Excitement over 7 rookies in 2025 is already contagious. NFL and NBA camps opened this month and training reports are shifting pre-season expectations. Several players arrived with top-10 draft pedigrees or bold Summer League moments, and one pick already has early ROY odds. If you’re drafting fantasy or booking tickets, which rookie do you back first?
Why these 7 rookies could reshape rotations and playoff hopes in 2025-26
- Cooper Flagg signed with Dallas and is pegged as a day-one impact starter.
- Tre Johnson landed in Washington at No. 6 and brings elite shooting depth.
- Alex Sarr headlines international availability after a EuroBasket calf issue.
- Reed Sheppard is an early fan favorite and rising Rookie of the Year pick.
- Egor Demin is labeled a Nets wildcard with high upside on defense.
The 7 picks that redefine how teams start the 2025-26 season
1 – Cooper Flagg: Why a No. 1 pick could carry a franchise immediately
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Cooper Flagg arrives in Dallas as the No. 1 pick and media expectations already peg him as the early favorite to lead rotations. He combines size and playmaking; if he adapts, Dallas’ ceiling jumps. Will you expect Flagg to start opening night?
2 – Tre Johnson: The shooter who could fix spacing and spark offense
Tre Johnson’s draft slide ended at No. 6, and his shooting mechanics made ESPN and outlets tag him as a roster-changer. He stretches defenses and could slot into starters’ minutes quickly. If you play fantasy, would you roster his three-point upside?
3 – Alex Sarr: Big frame, EuroBasket setback, and upside for the paint – watch this clip
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Alex Sarr’s summer included national duty, but a calf injury ended his EuroBasket early and raised availability questions. Watch his court feel and touch in this recent highlight to see why scouts stay excited.
If he’s healthy, Sarr’s length could flip defensive matchups for his team.
4 – Reed Sheppard: The guard everyone names for Rookie of the Year conversations
Reed Sheppard is drawing buzz as an early ROY pick and polls list him among top newcomer choices; his playmaking and IQ stand out. He’s the sort who improves teammates instantly. Do you trust a guard to carry ROY narratives?
5 – Egor Demin: The Nets’ wildcard with breakout upside on defense
Egor Demin has been labeled a wildcard to win Rookie of the Year thanks to his defensive instincts and rotational fit. The Nets project him as a two-way elevator for bench minutes. Could a defensive spark be the sleeper that wins votes?
6 – Ace Bailey: A small-forward with surprising Summer League traction
Ace Bailey turned heads in Summer League and landed with the Jazz as a high lottery pick this summer, showing motor and athleticism. He can finish at the rim and defend multiple spots. If he nails consistency, Utah’s rotation options widen.
7 – Luther Burden III: NFL speed, rookie hype, and highlight-ready plays – final must-see clip
Luther Burden III brings 4.41 speed to the NFL and layered hype after pre-season testing; his athleticism translates into immediate playmaking. Watch his full preseason highlights to understand why coaches rave.
Would you bet he becomes a Week 1 starter?
The key figures behind these rookie bets in 2025-26
| KPI | Value + Unit | Change/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Cooper Flagg draft slot | No. 1 pick | Favored in early ROY odds |
| Ace Bailey draft slot | No. 5 pick | Immediate rotation minutes likely |
| Tre Johnson draft slot | No. 6 pick | High three-point upside for team spacing |
Rookie draft slots and ROY odds frame early expectations for playing time and market value.
What will these rookies mean for fans, fantasy, and next spring’s playoff picture?
Expect at least two of these rookies to reshape starting lineups by December, and one to punch above his draft slot. Fantasy managers should track health and early minutes; coaches will test rotations fast. Which rookie will spark the biggest reaction this season – who do you think shocks the league?
Sources
- https://sports.yahoo.com/article/dallas-mavericks-rookie-sensation-cooper-151503733.html
- https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45913874/cooper-flagg-forecast-mvps-nba-titles-impact-dallas
- https://sports.yahoo.com/article/nba-rookie-opening-odds-2025-034931926.html
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Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.