Zach Reifschneider unveils his 2025-2026 Top 60 Dynasty Rookie Rankings for fantasy basketball, highlighting Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper as single-tier anchors and outlining a mix of sleepers and high-variance wild cards. The piece stresses upside vs. risk across nine tiers, notes Sorber’s ACL setback, and spotlights late-round bets like Hugo Gonzalez, Noah Penda, Kam Jones, and Drake Powell. It also flags cautious takes on Jeremiah Fears and Yang Hansen, urging buyers to weigh roster fit, age, and draft capital in dynasty leagues.

Beyond rankings, the article emphasizes context-driven decision making: patient holds, opportunistic buys, and how Summer League outputs could shift values. It presents a practical, no-nonsense framework for Dynasty managers to navigate this class while keeping an eye on minutes, role, and long-term upside.

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.

The Las Vegas Summer League is set to kick off, highlighting multiple promising NBA rookies. Cooper Flagg, the top pick of the 2025 Draft, is generating significant buzz. His versatile skill set, particularly in playmaking and 3-point shooting, makes him a player to watch, although his minutes may be limited. Meanwhile, Bronny James, who struggled in earlier games, needs more G-League-style minutes to showcase his abilities.

Reed Sheppard from the Houston Rockets is crucial for the team's future, and a solid showing could help him secure a backup point guard role. The Washington Wizards are also one to watch, with a roster filled with rookies and second-year players, aiming for a high-tempo offense. Jeremiah Fears of the New Orleans Pelicans, facing uncertainty in his team due to injuries, could elevate his standing with a strong performance. Lastly, Egor Demin from the Brooklyn Nets is positioned to start, making his Summer League performance pivotal for fantasy managers.

The 2025 NBA Draft showcased a wealth of talent and unexpected outcomes, starting with Cooper Flagg being selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks. Following him, the San Antonio Spurs nabbed Dylan Harper with the second pick, both solidifying their futures. The Utah Jazz's choice of Ace Bailey at five highlights their bold strategy, while the New Orleans Pelicans' aggressive moves to acquire Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen underline their commitment to reshaping their roster.

Notably, the Portland Trail Blazers surprised many with their choice of Yang Hansen at 16, a pick that raised eyebrows given his ranking. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets utilized their five first-round picks to lay a strong foundation for youth and talent development. The discussion around the best value picks favored Liam McNeeley (29) for the Hornets and Kasparas Jakucionis (20) for the Heat, both seen as significant steals. As analysts weigh in, questions arise about which rookies will shine in their debut seasons and the potential for All-Rookie honors.

The New Orleans Pelicans made a significant addition to their roster by selecting Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears with the No. 7 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. This selection marks a pivotal moment for the Pelicans, as Fears averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in his lone collegiate season, propelling the Sooners to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2021.

Analyst Stephen A. Smith has high hopes for Fears, comparing him to Kyrie Irving if he can develop a consistent jump shot. The Pelicans' decision is a part of a broader trend in this year's draft, which saw notable players like Duke's Cooper Flagg and Texas's Tre Johnson selected ahead of Fears. Notably, he becomes the first Oklahoma men's basketball player drafted since Trae Young in 2018, signaling a potential resurgence for the Sooners.