The 2024–25 season has delivered one of the top NBA rookies in recent memory. These young stars are already changing the game. Top draft picks have lived up to the hype. Some late picks have shocked everyone with their performance. Each rookie brings something special to the court. Scorers, defenders, and playmakers have all emerged. Their skills are turning struggling teams into playoff contenders. Fans are excited to see their growth. Coaches are trusting them with big minutes. From buzzer-beaters to record-breaking nights, they’ve made headlines. These rookies are not just the future—they are the present. This article looks at the top NBA rookies of 2025. It highlights their impact, stats, and standout moments.
1. Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks)
Cooper Flagg is the biggest name among NBA rookies in 2025. The 18-year-old forward from Duke University is already making waves. He was selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks. His college stats were impressive—21.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. He was dominant on both ends of the floor. Scouts praised his basketball IQ and court vision.
Off the court, Flagg’s popularity soared. He earned $28 million in NIL deals before going pro. That made him one of the most marketable athletes in college sports history. Dallas won the draft lottery and landed a future superstar. Flagg brings hope and excitement to the Mavericks’ fanbase. He is expected to lead the team for years to come.
2. Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks)
Zaccharie Risacher has impressed in his first NBA season. The French forward was picked first overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2024 NBA Draft. He has lived up to the high expectations. Risacher scored a career-high 38 points in a game against the Brooklyn Nets. That performance turned heads around the league. He is a smooth scorer with great shooting range.
His athleticism allows him to guard multiple positions. The Hawks have relied on him heavily this season. His versatility fits perfectly into Atlanta’s system in NBA single game. Fans love his energy and confidence. Coaches trust him in clutch moments. Risacher has quickly become one of the Hawks’ top players. He is a strong Rookie of the Year contender.
3. Dalton Knecht (Los Angeles Lakers)
Dalton Knecht has been a standout rookie for the Los Angeles Lakers. He was drafted 17th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. Many thought he would take time to adjust. But Knecht has quickly made his mark. He is known for his sharpshooting and calm under pressure. He tied the rookie record with nine three-pointers in a single game. That performance shocked fans and analysts alike. His shooting has opened up the floor for the Lakers. Defenders can’t leave him open. He makes smart decisions and moves well without the ball. Knecht has become a key rotation player. His scoring off the bench gives the Lakers a big boost. He has clearly outperformed his draft position.
4. Isaiah Collier (Utah Jazz)
Isaiah Collier has been a surprise star for the Utah Jazz. He was selected 29th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. Many didn’t expect him to shine this early. But Collier has proven everyone wrong. He is a smart and fearless playmaker. His court vision is outstanding. He sees passes that few rookies can make. Collier broke the Jazz rookie record for assists in a season. He even surpassed the great John Stockton. That’s no small feat. His passing keeps the offense flowing. Teammates trust him with the ball. Coaches rely on him in key moments. Collier is becoming the Jazz’s floor general. His future looks very bright. He’s one of the top steals of the draft.
5. Jaylen Wells (Memphis Grizzlies)
Jaylen Wells has had a strong rookie season with the Memphis Grizzlies. He started 74 games—an impressive number for a first-year player. Wells averaged 10.4 points per game. He showed consistency from the very beginning. His scoring is smooth and efficient. He plays with confidence and focus. Wells also contributes on defense. He hustles, rebounds, and defends multiple positions. Coaches love his work ethic. Teammates respect his game. He rarely makes mistakes and always plays smart. His role in the Grizzlies’ rotation is now secure. Wells has become a key part of the team’s future. He may not be flashy, but he is reliable. That makes him one of the most solid rookies this season.
6. Zach Edey (Memphis Grizzlies)
Zach Edey has had a good impact this year during his rookie season on the Memphis Grizzlies. The young center 7′ 4″, and from Purdue, cannot really be missed. The sheer size alone is an edge. But Edey also has the skills and the strength. The average he collected this season among others was 9.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. He has controlled the paint for both sides of the floor.
On D, he blocks shots and snags difficult boards. On O, he scores via hook shots and putbacks. His presence alone forces opponents to rethink their game plans. Ed brings bite and immovability to the Grizzlies’ frontcourt. A coach would love to have this guy in the rim protection pool. Teammates expect him to get final dibs on his boards. Before you know it, he becomes a reliable big man. Memphis has found a vital building block in future development.
7. Ja’Kobe Walter (Toronto Raptors)
Ja’Kobe Walter has made a strong comeback for the Toronto Raptors after suffering an injury early in the season. Returning with great energy and confidence, Walter scored a career-high 27 points against the Houston Rockets and hit a game-winning three-pointer in the team’s victory against the Orlando Magic. Smooth and fearless in his shot-making, Walter has always come up big in moments that matter; thus, the Raptors trust him late in games. His scoring is what sets him apart from most rookies; Walter remains collected under pressure and never backs down, having earned the respect of fans. Coaches speak highly of his work ethic and skills. The young man has considerable promise ahead of him.
8. Brandin Podziemski (Golden State Warriors)
Brandin Podziemski has emerged as an X-factor for the Golden State Warriors. He leads the NBA in charges drawn per game. His defense is characterized by effort and impeccable timing. Offensively, he put up 29 points against the Utah Jazz, setting a new career high. Podziemski’s hustle and scoring ignite the Warriors. Bay Area fans see his hard work. He plays every game with heart. Podziemski will be a fan favorite going forward and become an indispensable piece of this team.
9. Reed Sheppard (Houston Rockets)
Reed Sheppard was selected No. 3 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets. He spent some of the early season playing in the G League but returned from there with a strong impact. While in his first NBA start, he recorded a career-high of 25 points. His shot is effortless and reliable. He also has some understanding of playmaking. Coaches believe there is a huge upside for this young man. He is expected to become a vital cog in the wheels of the Rockets. The future looks very bright for him.
10. Alexandre Sarr (Washington Wizards)
Alexandre Sarr was picked second overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. He plays for the Washington Wizards. Sarr has been a strong defensive force. He averages 9.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game. His shot-blocking scares opponents in the paint. Sarr’s defense is vital for the Wizards. He still needs to improve his offense. Growing his scoring will help him become a complete player. Coaches are excited about his progress. Sarr has a bright future ahead.
Honorable Mentions
- Bub Carrington has really become a big-time player for the Washington Wizards. This season he averages at 10.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. Carrington is versatile, helping in many ways, scoring, rebounding, and creating plays. His all-around game is valuable for the Wizards.
- Tristan da Silva plays for the Orlando Magic. He averages 8.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Da Silva provides solid minutes off the bench. He brings energy and effort every game. His role is important for the Magic’s depth.
- Kel’el Ware is a rookie with the Miami Heat. He averages 8.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. Ware shows strong potential on defense and offense. He recently appeared on the Rookie Ladder. Fans and coaches are excited about his growth.
Conclusion on Top NBA rookies of 2025
The 2025 NBA rookie class is very impressive. Many players have made big impacts early. Top picks like Cooper Flagg and Zaccharie Risacher have lived up to the hype. They show skill and leadership on the court. Later picks like Isaiah Collier and Dalton Knecht have also surprised fans. These rookies bring energy and talent to their teams. They have shown they belong in the NBA. Coaches trust them with important roles. As they grow, they will become even better. This rookie class gives hope for the future. The NBA’s next generation of stars is here.
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