The nascent 2025-26 National Basketball Association season, now just weeks underway, has already cast a spotlight on an anticipated rookie class, showcasing both immediate impact and the inherent challenges of professional basketball. While top overall pick Cooper Flagg navigates a complex transition with the Dallas Mavericks, second-year guard VJ Edgecombe has emerged as an early standout, exceeding initial expectations for the Philadelphia 76ers. Other lottery selections, including Dylan Harper, Kon Knueppel, and a host of promising talents drafted further down the board, have also begun to etch their names into the league’s narrative.

This early period offers a preliminary glimpse into how these first-year players are influencing their respective franchises and the broader league landscape. Discussions are already underway regarding individual performances, team dynamics, and potential trajectory, even as the season remains in its infancy.

Cooper Flagg’s Early Struggles in Dallas

The Dallas Mavericks’ strategic decision to deploy No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg at point guard has presented a formidable challenge for the league’s youngest player. Through the season’s opening weeks, Flagg is averaging 14.4 points and 2.8 assists per game, on shooting splits of 39.4% from the field and a mere 29% from three-point range.

Related News :

• NBA: Expert Model Eyes High-Value Parlay Across Friday’s 11-Game Slate
• DraftKings Unlocks $300 Bonus Bets and NBA League Pass Promotion Ahead of Raiders-Broncos Thursday Night Football
• Use DraftKings promo code to get $300 bonus bets, free NBA League Pass by backing USC-Northwestern on Friday
• Use DraftKings promo code to get $300 bonus bets, free NBA League Pass by picking Bulls vs. 76ers on Tuesday
• VJ Edgecombe’s Record-Breaking Debut Anchors Philadelphia 76ers’ Dramatic Opening Night Victory Over Boston Celtics.

Analyst Jack Maloney noted that while Mavericks coach Jason Kidd’s experiment might yield long-term benefits, it has undeniably complicated Flagg’s immediate integration into the NBA. Maloney highlighted Flagg’s efficiency in pick-and-roll possessions, stating that his 50 pick-and-roll possessions (including passes) have generated just 0.500 points per possession. This places Flagg 55th out of 55 players with at least 50 such possessions, significantly trailing even the 54th-ranked CJ McCollum, who produced 0.754 points per possession.

The offensive struggles in Dallas extend beyond Flagg’s positional adjustment. Sam Quinn, another league observer, emphasized the team’s broader offensive deficiencies, describing the Mavericks as "devoid of shooting and playmaking outside of him." Quinn pointed to Dallas’s league rankings: 23rd in potential assists, 24th in three-point attempt rate, and 28th in effective field goal percentage. Currently, Max Christie is the sole player on the roster shooting above league average from beyond the arc, with eight of the 11 players who have attempted a three-pointer shooting below 30% for the season. This collective struggle, Quinn suggested, indicates a systemic "offense problem" that would likely affect Flagg regardless of his position.

James Herbert echoed these sentiments, describing the Mavericks’ plan for Flagg as "misguided at best, deeply arrogant at worst." Herbert argued that asking a top-tier prospect to operate out of position without adequate surrounding support—specifically, sufficient shooting or secondary playmaking—is an unfair burden. The Mavericks’ half-court offense, per Cleaning The Glass, ranks second-to-last in the NBA, only ahead of the Indiana Pacers, underscoring the team’s overall offensive clunkiness. The Mavericks currently hold a 4-5 record, positioning them in the middle tier of a competitive Western Conference.

Rookie of the Year Projections Shift

The early season struggles of Cooper Flagg have prompted a re-evaluation of the Rookie of the Year award, for which Flagg was a preseason favorite. Jack Maloney, while acknowledging Flagg’s shaky start, maintains his prediction for Flagg to win the award. Maloney noted that Flagg has shot 12-for-41 on open or wide-open attempts, both two-pointers and three-pointers, a statistic he does not expect to persist. He indicated that concerns would only arise if Flagg’s shooting percentages in these situations remained below 30% by Christmas.

Conversely, Sam Quinn has pivoted his prediction to VJ Edgecombe. Quinn asserted that Rookie of the Year is predominantly a "counting stats award" and that Flagg, despite his all-around game, was not ideally suited to dominate in that regard. Given Dallas’s current performance and their inability to optimize Flagg’s strengths, Quinn believes the award will go to the player with superior statistical output. Edgecombe, currently leading rookies in several categories, and playing for a winning team, fits this profile.

James Herbert also shifted his pick to Edgecombe, citing the immediate impact and sustainability of Edgecombe’s performance. Despite potential fluctuations in minutes once Jared McCain and Paul George return to the Philadelphia lineup, Herbert views Edgecombe as a foundational piece for the 76ers, a legitimate two-way talent whose game aligns perfectly with the team’s new offensive philosophy. The 76ers are off to a strong 7-2 start, currently second in the Eastern Conference standings.

VJ Edgecombe’s Explosive Start

VJ Edgecombe’s initial weeks in the NBA have been marked by exceptional play, particularly his athleticism and burgeoning offensive skill set. Jack Maloney highlighted Edgecombe’s "explosiveness going to the basket," noting his aggressive rim attacks. Maloney, who admitted to not having extensively followed Edgecombe’s collegiate career at Baylor, expressed surprise at the rookie’s immediate and relentless attacking style, citing a missed dunk against the Brooklyn Nets as an example of his incredible acceleration from a standstill.

Sam Quinn lauded Edgecombe’s unexpected playmaking ability. Pre-draft comparisons often drew parallels to Victor Oladipo and Dwyane Wade, with the assumption that Edgecombe would excel in scoring and defense but require an established offensive system. However, Edgecombe is currently leading all rookies in assists, surpassing even Dwyane Wade’s rookie assist numbers. Quinn observed Edgecombe’s eagerness to capitalize on collapsed defenses by distributing the ball to open shooters, suggesting that this growth area could elevate the Wade comparisons to a more realistic level. Quinn emphasized that true offensive stardom often arises when a creator leverages their best attributes to generate points for the entire team.

