Cooper Flagg headlines a deep 2025-26 rookie class, with Ace Bailey, Kon Knueppel, Dylan Harper, and Khaman Maluach poised for immediate fantasy impact. Flagg is projected to start for Dallas and contribute across points, rebounds, assists and defensive stats, while Jazz, Hornets, Spurs and Suns lean on rookies for early workload. Knueppel and Bailey offer reliable shooting and scoring floor, Harper carries exciting upside despite potential early limitations, and Maluach is a high-risk, high-reward rim protector with room to grow.

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.