The NBA preseason often feels a bit too drawn-out, but it does offer fans a chance to get acquainted with the latest draft picks. Watching rookies in action is always an interesting endeavor, whether they’re matched up against seasoned players in the Summer League or trying their best in the preseason against experienced veterans.
This year’s rookie class seems to have more potential than last season’s. Cooper Flagg is emerging as the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, though we should keep in mind he’s the youngest player in the NBA this season, which means he’ll likely face some typical challenges as he adjusts.
7. Jeremiah Fears, G, New Orleans Pelicans
Fears had a rocky start in Australia during his preseason debut, struggling with his shooting at 3-of-15. However, once he was back in the U.S., he showcased his talent against the Houston Rockets. Being the No. 7 overall pick, he possesses exceptional ball-handling skills and is the fastest rookie with the ball. This combination makes him a formidable threat against even more seasoned guards. His ability to get anywhere on the court off the dribble is impressive. He is quite adept at scoring, especially in pick-and-roll situations, and it’s encouraging to see him make several 3-pointers earlier in the preseason. It remains unclear what his position will be during critical game moments, especially as the Pelicans adjust their lineup around a somewhat dwindling Zion Williamson, but Fears has a knack for shot creation that could work in his favor as he adapts to the NBA level.
6. VJ Edgecomb, G, Philadelphia 76ers
I think Edgecomb stands out as one of the most dynamic athletes in this rookie class from what I’ve seen in the preseason. He seems more comfortable than expected playing off the ball, which helps him capitalize on defensive errors and creates offensive opportunities. I was impressed by his early drills with the Sixers; he showed a talent for attacking right after receiving the ball. Once defenders catch on to his scoring abilities, he can find open teammates too, making him a valuable asset on the court. His transition game is robust, and he often attracts attention with his dunks. I also see potential in his three-point shooting, which is essential for fitting alongside Tyrese Maxey. Edgecomb is likely to be one of the standout features of this class as he sharpens his overall skills.
5. Kaman Maruaha, C, Phoenix Suns
Maruaha towers over many of his NBA counterparts, standing at about 7’1” without shoes and boasting a wingspan of around 7’7”. His size has already started to show its effectiveness in preseason play. He has the potential to be a strong scorer right from the start, provided he maintains movement on the court. It appears he has spent the offseason enhancing his physicality, making him an even better competitor near the basket. I think he could deliver some astonishing dunks, but he also needs to polish his defensive skills to navigate through tighter plays. While I see great promise for him within the Suns’ roster, it would have been nice for him to get the ball from a more skilled playmaker this year.
4. Jace Richardson, G, Orlando Magic
Richardson’s knack for shooting combined with his basketball instincts made him a ripe candidate for the lottery, though concerns about his height pushed him down to No. 25. Still, the Orlando Magic seems like a fitting place for him. Last year, they struggled with shooting, so he could find his way into the lineup fairly quickly. Notably, he shot an impressive 62 percent from beyond the arc in his first few preseason games. His shooting has showcased great potential, and the Magic is well-positioned to mitigate any defensive gaps his size may expose. Additionally, Noah Penda, another second-round pick for Orlando, has also shown promise, giving me some optimism for the Magic this season.
3. Conn Knuppel, G, Charlotte Hornets
Knuppel brings strong shooting and playmaking skills to the table, making him an ideal fit for today’s NBA. He may lack the typical athleticism of other players, but he knows how to position himself well and can threaten defenses effectively. The Hornets appear to be using him strategically to connect with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, which is promising early on. While I have a few reservations about his defense, he seems to be at the right spots at the right times. Though his game might not leap off the page compared to other top draft picks, he does offer a well-rounded skill set. Plus, the Hornets’ second-round selection, Ryan Kalkbrenner, also deserves recognition for his solid play, particularly in paint defense.
2. Ace Bailey, F, Utah Jazz
My thoughts on Ace Bailey are somewhat mixed. I initially ranked him higher going into the draft, but he ended up at No. 9 for various reasons. Watching his preseason games gives me the feeling that Utah might be the right fit for him. Head coach Will Hardy seems to have a plan for using Bailey differently compared to his time at Rutgers, where he often handled the ball too much. In preseason, he’s demonstrating a smarter style that involves moving off the ball to score. At 6’10”, he offers rebounding and shot-blocking skills, which have been noteworthy as well. I see him as a key figure in this Jazz rebuilding, perhaps providing a boost during what may be another challenging season.
1. Cooper Flagg, F, Dallas Mavericks
Arriving at Duke, Flagg was primarily viewed as a defensive powerhouse, but once he hit 18, he morphed into an offensive force, leading his team like a guard and shooting impressively from three-point range. I suspect something similar will unfold in his rookie year with the Mavericks. He plays a high-caliber defense and excels in shot-blocking sitting at 6’8″, but his offensive capabilities are equally striking. With Kyrie Irving recovering from an injury, Flagg may need to step into a playmaking role, which could benefit his growth as a player. He already shows promise as a creator in half-court scenarios, skillfully maneuvering past defenders and scoring effectively. His passing ability is also noteworthy, paired with excellent shooting skills. Essentially, with the Mavericks acquiring him, they may have found a more promising player than even Luka Doncic, which is quite a statement.
