Fantasy Basketball 2025-26: Cooper Flagg Headlines Rookie Rankings in Star-Studded Class
The 2025–26 NBA season is almost here, and while fantasy basketball managers are crunching numbers and building draft boards, one thing has become crystal clear: this rookie class is special. At the top sits Cooper Flagg, the most hyped prospect since Zion Williamson, a player many are already projecting as a future franchise cornerstone. But he’s not the only one making noise—this class is full of elite talent ready to shake up both the NBA and your fantasy leagues.
From Flagg’s all-around dominance to the Rutgers duo of Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, and even Summer League MVP Kon Knueppel, fantasy owners will have plenty of rookies to consider on draft night. Let’s break down the Top 10 fantasy rookies for 2025–26 and what makes them must-watch assets.
1. Cooper Flagg, SF, Mavericks (Overall Fantasy Rank: 47)
The crown jewel of this class, Flagg enters the NBA with sky-high expectations—and deservedly so. At Duke, he put up an insane stat line of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 threes per game, proving there’s virtually nothing he can’t do on a basketball court.
At 6’9” with elite instincts on both ends, Flagg is a fantasy dream. Add in the fact that Kyrie Irving is sidelined to start the season, and Flagg will be thrust immediately into a massive role for Dallas. A mid-round draft pick with top-30 upside? Sign us up.
2. VJ Edgecombe, SG, 76ers (Overall Fantasy Rank: 125)
Edgecombe is the definition of an athletic freak. With a 38-inch vertical and highlight dunks galore, he’s going to win over Philly fans quickly. While his scoring (15.0 ppg at Baylor) is solid, his defensive upside might be even more valuable for fantasy. Edgecombe averaged 2.1 steals per game in college, and steals are always at a premium.
If the Sixers suffer injuriesas they so often do Edgecombe could leap into major minutes and reward fantasy owners who stash him.
3. Khaman Maluach, C, Suns (Overall Fantasy Rank: 140)
At 7’2”, Maluach brings exactly what Phoenix has lacked: rim protection, interior scoring, and rebounding. His fantasy value will largely depend on the health of Mark Williams, but even in limited minutes, Maluach’s ability to grab boards and block shots makes him an intriguing late-round flier.
Think of him as a younger, rawer Clint Capela-type lots of upside if he gets the opportunity.
4. Dylan Harper, SG, Spurs (Overall Fantasy Rank: 144)
The consensus No. 2 prospect in the draft finds himself buried in a loaded San Antonio backcourt that features De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle. That hurts his short-term fantasy outlook, but don’t count Harper out. His scoring instincts (19.4 ppg at Rutgers) and all-around offensive ability scream “future star.”
He might start as a Sixth Man, but if injuries or rotation shifts occur, Harper could carve out a fantasy-relevant role by midseason.
5. Ace Bailey, SF, Jazz (Overall Fantasy Rank: 178)
Bailey enters one of the best situations of any rookie: Utah needs him immediately. The Jazz are in full rebuild mode, and Bailey, with his length and athleticism, should start at small forward from Day 1. His college numbers (17.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.3 bpg) prove he can contribute in multiple categories.
Efficiency might be an issue early, but volume is king in fantasy and Bailey will get plenty of it.
6. Kon Knueppel, SF, Hornets (Overall Fantasy Rank: 190)
The sharpshooter out of Duke and 2025 Summer League MVP brings a skillset that translates instantly to fantasy basketball. Knueppel hit over 40% from deep in college and is a lethal free-throw shooter (91.4%).
But don’t pigeonhole him as “just a shooter.” Knueppel has sneaky bounce, underrated playmaking, and competitive defense. With Charlotte positioning him alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, expect Knueppel to see heavy minutes. He’s a sleeper who could outperform his ranking in a big way.
7. Tre Johnson, SG, Wizards (Overall Fantasy Rank: 195)
The most gifted scorer in the draft, Johnson put up 19.9 points per game at Texas and was the highest-scoring freshman in the country. Washington desperately needs offense, and Johnson will provide it.
He’s a three-point specialist with real shot-creation ability, and he’ll get the green light immediately. For fantasy purposes, he’s boom-or-bust but has sky-high potential.
8. Egor Demin, PG, Nets (Overall Fantasy Rank: 196)
A 6’9” point guard is always going to raise eyebrows. Demin has elite vision and passing, making him a high-volume assist option. The question is efficiency—he’s not a strong shooter and struggles defensively.
Still, with the Nets rebuilding, he’ll have plenty of opportunity to run the show. Fantasy owners in deep leagues should absolutely take a chance.
9. Jeremiah Fears, PG, Pelicans (Overall Fantasy Rank: 200)
An offensive sparkplug, Fears averaged 17.1 points at Oklahoma and thrives at getting tough buckets. His immediate role is unclear, but Jordan Poole isn’t exactly a roadblock, and if injuries strike the Pelicans’ backcourt, Fears could see his minutes spike.
By midseason, expect him to be on fantasy radars, especially in deeper formats.
10. Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Hornets (Outside Top-200)
At 24, Kalkbrenner is one of the older rookies, but his maturity and size (7’1”, 257 lbs) make him NBA-ready. Charlotte’s center rotation is shaky, and it’s only a matter of time before Kalkbrenner earns meaningful minutes.
He won’t put up flashy numbers, but by the end of the year, don’t be surprised if he’s starting and producing solid rebounds, FG%, and blocks for fantasy managers.
Final Word
The 2025–26 rookie class has star power at the top and depth throughout. Cooper Flagg is the no-doubt No. 1, already projected as a top-50 fantasy player with the chance to climb even higher. But names like Edgecombe, Bailey, and Knueppel offer exciting upside for savvy managers willing to gamble late in drafts.
If you’re looking for the next fantasy breakout rookie, this class is overflowing with options just remember, Flagg isn’t just leading this list. He’s redefining it.
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