It's always hard to gauge the potential of first-year players entering the NBA, especially from a fantasy perspective. However, this 2025 class is different because there's one prospect who stands out head and shoulders above the rest. There are other rookies who could have sizable fantasy roles as well, particularly as the season goes on.
Cooper Flagg, Mavericks 
That one prospect we're talking about the most is none other than Cooper Flagg, the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, who will begin his NBA career as a member of the Dallas Mavericks. The former Duke standout is one of the most hyped college prospects in recent memory, and he seems ready to contribute right away from Day 1. Flagg had already turned heads when he trained with Team USA before the 2024 Olympics, but now he'll get to show what he can do on the biggest stage.
He's expected to make a strong, sustainable two-way impact at the NBA level. Flagg might not be the go-to option on offense for the Mavericks, which is understandable considering the team has Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving (once he's healthy) to lead the way. However, Flagg should be a consistent secondary weapon on offense. Plus, the former Duke standout doesn't have any glaring weaknesses in his game. He's ready to contribute at the NBA level right away, either as a defensive stopper or as a slashing forward who could excel when cutting to the basket.
Flagg's numbers in his
It's always hard to gauge the potential of first-year players entering the NBA, especially from a fantasy perspective. However, this 2025 class is different because there's one prospect who stands out head and shoulders above the rest. There are other rookies who could have sizable fantasy roles as well, particularly as the season goes on.
Cooper Flagg, Mavericks
That one prospect we're talking about the most is none other than Cooper Flagg, the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, who will begin his NBA career as a member of the Dallas Mavericks. The former Duke standout is one of the most hyped college prospects in recent memory, and he seems ready to contribute right away from Day 1. Flagg had already turned heads when he trained with Team USA before the 2024 Olympics, but now he'll get to show what he can do on the biggest stage.
He's expected to make a strong, sustainable two-way impact at the NBA level. Flagg might not be the go-to option on offense for the Mavericks, which is understandable considering the team has Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving (once he's healthy) to lead the way. However, Flagg should be a consistent secondary weapon on offense. Plus, the former Duke standout doesn't have any glaring weaknesses in his game. He's ready to contribute at the NBA level right away, either as a defensive stopper or as a slashing forward who could excel when cutting to the basket.
Flagg's numbers in his lone year at Duke were impressive. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists while shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three-point range. The Maine native surpassed expectations as an off-the-dribble shot creator, and the early-season absence of Irving should see him experience an uptick in his usage, possibly as a second-best option behind Davis.
Flagg also showcased his two-way versatility and scoring ability during his two Summer League appearances, averaging 20.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks across 31.5 minutes per game. While he's not expected to put up those numbers once the regular season begins, don't be surprised if he averages somewhere around 15 points, five rebounds and around 3.5 assists per game as a rookie. Those would be solid-enough numbers to give him fantasy consideration across most formats.
Other Rookies
Unless a player is drafted into the Top 10, or occasionally the Top 5, and lands in an excellent situation, it's difficult to see first-year players making a considerable impact in fantasy. There are some cases, though, and some examples in the 2025 NBA Draft could be Ace Bailey (Utah Jazz), Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets) and Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs).
Ace Bailey, Jazz 
Bailey is a natural scorer who fell into the best possible situation as a rookie, as he landed with a Jazz team that's early in their rebuilding process and considers Bailey a franchise cornerstone. The former Rutgers star will have numerous opportunities to grow and adapt in the NBA as a prominent figure on his team, rather than as a bench option, which should accelerate his development. Bailey should post excellent scoring numbers right away, though he shouldn't contribute a lot in other categories -- at least not in the early stages of his career.
Kon Knueppel, Hornets 
Knueppel figures to open the season as the Hornets' starting forward, and his three-point shooting ability could translate to a solid role right away in an offense led by one of the most creative passers in the league, LaMelo Ball.
Dylan Harper, Spurs 
Harper could enjoy an uptick in usage early on since De'Aaron Fox (hamstring) isn't expected to be available for the start of the season. However, once Fox is healthy, Harper opens the season behind the reigning Rookie of the Year, Stephon Castle, in the rotation.
Fantasy Sleepers: Other rookies to consider
There's another tier of rookies who could potentially become solid fantasy contributors, although for that to happen, some circumstances would have to go in the player's direction. Some of these players to keep close tabs on are V.J. Edgecombe in Philadelphia, Tre Johnson in Washington and Jeremiah Fears in New Orleans. The talent is there for them, but it's unclear if they'll enjoy a substantial role right away to become valuable fantasy contributors. The same could be said for Khaman Maluach, who is easily the biggest boom-or-bust prospect in this year's lottery. Maluach has excellent size and is a polished defender, but it's unclear if his offensive game will ever develop to become a consistent fantasy option.
