The 2025 NBA season rocked the league and its fanbase. Basketball ushered in some remarkable NBA rookie talents recently. In the June 2025 NBA Draft. Teams picked some best performed players from the NCAA, G-League Ignite, and overseas.
Scouts and GMs have already been watching training camp videos and seeing early example of team building off the court. With entire franchises possibly hinging on how they handle going pro, the following 10 players make the list for the potential to be the top NBA rookies of the season.
The 10 NBA Rookies who are Ready to Shake the Summer League 2025
This year’s draft rookies are not only talented but also remarkably balanced. Featuring a mix of standout players, from elite shot-makers to dominant defenders, below are 10 rookies who will make an impact in 2025:
1. Derik Queen
Derik Queen is a talented forward who officially joined the New Orleans Pelicans following a strategic move on draft night. The franchise acquired him after a trade with the Atlanta Hawks which allowed them to select him with the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. He comes to the league with a reputation for smooth scoring mechanics and an impressive basketball IQ that allows him to read defenses effectively. His arrival is seen as a key piece for the Pelicans’ future as they aim to bolster their frontcourt depth. In the upcoming 2025 season he is expected to lead the second unit and provide a reliable scoring punch off the bench. The organization envisions him developing into a core partner alongside Zion Williamson where his playmaking ability can help alleviate pressure on the stars. If he can adapt quickly to the speed of the professional game he will make an immediate impact by stabilizing the rotation and offering versatile offensive options that the team previously lacked.
2. Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg stands out as the premier talent of his class and joined the Dallas Mavericks as the number one overall pick in the draft. He arrives from Duke University where he established himself as a generational two way forward known for his intensity and elite shot blocking capabilities. His journey to Dallas unites him with superstars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving creating a formidable trio that has fans incredibly excited. Flagg brings a rare combination of defensive prowess and offensive versatility that fits perfectly into the Mavericks’ system. In 2025 his impact will likely be felt on the defensive end immediately where he can protect the rim and switch onto multiple positions. On offense his high basketball IQ will allow him to thrive without needing the ball constantly which is crucial when playing alongside dominant ball handlers. The team expects him to contribute to winning basketball right away by filling gaps and providing the energy and athleticism necessary to compete for a championship in his rookie year.
3. Ace Bailey
Ace Bailey is a dynamic wing player who was selected 5th overall by the Utah Jazz. He joined the team after spending one season at Rutgers where he showcased elite athleticism and significant two way potential that caught the attention of scouts across the league. The Jazz are currently in a rebuilding phase and they see Bailey as a cornerstone for their future alongside young players like Keyonte George and Walker Kessler. His transition to the NBA is highly anticipated because of his ability to create shots and defend opposing wings effectively. In the 2025 season he is expected to be a primary option on offense where his explosive scoring ability will be put to the test against professional defenders. His impact will be defined by his development into a consistent threat on the perimeter and a defensive force who can lock down opponents. The franchise believes that with patience and playing time he will evolve into a star who helps accelerate their timeline back to competitive relevance.
4. Tre Johnson
Tre Johnson is widely recognized as one of the top scorers coming out of college basketball and he joins the Washington Wizards after being selected with the 6th pick. He comes to a team that is in the midst of a rebuild and offers him immediate opportunities to start and showcase his talent. Known for his perimeter offense he is expected to step into a leadership role in the backcourt sooner rather than later. His journey to the NBA has been defined by his ability to put the ball in the hoop from all three levels and the Wizards are banking on that skill set to revitalize their offense. In 2025 he will look to boost the team’s scoring output and develop chemistry with his new teammates. His impact will be measured by his efficiency as a scorer and his growth as a playmaker for others. By taking on significant responsibility early in his career he has the chance to establish himself as the face of the franchise for years to come.
