1. Ryan Kalkbrener

The Hornets have been starting Ryan Kalkbrenner over Moussa Diabate, which is a big reason why he’s providing top-40 value in category formats. The big man’s excellent shot-blocking abilities are also to thank for that. His 2.4 BPG is good for the second-highest average in the league. Kalkbrenner’s best numbers come from the defensive categories, also contributing 7.1 RPG and 1.3 SPG. The 23-year-old doesn’t offer as much on the other end, but his scorching, NBA-best 82.9 FG% is elite. While his efficiency will cool off a bit, it’s incredible that through eight games, he’s only missed seven shots (34 for 41).

2. VJ Edgecombe

The early Rookie of the Year leader is none other than third-overall pick VJ Edgecombe. He earned the starting shooting guard spot right out of the gate and is making an excellent case to remain there over Quentin Grimes and Jared McCain. The 20-year-old is providing exceptional value across the board, with no glaring weaknesses. Across seven outings, Edgecombe is putting up 19.1 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 2.6 3PM, 47.6 FG%, 84.2 FT% and 2.0 TO. He’s also playing the second-most minutes in the NBA with 38.8. The Baylor product will likely be asked to step up a lot throughout the season, given the 76ers’ injury issues.

3. Cedric Coward

Cedric Coward is unexpectedly one of the top three performing rookies to start 2025-26. He’s ranked 57th, courtesy of his high efficiency and well-rounded production. Expect his 58.3 FG% and 92.3 FT% to come down, but his solid numbers elsewhere could be here to stay. Despite never starting, the 22-year-old is impressively averaging 15.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.4 stocks, and 1.8 3PM. His 26.0 MPG is also encouraging. It wouldn’t be surprising if Coward continued seeing similar playing time even once the Grizzlies are healthy.

4. Cooper Flagg

Shockingly, Cooper Flagg isn’t the top-ranked rookie. He’s had some struggles to start the season, and the Mavericks’ experimenting with him at point guard can take part of the blame. Still, the 18-year-old’s versatility has carried over to the NBA level. Flagg’s best numbers are coming from his 13.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG, and 100 FT%. He’s also on the cusp of placing inside the top 100, a feat that he can certainly achieve given his talent. The first overall pick’s shooting woes are his biggest red flag, but that’s a common growing pain and should improve with time.

5. Kon Knueppel

One of the best marksmen of the 2025 class is already making a splash. Kon Knueppel has stepped up with Brandon Miller sidelined and will have plenty more opportunities to contribute and start, given LaMelo Ball’s injury track record. The former Blue Devil’s 3.1 3PM is good for ranking in the top 15 in the league. He’s converting his attempts from deep at a 41.0% clip and is posting decent percentages elsewhere (45.7 FG% and 81.8 FT%). The 20-year-old has also been serviceable in other areas with his 14.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, and 2.3 APG.

6. Sion James

Fellow Hornets teammate Sion James is also capitalizing on his increased playing time. While he’s more of a deeper league option, the second-round pick has drawn some starts when the team is shorthanded. Across 24.3 MPG, he’s averaging 8.8 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.0 stocks, and 1.8 3PM on a blistering 62.2 FG% and 90.9 FT%. The 22-year-old is a player to monitor when there are injuries, and he should get even more opportunities in the silly season.

7. Tre Johnson

The Wizards have an excellent offensive spark plug on the bench in Tre Johnson. Managers in need of points and threes can look no further than the Texan. He’s recorded double-digit points in six of seven games and has settled into a valuable sixth man role. While he’s not the most versatile, Johnson’s 12.3 PPG, 2.1 3PM, and 0.9 BPG are solid.

8. Dylan Harper

With De’Aaron Fox yet to make his season debut, Dylan Harper had the chance to show why he was picked second overall. Despite coming off the bench, he’s getting plenty of minutes, ranging between the mid-high 20s. The guard has flashed his scoring and playmaking abilities with his 14.0 PPG and 3.8 APG. The 19-year-old is shooting with great efficiency and can also pile up rebounds. Unfortunately, Harper will be sidelined for multiple weeks after suffering a calf strain on November 2.

9. Jeremiah Fears

It only took two games for the Pelicans to move Jeremiah Fears into the first unit. While some of his performances have been up and down, he’s still displayed his two-way prowess. The point guard’s best contributions have been his 13.3 PPG, 3.3 APG, 1.1 3PM, and 1.4 SPG on decent efficiency. With Dejounte Murray still recovering from his Achilles injury, Fears has the green light to continue starting.

10. Derik Queen

It may not always be easy for Derik Queen to see much of the floor, but injuries in the frontcourt are already clearing a pathway to minutes. The big man is providing 8.0 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.0 SPG, and 0.6 BPG across 17.6 MPG. If the Pelicans’ 2025-26 season is anything like last year’s, Queen is bound to see more action. He’s also shown that he can be an effective per-minute producer.