NBA 2K26 reveals its incoming rookie attribute landscape ahead of the Sept. 5 global release, headlined by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the Standard Edition cover, with Carmelo Anthony and Angel Reese on other editions. The Leave No Doubt Edition binds all three covers. The top 100 rookies begin their rating drip on Aug. 16, following a rollout of the ten highest rookie ratings, spotlighting lottery picks and immediate fantasy-interest players.

Key names from the draft class surface: Cooper Flag gunning for DAL, Tre Johnson to WAS, Kon Knueppel to CHA, VJ Edgecombe to PHI, Collin Murray-Boyles to TOR, and Egor Demin to BKN, among others. Oklahoma City’s Shai headline the roster, while veterans and cross-league crossovers pepper the chatter. The ratings push fantasy managers to eye early-season roles, minute share, and potential breakout paths, especially for rookies tied to team rebuilds and young cores.

In fantasy terms, the ratings set a framework for early roster decisions and dynasty pivots. Expect these rookie ceilings to inform draft-day value, situational roles, and strategic adds as teams refine rotation plans after the rollout and into training camp.

Amid the buzz of the 2025 NBA Summer League, reactions to rookie performances have dominated discussions. While the sample sizes remain small, the excitement surrounding players like Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper has fans eager to reassess the recent draft. Flagg, a standout from Duke, solidifies his position as a top prospect, while Harper's potential at San Antonio remains unquestioned. It's a moment to reconsider each team's draft choices, reflecting on where players like VJ Edgecombe and Jeremiah Fears might fit differently if given a second chance.

As the Summer League progresses, players such as Yang Hansen, nicknamed 'Chinese Jokić,' are emerging as surprise standouts, underscoring the unpredictable nature of rookie development. His performance is indicative of the hidden gems that often surface during these exhibition games. As teams evaluate their strategies with hindsight, this period serves not only as a showcase for individual talent but also as a potential re-evaluation of team directions moving forward.

Former Texas Longhorns wing Tre Johnson has seen a slight drop in his NBA draft projections, now slated at No. 7 for the New Orleans Pelicans, moving down two spots from earlier predictions. ESPN's updated mock draft, featuring insights from authors Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo, now places Oklahoma point guard Jeremiah Fears at No. 5, a shift that has implications for Johnson's draft position.

The Pelicans are in a position to either take Johnson or potentially trade up in the draft. The need for perimeter shooting is evident for the Pelicans, especially with Dejounte Murray facing injury issues and CJ McCollum nearing the end of his contract. Johnson is regarded as a strong fit in New Orleans, offering valuable scoring prowess.

The NCAA basketball landscape is currently buzzing with draft decisions and player movements as the NBA Draft approaches. Notably, Cooper Flagg, a standout from Duke, has declared for the draft, positioning himself as the likely No. 1 overall pick. Flagg's impressive stats include 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, showcasing his all-around talent. His potential has led to comparisons with generational talents, making him a coveted prospect.

Other key entrants into the draft include Dylan Harper from Rutgers and JT Toppin from Texas Tech, the latter opting to return to college with a lucrative NIL deal. The Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Hornets hold the best odds in the upcoming lottery, hoping to secure a franchise cornerstone like Flagg. The mock draft further highlights names like Ace Bailey and Tre Johnson, who are also projected to make significant impacts in the league.

Denver Nuggets rookie Trey Alexander has been making waves in the G League this season, earning a spot on the 2024-25 All-NBA G League third team. His remarkable performance with the Grand Rapids Gold saw him average 25.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, solidifying his reputation as a standout player. This season, he also captured the G League Rookie of the Year award, showcasing his talent and potential.

A highlight of Alexander's season includes eight games where he scored over 30 points, with a career-best 38 points in a single game. Despite spending much of the season in the G League, his contributions to the Nuggets, albeit limited, reflect the team's confidence in his abilities for future seasons. His ability to play through mistakes and deliver consistent performances has drawn praise from coaches and analysts alike.