5. Jeremiah Fears
Jeremiah Fears is a crafty playmaker who was drafted 7th overall by the New Orleans Pelicans adding another layer of young talent to their roster. He is known for his shot creation and remarkable composure under pressure which are traits often found in veteran guards rather than rookies. He joins a Pelicans team that is looking to evolve its backcourt and find a long term floor general to guide the offense. The organization sees him as a perfect complement to Zion Williamson because of his ability to navigate defenses and set up teammates for easy baskets. In the 2025 season he is expected to bring stability and creativity to the lineup. His impact will come from his ability to control the pace of the game and make smart decisions with the ball in his hands. As he adjusts to the physicality of the NBA he has the potential to become a reliable starter who can manage the game effectively and contribute to the team’s push for a higher playoff seed.
6. Egor Demin
Egor Demin is a versatile Russian point forward who stands at six feet nine inches and was selected by the Brooklyn Nets. He comes from BYU where he displayed rare size and court vision that intrigued NBA scouts looking for unique playmakers. His arrival in Brooklyn adds a distinct dimension to their backcourt rotation as he possesses the height of a forward with the passing skills of a guard. The Nets have been training him to evolve into a versatile distributor who can also serve as a defensive asset due to his length. In 2025 he will aim to make his mark by facilitating the offense and creating mismatches against smaller defenders. His impact will likely be seen in his ability to see over defenses and deliver passes that others cannot. As he acclimates to the speed of the NBA game he could become a vital connecting piece for the Nets helping to streamline their offense and improve their ball movement significantly.
7. Tyrese Proctor
Tyrese Proctor is an Australian guard from Duke who was drafted late with the 49th pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. despite his lower draft position he is considered a sleeper to watch because of his elite court vision and ability to score from three levels. He joins a Cavaliers team that is looking to strengthen its second unit and add depth to the guard rotation. His journey to the NBA has been marked by steady improvement and a high basketball IQ that allows him to impact the game without needing to dominate possession. In the 2025 season he serves as a promising prospect who could surprise many by earning consistent minutes in the rotation. His impact will be driven by his playmaking off the bench and his ability to run the offense when the starters rest. If he can translate his collegiate success to the pros he will provide the Cavaliers with a valuable spark and reliable decision making that is essential for a team with playoff aspirations.
8. Lachlan Olbrich
Lachlan Olbrich is a tough and mobile player who comes from the Illawarra Hawks in the Australian NBL. He was selected by the Chicago Bulls who were drawn to his raw potential and physical style of play. He joins a rebuilding Bulls rotation that is looking for young talent to develop for the future. Although he is considered a raw prospect his transition to the NBA could be accelerated due to the team’s need for interior presence and energy. In 2025 he is expected to bring grit and determination to the court every time he plays. His impact will primarily be on the defensive end and on the boards where his mobility allows him to compete against NBA athleticism. The Bulls hope that his professional experience overseas will help him adapt faster than typical rookies allowing him to carve out a niche as a high energy role player who does the dirty work necessary for winning games.
9. Taelon Peter
Taelon Peter is an athletic scorer out of Liberty University who was drafted 54th overall by the Indiana Pacers. He is known for his strong finishing ability and joins a team that plays a high tempo system which suits his athletic profile perfectly. He arrives in Indiana with the goal of developing into a reliable spark plug off the bench. The Pacers value his ability to run the floor and finish at the rim which aligns with their offensive philosophy. In the 2025 season he will likely spend time developing his game but could see opportunities when the team needs an injection of energy and scoring. His impact will be determined by how well he can utilize his athleticism against NBA defenders and whether he can become a consistent threat in transition. If he maximizes his tools he has the potential to become a fan favorite who provides highlight plays and meaningful minutes in the rotation.
10. Thomas Sorber
Thomas Sorber is a six foot nine defensive force from Georgetown who was drafted 15th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder. He joins a team that is already filled with talent but needed to bolster its interior defense. Sorber is known for his rim protection and defensive instincts which made him an attractive target for the Thunder. He arrives in Oklahoma City with clear expectations to provide much needed depth in the frontcourt and protect the paint off the bench. In 2025 his primary role will be to anchor the defense when he is on the floor and alter shots around the rim. His impact will be crucial for a team that wants to shore up its defensive weaknesses while maintaining a competitive roster. By focusing on rebounding and defense he can earn the trust of the coaching staff and become a key rotation player who helps the Thunder maintain their defensive intensity throughout the game.
