Analysis 2025-2026 Rookie Rankings

[NotoriousHOP]

Saw this pop up in my Google feed. No Harper at all in the seven rookies they list.

NBA’s 7 best rookies in preseason, ranked

Let’s rank the NBA preseason’s most impressive rookies.

www.sbnation.com

Even accounting for the point guard logjam, each one has the size to play shooting guard and Castle can probably pick up a small number of situational minutes at the 3. I just don't see Harper not finishing in the Top 7. I see him at least Top 4.

 

[NotoriousHOP]

Kia Rookie Ladder: VJ Edgecombe leads as 2025 Draft class makes its mark

Quick starts from a rich Draft class shakes up the presumed order as VJ Edgecombe and Cedric Coward shine brightest.

www.nba.com

Harper at 3 behind Edgecombe and Coward. Flagg at 4, Tre Johnson at 5.

 

[TrainOfThought5]

It’s gonna take a miracle for Harper to finish ahead of Edgecombe.

 

[ambchang]

It’s gonna take a miracle for Harper to finish ahead of Edgecombe.

A little early to say that. Jennings was averaging 25th after his first 10 games and looked like a God. Finished 3rd in RoY behind Tyreke Evans (winner) and steph curry.

This years rookie crop looks insane. May not have a GOAT candidate in there but so many high need starters, all star caliber or even probable HoF potential players.

 

[spurraider21]

A little early to say that. Jennings was averaging 25th after his first 10 games and looked like a God. Finished 3rd in RoY behind Tyreke Evans (winner) and steph curry.

This years rookie crop looks insane. May not have a GOAT candidate in there but so many high need starters, all star caliber or even probable HoF potential players.

im still not sure what Edey looks like long term, but Memphis snagging Wells in the second last year and trading up to get Coward is just filthy work by them.

 

[Ariel]

im still not sure what Edey looks like long term, but Memphis snagging Wells in the second last year and trading up to get Coward is just filthy work by them.

Wells definitely, Coward we'll see. He definitely looks good, but let's not forget what Memphis basically gave up to get him at 11:

1. #16 in '25 (there were good players on the board still)
2. Orlando's unprotected '28 (they're not trending in the right direction)
3. 2 SRPs (Atlanta's '27, Sacramento's '28)

Given that price tag, the bar should be pretty hard when evaluating him (from a value standpoint).