From Draft Night to Spotlight: NBA Rookies to Watch This Season
- Simar Gill
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
As the NBA season approaches, it's not just established stars we are excited to see, but also the fresh new faces on the court. As rookies step onto the hardwood with the weight of expectations, the excitement of potential, and the hunger to prove they belong, some need time to adjust, whereas others prove their worth instantaneously. This year's group is packed with scorers, playmakers, and defensive anchors who could reshape their franchises and steal headlines. Here are the rookies you'll want to keep an eye on this season.
Walter Clayton Jr. - Utah Jazz
After carrying the Florida Gators to the national championship with an unforgettable March Madness run, Clayton begins his NBA career as a 22-year-old in a prime position to hit the ground running with the Jazz. Utah traded Collin Sexton this summer to open up playing time for younger guards like Clayton. He is known for generating a lot of power on his three-pointers off the dribble, which would be an instant boost to the Jazz's offense. Clayton will have to compete with Isaiah Collier and Keyonte George for playing time, but his shooting and big game experience should serve him well early on in his career.
Tre Johnson - Washington Wizards
As FanDuel's preseason second pick for Rookie of the Year, it is no surprise that Johnson is a player to watch. The Wizards need more offensive firepower, and Johnson is a great option with his three-point shooting ability and mid-range game. Some experts predict that he will be the best shooter among the rookie class this year with his "ability to hit shots off movement". However, he is a member of the Wizards which means that his ability to top other rookie players in the league may be limited due to Washington's low rank.
Dylan Harper - San Antonio Spurs
Though a talented player and No. 2 Overall Pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Harper is teamed up with guards Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox, so he will most likely play behind them to start his professional career. However, Harper's knack for below-the-rim finishes and driving ability may impact San Antonio's choice to keep him on the court. He has a gift of splitting double teams and making great passes, so that'll give Harper the spotlight he needs to contend for the Rookie of the Year award. If he manages to keep up his stamina throughout the season, he could be the Spurs' third consecutive Rookie of the Year after Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama.
Cooper Flagg - Dallas Mavericks
As the No. 1 Overall Pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, it is no surprise that Cooper Flagg is the rookie to look out for, considering he put up insane stats of 20.5 points, 10 rebounds, and 6.2 assists while at Duke. According to ESPN, he is strong from the rim to outside the 3-point line, and has a competitive mindset that will benefit him when going up against the highest levels of competition. He enters the league with a mix of size, skill, and confidence that will be sure to set him apart from most other rookies in the league.
Kon Knueppel - Charlotte Hornets
Though a previous teammate to Cooper Flagg at Duke in a somewhat supporting role, Knueppel may be Flagg's biggest challenger entering the season. The Charlotte Hornets lack some connectivity on the court, but Knueppel could serve as the glue between teammates, LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. He's a knockdown shooter that stresses opposing defenses with his jumper, so if he remains a reliable offensive player, he could be in consideration for Rookie of the Year.
Edited by: Isabella Messerli
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