7 Rookies In 2025 That Could Upset Rotations – Here’s What Changes Now

Excitement over 7 rookies in 2025 is rising as training camp nears. The wave matters now because teams with thin depth – and playoff hopes – will lean on young minutes from Day 1. Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper and V.J. Edgecombe top SI’s newcomers list, while ESPN flags role-ready names like Cedric Coward and Yves Missi. Which of these seven will earn rotation minutes first, and who should you add to your fantasy radar?

Why these 7 rookie picks matter for NBA fans in 2025

• Cooper Flagg was selected by the Dallas Mavericks No. 1 overall; expects immediate minutes.
• Dylan Harper joins the Spurs backcourt and may start off-ball this October.
• V.J. Edgecombe lands with the 76ers and could earn more chances if injuries strike.

The 7 rookies who could reshape rotations this season

1 – Cooper Flagg: No. 1 pick with two-way upside and starter buzz

Cooper Flagg was picked No. 1 overall by the Mavericks and sits atop newcomer lists for a reason. SI notes he’s a polished two-way forward who should contribute right away, though he won’t be a Luka-level usage player. If you want immediate intrigue, Flagg’s role is the one to watch in early October.

2 – Dylan Harper: Spurs’ new guard who could stealthily start

Dylan Harper arrived in San Antonio as a touted rookie and landed on SI’s newcomers list. Expect Harper to begin off the ball, but Spurs spacing could give him matchup minutes sooner than a strict development timeline predicts. If you like under-the-radar breakout bets, Harper is a sharp target.

3 – V.J. Edgecombe: A chameleon rookie who thrives when chances open

V.J. Edgecombe joins Philadelphia as a versatile wing who may not handle primary ball duties immediately. SI argues Edgecombe’s upside is tied to Sixers injuries or load issues. For fans, he’s the high-upside reserve to monitor when rotations thin.

4 – Cedric Coward: Rookie size who answers a clear defensive need

ESPN identifies Cedric Coward as a No. 11 pick who brings physical 6-foot-6 wing size for Memphis. That profile fits a team hunting matchup defenders and rebounders. If you value defense-first snaps, Coward’s path to minutes is straightforward.

5 – Yves Missi: Unique stat profile and a real minutes chance

Yves Missi drew attention for a rare shooting/shot-distance split ESPN highlighted – 55% shooting on very short attempts – suggesting a niche inside role. That efficiency quirk makes him useful in limited minutes; coaches love finishers who protect the rim, so Missi could earn rotation touches.

6 – Ryan Kalkbrenner: The big man with Creighton polish ready to step up

Ryan Kalkbrenner is listed by ESPN as a candidate to start as a center in Charlotte’s frontcourt mix. His Creighton production and rim presence mean he’s not just a developmental project. If your team needs size early, Kalkbrenner is one to watch for immediate playing time.

7 – Terrence Shannon Jr.: Summer league form could translate to key snaps

ESPN cites Terrence Shannon Jr. as a young wing who impressed in summer settings and could grab real minutes in Minnesota’s rotation. He’s a lively athlete who can fill multiple roles, and that versatility often converts to regular minutes by midseason.

What 3 rookie indicators predict breakout minutes in 2025

Could any of these 7 rookies change title hopes for contenders in 2025?

Expect Flagg to matter most for immediate playoff pushes, but sleepers like Coward or Missi could swing bench matchups. Which rookie will force coaches to reshuffle rotations by November?

Sources

• https://www.si.com/nba/draft/nba-rookies/three-nba-rookies-tagged-as-top-newcomers-to-watch-flagg-harper-edgecombe
• https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46217583/nba-roster-hole-all-30-teams-2025-2026-season