A new wave of rookies will enter the NBA in just a few months from now, and all of them will play with a chip on their shoulders, looking to prove that they belong with the big boys for years to come.
Cooper Flagg was the first overall pick of this summer’s draft, taken by the Mavericks, who only had a 2.8-per cent chance of winning the lottery. And the 18-year-old swingman from Duke is expected to be the next big thing because he is capable of generating new NBA 2025 highlights.
Dylan Harper, VJ Edgecombe, and Ace Bailey also joined the NBA family, as they were recruited by the Spurs, Sixers, and Jazz, respectively. Like Flagg, these three youngsters have their work cut out for them.
Nobody has played a regular season game yet, but the super-early NBA 2025 odds predict all of them to be in the running for next season’s Rookie of the Year award, and SBOTOP is here to break down why.
Cooper Flagg, Mavericks
Cooper Flagg is expected to be the best player of this year’s class, which is why the Mavericks drafted him first overall. The former Duke Blue Devil has the tools to become a full-fledged star, as he can score, defend, and make plays on and off the ball at a high level. Many scouts believe that Flagg is already mature beyond his years.
However, his main calling card is on the defencive end, where general manager Nico Harrison continuously harped on when they inexplicably traded Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis last February. Listed at 6’8″ and 205 pounds, Flagg can guard multiple positions to bolster Dallas’ defence.
In his lone season at Duke, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks. He may not post those numbers in his first full NBA season with Davis, D’Angelo Russell, and Klay Thompson around, but he can at some point in his career.
Dylan Harper, Spurs
Before this summer’s draft, the Spurs were reportedly fielding offers to trade the second overall pick. However, they stayed put and used the selection to take Dylan Harper from Rutgers.
Harper’s arrival puts San Antonio in a unique situation because they have the last two Rookie of the Year winners in Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. The former Rutgers man isn’t expected to take on a higher usage than them, but he can help them one way or another.
His best attribute is his playmaking, as he averaged 4.0 assists per contest in his lone season at Rutgers. Harper will likely compete for point guard minutes with De’Aaron Fox, whom analysts think could be expendable if Harper develops quicker than usual.
VJ Edgecombe, Sixers
Despite their crowded backcourt situation, with Jared McCain, Tyrese Maxey, and Quentin Grimes in tow, the Sixers still managed to take VJ Edgecombe with the third overall pick in this year’s class.
Edgecombe figures to be a walking highlight reel because of his insane athleticism. Listed at 6’5″ and 180 pounds, the Bahamian international can jump out of the gym, and he’s also an underrated defender, having averaged 2.1 steals per game in his lone season at Baylor.
The 20-year-old should continue to improve his finishing, outside shooting, and turnover rate to star in the NBA someday. However, Edgecombe should get his opportunities in Philadelphia, given the team’s injury problems with their stars, particularly Paul George and Joel Embiid. An anonymous front office executive even claimed that Edgecombe could become the team’s second-most important player by the end of next season.
Before drafting Edgecombe, the Sixers were keen on taking Ace Bailey. However, Bailey never had a pre-draft workout or interview with the team, and the Rutgers guard eventually ended up in Utah.
Ace Bailey, Jazz
Ace Bailey’s draft stock tanked a little bit after it was reported that his reps were trying to steer him away from certain teams. However, that didn’t stop the Jazz from taking him with the fifth overall pick.
The former Rutgers guard offers massive upside for a lowly Jazz team, as Bailey is an elite shot creator and maker. Team owner Dwyane Wade recently likened Bailey to former NBA star Carmelo Anthony. Listed at 6’7″ and 200 pounds with a 7’1″ wingspan, Bailey can grow into a two-way force that Utah desperately needs to compete in the Western Conference.
Bailey should fit well into the Jazz’s young core, which features Isaiah Collier, Keyonte George, Cody Williams, Walter Clayton Jr., Brice Sensabaugh, Kyle Filipowski, and Walker Kessler.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE BASKETBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
