The 2025-26 NBA season has hit its stride, and while the playoff picture is still taking shape, there’s another race heating up that’s drawing just as much attention-Rookie of the Year. This year’s rookie class is deep, talented, and already making waves across the league. From record-breaking performances to clutch moments, these first-year players aren’t just finding their footing-they’re leaving their mark.
Let’s break down the latest NBA Rookie Power Rankings and what each player is bringing to the table.
10. Egor Dëmin - Brooklyn Nets
Dëmin cracks the top ten with a steady presence for the Nets. While his numbers may not leap off the stat sheet just yet, his feel for the game and defensive versatility are earning him minutes.
Brooklyn’s in a transitional phase, and Dëmin’s ability to adapt to multiple roles is giving the coaching staff options. His development will be one to watch as the season progresses.
9. Ryan Nembhard - Dallas Mavericks
Nembhard has carved out a valuable role in Dallas’ backcourt rotation. He’s playing smart, mistake-free basketball, and complementing the Mavericks’ stars with his ability to run the offense when called upon. His poise and efficiency are exactly what you want from a young guard learning the ropes in a high-expectation environment.
8. Maxime Raynaud - Sacramento Kings
Raynaud brings size, touch, and a growing confidence to Sacramento’s frontcourt. He’s quietly becoming a reliable contributor off the bench, showing flashes of a modern big man with his ability to stretch the floor and rebound. The Kings are deep, but Raynaud’s skill set is giving them a different look when he’s on the floor.
7. Jeremiah Fears - New Orleans Pelicans
Even in a tough season for New Orleans, Fears is showing why the Pelicans were high on him. His quickness and scoring instincts are translating well to the NBA level.
He’s fearless attacking the rim and improving as a distributor. As the Pelicans look for bright spots, Fears is giving them one.
6. Cedric Coward - Memphis Grizzlies
Coward is bringing energy and hustle to a Grizzlies team that thrives on both. His defensive tenacity and transition play have been key for Memphis, especially with injuries impacting the roster. He’s not just playing hard-he’s playing smart, and that’s earning him the trust of his teammates and coaches.
5. Harper - San Antonio Spurs
With Victor Wembanyama sidelined, Harper has stepped into the spotlight-and he’s not shying away. Averaging 12.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists over 19 games, Harper is showing he can be a steady hand for San Antonio.
In a recent matchup against the Thunder, he dished out 10 assists in just 20 minutes, showing his playmaking chops. He may not be the flashiest rookie, but his impact is real.
He’s keeping the Spurs competitive and making a strong case in the Rookie of the Year conversation.
4. Edgecombe - Philadelphia 76ers
Edgecombe exploded onto the scene with a 34-point debut and hasn’t slowed down much since. Over his last four games, he’s averaged 24.3 points while shooting 50% from the field and 40% from deep-elite numbers for any player, let alone a rookie.
He’s playing big minutes (37.8 per game in that stretch) and handling the pressure like a seasoned vet. Currently averaging 16 points, 5.5 rebounds, and four assists across 24 games, Edgecombe has become a key piece for the Sixers.
He missed the recent game against Brooklyn due to illness-a game Philly lost-but his presence is clearly felt when he’s on the floor.
3. Derik Queen - New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans may be struggling overall, but Derik Queen is giving fans something to cheer about. The rookie big man is averaging 13.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists across 31 games-impressive numbers on a team still searching for consistency.
Queen was central to a recent five-game win streak, and in a standout performance against Cleveland, he dropped 21 points, five assists, and seven boards in just 25 minutes. Even in a 141-118 loss, Queen’s all-around game continues to shine.
He’s proving he can be a foundational piece moving forward.
2. Kon Knueppel - Charlotte Hornets
Knueppel has been lights out from deep-and now he’s in the record books. In just his 29th career game, he became the fastest player in NBA history to reach 100 three-pointers, surpassing Lauri Markkanen’s previous mark.
That kind of shooting doesn’t just happen-it’s the result of confidence, rhythm, and an elite stroke. He’s averaging 19.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, and doing it with efficiency.
In a recent win over the Wizards, Knueppel added 19 points in 28 minutes, continuing his strong campaign. Charlotte may be in 12th place in the East, but Knueppel’s rise is a major storyline.
1. Cooper Flagg - Dallas Mavericks
Flagg continues to set the pace in the Rookie of the Year race-and he’s doing it with authority. He’s already broken LeBron James’ long-standing rookie record, and his all-around production has been nothing short of elite: 19.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists over 30 games.
His latest gem came against Denver, where he put up 33 points, nine assists, and nine rebounds in 40 minutes to lead the Mavericks to a 131-130 win. That’s not just a good rookie performance-that’s a star turn.
Flagg’s combination of poise, skill, and competitive fire has him firmly in the driver’s seat for Rookie of the Year honors.
Final Thoughts
This rookie class isn’t just promising-it’s producing. From Flagg’s dominance in Dallas to Edgecombe’s breakout in Philly and Knueppel’s record-setting shooting in Charlotte, the 2025-26 Rookie of the Year race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
And with over half the season still to go, expect more shakeups, more big nights, and more names to emerge. One thing’s for sure-this class is already making its presence felt across the league.