NBA Rookies

Mar 27, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Utah Jazz guard Ace Bailey (19) during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

Grading the 2025-26 rookies’ debut regular seasons in the NBA.

NBA Rookies

Grading the 2025-26 rookies’ debut regular seasons in the NBA.

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Oklahoma City Thunder center Thomas Sorber (12) poses for a photo shoot during Thunder media day at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025.

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Thomas Sorber, the No. 15 overall pick in 2025, missed his entire rookie year with a torn ACL.

Dec 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Adou Thiero (1) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

NBA Rookies

Three rookies who could see big jumps in Year 2.

May 28, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) dribbles the ball past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) in the first half during game six of the western conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images

NBA Rookies

The Spurs will need one more big game from their rookie.

May 6, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) warms up before game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center.

NBA Rookies

San Antonio could rely heavily on a first-year player in its matchup against Oklahoma City.

Jan 30, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Caleb Love (2) brings the ball up court against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden.

NBA Rookies

A handful of players who weren't selected in the 2025 draft have already earned spots in the NBA.

Apr 23, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles (12) dunks against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

NBA Rookies

Collin Murray-Boyles is set to play a crucial role in tonight's outcome.

Apr 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (77) dunks the ball against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

NBA Rookies

VJ Edgecombe was a significant contributor in the 76ers' playoff series win against the Boston Celtics.

Apr 8, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

NBA Rookies

Grading the 2025-26 rookies’ debut regular seasons in the NBA.

Apr 14, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard/forward Kon Knueppel (7) shoots at pregame warm ups against the Miami Heat during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

NBA Rookies

The Hornets' wing put together an awards-worthy season, regardless of outcome.

Jan 29, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) controls the ball as Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7) defends during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

NBA Rookies

The 2025-26 Rookie of the Year race offered one of the best ever.

Apr 23, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles (12) dunks against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) during the first half of game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena.

NBA Rookies

The 2025 lottery pick has performed well in his first three NBA Playoff games, helping Toronto to a victory in Game 3.

Apr 12, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe (77) controls the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks in the fourth quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

NBA Rookies

Sixers' rookie VJ Edgecombe made history in the biggest win of his career.

Apr 12, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) speaks to the crowd before the game against the Chicago Bulls at American Airlines Center.

NBA Rookies

Three of the top four picks in the 2025 NBA Draft are finalists for the Rookie of the Year award.

Apr 14, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) handles the ball guarded by Miami Heat center/forward Bam Adebayo (13) during the second quarter during the play-in rounds between the Charlotte Hornets and the Miami Heat of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Spectrum Center.

NBA Rookies

The Hornets have completed an impressive turnaround during the 2025-26 season, aided by a number of young players.

NBA Rookies

Hornets' wing Kon Knueppel is hoping for a bounce-back in the team's last Play-In game.

Mar 31, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7) during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

NBA Rookies

Kon Knueppel and the Hornets will kick off the postseason tonight.

Mar 31, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Toronto Raptors Collin Murray-Boyles (12) walks off the court after loosing to the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images

NBA Rookies

Evaluating which NBA rookies could be set to impact their team's postseason chances.

Apr 1, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls center Lachlan Olbrich (47) shoots against the Indiana Pacers during the second half at United Center.

NBA Rookies

Here's a look at which first-year players closed out the 2025-26 regular season on a high note.

Mar 19, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; UC San Diego Tritons player Hayden Gray during a press conference at Ball Arena.

NBA Rookies

After a strong G League campaign, the former UC San Diego standout has landed an NBA contract.

Nikola Topic (44) during the Thunder Media Day for the 25-26 NBA season at the Paycom Center Monday, Sept. 29, 2025.

NBA Rookies

After being selected No. 12 overall, the Serbian guard finally got his opportunity against the Denver Nuggets.

Apr 8, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) blocks the shot of Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell (7) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center.

NBA Rookies

Former Duke teammates and top-10 picks Cooper Flagg and Khaman Maluach squared off on April 8.

Jan 14, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Alijah Martin (55) in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

NBA Rookies

Seven first-year players were honored for their efforts in the G League's end-of-season awards.

Dec 7, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Liam McNeeley (33) looks to shoot for 3 points during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at the Spectrum Center.

NBA Rookies

For the first time in franchise history, the Charlotte Hornets' G League affiliate is heading to Finals.

Apr 5, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) reacts after scoring during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

NBA Rookies

The Dallas Mavericks' rookie sensation made history in Sunday's win over Los Angeles. Flagg may have ended the Rookie of the Year race.