but he’s effective-and that’s earning him trust.
7. Dylan Harper - San Antonio Spurs
Harper’s game is starting to take shape in San Antonio. The rookie guard is blending physicality with finesse, showing flashes of the two-way potential that made him a high pick.
He’s still adjusting to the speed of the pro game, but his ceiling is high, and the Spurs are giving him every chance to grow.
6. Cedric Coward - Memphis Grizzlies
Coward is doing the little things that don’t always show up on the stat sheet. His defensive energy, hustle plays, and ability to guard multiple positions have made him a valuable piece for Memphis.
He’s the kind of player who thrives in the Grizzlies’ gritty culture, and it’s showing in his development.
**5. V.J.
Edgecombe - Philadelphia 76ers**
Edgecombe’s season got off to a rocky start thanks to injuries, but now that he’s healthy, he’s making up for lost time-and fast.
With Tyrese Maxey sidelined, Edgecombe stepped into a bigger role and responded with authority. Averaging 24 points over two games while logging 39 minutes per night against Atlanta and Indiana, he looked every bit the part of a future star.
Joel Embiid summed it up best: “Being aggressive, taking shots when they’re available.” That’s exactly what Edgecombe did-and the results speak for themselves.
4. Jeremiah Fears - New Orleans Pelicans
Fears is on a mission to push the Pelicans toward playoff contention. The 19-year-old guard is averaging 15.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, but it’s his recent stretch that’s turning heads.
He poured in 39 points across back-to-back wins over Portland and Chicago, showing off his scoring instincts and confidence. What’s even more impressive?
Despite playing fewer minutes than many of his peers, he’s leading all rookies in drives to the basket-proof of his fearless approach.
3. Derik Queen - New Orleans Pelicans
Queen’s numbers-12.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and four assists per game-paint the picture of a well-rounded contributor. But lately, he’s hit a bit of a lull.
In his most recent outing, Queen managed just four points on four shot attempts in three quarters of action. It’s a reminder that even the most promising rookies hit speed bumps.
Still, his versatility and court vision continue to make him a key piece of New Orleans’ long-term plans.
2. Kon Knueppel - Charlotte Hornets
Knueppel has been neck-and-neck with Flagg in the Rookie of the Year conversation-and for good reason. The No. 4 overall pick is averaging 19 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, and he’s doing it with remarkable efficiency.
His 46% shooting from deep is elite, and with 89 made threes already, he trails only Donovan Mitchell (101) and Stephen Curry (93) in that category. For context, LaMelo Ball won Rookie of the Year in 2021 with averages of 14.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists.
Knueppel has already surpassed those scoring numbers-and he’s just getting started.
1. Cooper Flagg - Dallas Mavericks
What more can you say about Cooper Flagg at this point? The Mavericks rookie is putting together a debut season that’s not just impressive-it’s historic.
Flagg is averaging 18.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, but it was his recent explosion that truly turned heads. In just his 26th appearance, he dropped 42 points in an overtime battle against Utah.
That kind of scoring outburst puts him in rare company-rarer still when you consider that legends like LeBron James, Larry Bird, Elgin Baylor, and Allen Iverson didn’t hit that mark this early in their careers.
Even Kevin Durant has taken notice, and when a player of KD’s stature is talking you up, you know you’re doing something special.
The Bottom Line
This rookie class is deep, talented, and already reshaping the league in real time.
While Cooper Flagg is building a compelling case for Rookie of the Year, the race is far from over. Kon Knueppel is right on his heels, and names like Edgecombe, Fears, and Queen are making noise of their own.
With half a season still to play, this battle is only going to get more intense-and more fun to watch.