James Herbert highlighted both Edgecombe’s shooting and his on-ball creation. Herbert observed a noticeable improvement in Edgecombe’s jumper compared to his collegiate days, particularly in its arc and the rookie’s unwavering confidence. Edgecombe’s 39% shooting from three-point range, combined with his willingness to take confident shots regardless of defensive pressure, has made him a more dangerous offensive threat. Furthermore, Herbert praised Edgecombe’s decision-making as a creator, noting his ability to leverage overwhelming speed without rushing, particularly in attacking off the catch and in pick-and-roll situations—a highly advanced trait for a 20-year-old with limited college reps as an initiator.

Dylan Harper’s Calf Injury Impacts San Antonio

Dylan Harper, the San Antonio Spurs’ promising rookie, sustained a calf injury that will sideline him for multiple weeks, a setback for a Spurs team that had started the season 5-0. The injury, occurring early in a loss to the Phoenix Suns, contributed to the Spurs’ subsequent 0-2 record without him, dropping them from first to fifth in the Western Conference standings.

Jack Maloney described the injury as "a real blow," particularly with veteran De’Aaron Fox still sidelined. Maloney noted the Spurs’ impending challenging schedule, featuring five games in eight days against teams like the Houston Rockets, Chicago Bulls, and two matchups with the Golden State Warriors. While San Antonio was not widely expected to contend this season, Harper’s absence could significantly impact their pursuit of a top-six playoff seed versus a play-in tournament berth.

Sam Quinn viewed the injury as more detrimental in the long term, particularly for the development of the Spurs’ young backcourt. With sophomore Stephon Castle showing improvement, San Antonio can manage the primary guard duties until Fox’s return. The more pressing concern, Quinn suggested, is how Harper, Castle, and Fox will eventually function together. Determining the most effective combinations and ensuring they can share the court without compromising spacing or defense will be a critical task for the Spurs.

James Herbert expressed personal disappointment at Harper’s absence, noting the rookie’s ability to make impactful plays even in limited minutes. For the Spurs, Harper’s presence had been crucial in maintaining offensive stability during minutes without star Victor Wembanyama. Herbert suggested a silver lining: Harper’s absence might simplify Fox’s re-integration, necessitating Fox to assume greater ownership of the offense than he did upon his arrival last season. The Spurs currently hold a 5-3 record.

Under-the-Radar Rookie Performances

Beyond the spotlighted lottery picks, several other rookies have quietly delivered impressive performances, demonstrating immediate value to their respective teams.

The Charlotte Hornets, despite their likely lottery bound status, have injected new hope into their future with this year’s rookie class. While No. 4 pick Kon Knueppel has rightfully garnered attention for his strong start, second-round selections Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrenner have been remarkably efficient. Jack Maloney highlighted James’s exceptional shooting splits of 62.2/70/90.9, including 14-for-20 from three-point range. Kalkbrenner has been equally efficient, shooting 82.9% from the field and leading all rookies in both rebounds (7.1 per game) and blocks (2.4 per game), suggesting the Hornets may have secured three rotation-caliber players in a single draft. The Hornets currently stand at 3-6.

Derik Queen of the New Orleans Pelicans has also warranted attention, though often initially framed by the complex trade that brought him to the team. The Pelicans notably traded an unprotected first-round pick and a protected Pacers pick to acquire the No. 23 selection that ultimately landed Queen. Sam Quinn emphasized that regardless of the "sunk cost" of these transactions, Queen’s performance as a player demands evaluation. Since Willie Green integrated him into the lineup, particularly following Zion Williamson’s injury, Queen has proven to be a solid contributor. Quinn described him as a comfortable driver and offensive hub, more advanced than many rookie big men. Despite defensive deficiencies, Queen’s activity stands out, ranking third among rookies in total steals, fourth in blocks, and fifth in deflections, despite an inconsistent role. Quinn posited that Queen is outperforming expectations for a typical No. 13 overall pick, projecting him as a valuable secondary ball-handler skilled enough to exploit bigger defenders and robust enough for most wings. The Pelicans hold a 4-4 record.

Collin Murray-Boyles of the Toronto Raptors has made a significant impact, particularly on the defensive end. James Herbert noted that while the Raptors initially struggled defensively, Murray-Boyles’s quick hands and feet have been evident from day one, and his physicality has translated effectively to the NBA level. Murray-Boyles has established himself as a disruptive, tenacious defender, both on and off the ball, across the perimeter and in the paint. His offensive game remains a work in progress, but he has shown flashes, including hitting three-pointers when dared by opponents and confidently attacking elite defenders like Evan Mobley and Jaren Jackson Jr. The Raptors are currently 3-6.

As the 2025-26 NBA season progresses, the performances of this rookie class will continue to be a focal point, shaping team trajectories and individual narratives in the months to come.

💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook

Author Profile

Anshari Taslim

Latest entries

• NBANovember 7, 2025FanDuel Unlocks $150 Bonus Bets for Key Friday Sports Slate Featuring USC, Celtics, and UNC Matchups
• NBANovember 7, 2025NBA’s New Guard Takes Center Stage: Flagg’s Dallas Experiment Falters as Edgecombe Electrifies Philadelphia
• NBANovember 7, 2025Use DraftKings promo code to get $300 bonus bets, free NBA League Pass by backing USC-Northwestern on Friday
• NBANovember 7, 2025NBA: Expert Model Eyes High-Value Parlay Across Friday’s 11-Game Slate