Cooper Flag headlines the rookie talk in fantasy basketball this season as minutes and role will decide his early value with Dallas. Dylan Harper sits behind a crowded backcourt and faces a slow ramp, while Victor Wembanyama is the marquee upside play whose usage should grow as the year goes on. Scoot Henderson remains the high-upside option in Portland, Ace Bailey and Cam Thomas offer late-round intrigue, and Brandon Miller adds late-season payoff potential for dynasty formats.

Rookies typically surge after the trade deadline, so be ready to raid the waiver wire. This class is not about immediate top-100 impact, but about dynasty gravity and late-roster upside that can swing formats with the right moves. Stay flexible and lean into opportunity-driven decisions as lineups evolve.

The Charlotte Hornets made a significant impact during the draft, securing promising talents such as Coniple at the fourth pick and Liam McNeely at 29. Their selections, including Seion James and Ryan Caulkbrenner, align perfectly with their vision of building around LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. This draft is seen as a turning point, with the organization shifting towards a more competent and competitive team.

With connections to Duke and a focus on local talent, the Hornets are positioned to capitalize on their assets for future trades. These draft choices could signal a new era for the Hornets, as they aim to build a solid foundation and potentially make a big move in the coming years.