Below is an early breakdown of the best NBA rookies who have delivered the strongest performances so far, backed by real numbers and commentary from across the league. The 2025–26 NBA season is only a month old, but this rookie class is already making a real imprint on the league.
Some of these NBA rookies came in with star-level expectations, others weren’t projected to dominate this early, but the stat lines and nightly production are starting to show who’s separating themselves. What makes this group so compelling is the mix of polish, physicality, and impact that typically doesn’t show up this soon.
NBA Rookies Making Moves in 2025-2026
Best NBA Rookies #1: Cooper Flagg Is Growing Into His Role in Dallas
Cooper Flagg entered the league with the weight of being the No. 1 pick and the added pressure of joining a contending team featuring Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. His debut set the tone: 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists in 29 minutes, joining rare company for a first-year player. One outlet noted he “joined legendary Kobe Bryant’s elite club” for his impact in the Mavericks’ first win of the season.
His overall numbers show both promise and learning curves. According to CBS Sports, he’s averaging 14.4 points and 2.8 assists, while shooting 39.4% from the field and 29% from deep. Efficiency isn’t there yet, but the aggression and feel translate clearly.
A Washington Post columnist wrote that “instead of easing into the league … Flagg is now facing top-tier defenders and carrying a heavier offensive load than intended.” That tracks on film: Dallas is using him in real actions, not rookie hideaways. He’s defending multiple spots, rotating with discipline, and playing with the kind of activity that elevates a contending roster.
An NBA.com analyst summed up the league-wide sentiment by saying,
“His ability and his opportunities with the Mavericks strongly suggest Flagg will carry off the Rookie of the Year.”
The efficiency will likely climb as the year progresses. The defensive impact and versatility are already undeniable.
Best NBA Rookies #2: V.J. Edgecombe Has Jumped Out as the Most NBA-Ready Rookie
If there’s one rookie forcing his name into every national segment already, it’s V.J. Edgecombe in Philadelphia. His debut wasn’t good — it was historic. He dropped 34 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, setting a franchise rookie record and marking the third-highest scoring debut in NBA history. Reuters described the performance as “stunning” and immediately validating Philly’s draft strategy.
The pace hasn’t slowed. ESPN’s early-season rookie rankings emphasize how complete his production has been: 5.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists per game, and 36% shooting from three on real volume. One ESPN writer added,
“No rookie has out-performed Edgecombe in the wow-factor in the first few weeks.”
Edgecombe’s scoring bursts, physical drives, and willingness to defend have given the Sixers a dimension they didn’t fully expect so soon. He looks comfortable playing off Tyrese Maxey, attacking mismatches, and hitting rhythm threes in transition or in the half court.
Among all rookies, Edgecombe has the cleanest combination of volume, efficiency, and versatility. If he keeps this up, he’ll stay at the center of the Rookie of the Year conversation deep into the season.
Best NBA Rookies #3: Ace Bailey Is Playing Beyond His Years in Washington
The Washington Wizards entered the season with the understanding that Ace Bailey and Khaman Maluach are the future of the franchise. Bailey, in particular, is already flashing the outline of a star wing. Analysts projected two statistical goals for him this season: a true shooting percentage above 56% and at least 2.5 combined steals + blocks per game. He’s trending in that direction, and his on-court presence has been just as encouraging.
His philosophy was clear heading into the season. In Bailey’s own words,
“I just want to hoop. I want to keep the main thing the main thing and stay focused.”
So far, he has done exactly that. He’s attacking the rim consistently, defending multiple positions, and finding efficient looks instead of forcing low-percentage shots. The Wizards are giving him the freedom to play through mistakes, and he’s rewarding them with steady development.
Bailey’s growth curve looks strong, the foundations of a two-way wing who can eventually carry primary scoring responsibilities.
Best NBA Rookies #4 Robbie Avila Has Become One of the Best System Fits in Denver
Denver doesn’t typically hand rotation minutes to rookies unless they’re trustworthy, and Robbie Avila has already proven he is. While he isn’t putting up headline-grabbing numbers, his impact is showing up in the ways this Nuggets team values most: connecting plays, making the extra pass, setting screens that free scorers, and holding anchors defensively.
His feel for the game is translating seamlessly. Denver drafted him to stabilize the second unit and complement Nikola Jokić’s style, and early reviews suggest the match is working. Coaches have pointed to his maturity as a standout trait, and teammates have consistently praised how quickly he’s picked up the system.
Avila is a classic example of top-tier NBA rookies whose value doesn’t need noisy numbers. He makes winning plays, and he’s doing it on a contender, that alone sets him apart from most first-year players.
The Rookie Class Is Already Setting Up a Competitive Race
The early weeks of the season have given this NBA rookies class real momentum. ESPN recently wrote that “the Rookie of the Year race is already taking shape,” and early league chatter reflects that. Flagg’s two-way potential, Edgecombe’s production, Bailey’s upside, and Avila’s reliability all present drastically different paths to impact, but each rookie has a clear lane to long-term relevance.
Between the statistical leaps, the defensive flashes, and the signs of maturity across the class, this group is proving to be more than preseason speculation. They’re affecting real basketball, and several look like they’ll be pillars for their franchises sooner than anyone expected.
With four months left in the NBA season, the race is still wide open, but the foundation for one of the most competitive rookie seasons in recent memory is already in place.
