NBA 2K26 reveals the top rookie ratings from the 2025 draft, led by Cooper Flagg at 82 for Dallas. The first-round cohort features Dylan Harper (78), VJ Edgecombe (76), Kon Knueppel (75), Ace Bailey (77), Tre Johnson (75), Jeremiah Fears (73) and Egor Demin (72), among others. Fantasy players should note that minute opportunities and role in the opening rotation will drive the real value of these rookies, not just their ratings. Flagg’s ceiling in DAL stands out, but others could surprise with early defensive/value contributions.

Duke’s Pro Devils Weekend spotlighted a historic 2025 draft haul: Cooper Flagg and Khaman Maluach headlined a five-pack that also includes Kon Knueppel, Sion James and Tyrese Proctor. Flagg sits atop the projected board, Maluach sits around the top 10, and all five heard their names called in a single class—a rare trio of Duke alums and a testament to Scheyer’s recruiting pipeline. Alumni Paolo Banchero and Jayson Tatum mingled with current stars as Duke’s aura of elite continuity remains strong.

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.

USA Basketball tees up a bold 2028 bid by compiling a fresh core of under-23 talent, led by Paolo Banchero and a rising duo in Cooper Flagg and Amen Thompson, plus Chet Holmgren as a modern stretch-big anchor. The piece highlights Jalen Suggs and a watch-list of guards (Stephon Castle, VJ Edgecombe, Kon Knueppel, Cason Wallace) to pair with a defensive backbone and elite wing/forward potential. It also nods to a veteran exodus, with LeBron, Durant and Curry unlikely to suit up, pushing the onus onto a new generation led by 2028 expectations and 2023-24 maturation curves. The discussion links future guard prototypes to the success of the last Olympic cycle and maps a path for multi-Olympic runs through 2032.

In short, the piece paints a narrative where USA Basketball leverages versatility, two-way defenders, and a flexible frontcourt to thrive across FIBA formats, while blending star power with role-player depth. The guard archetype evolution—backcourt sustainment from Suggs through Brunson—with a defensive spine from Holmgren, Thompson and Flagg could redefine how the U.S. competes in Paris-adjacent volleys and beyond.