Rookie of the Year Leaders
This year’s Rookie of the Year race is far more unsettled than the betting odds suggest. While Cooper Flagg entered the season as the presumed favourite and still carries the weight of expectation, the reality of late January tells a more complicated story. Production, efficiency, role, and team context have all begun to matter in different ways, and several rookies have taken advantage of that space to close the gap, or, in some cases, jump ahead entirely. What follows is a snapshot of where the race truly stands right now, based not on hype, but on what these players are actually doing on NBA floors every night.
Scoring Leader:
Cooper Flagg leads all rookies in scoring at 19.5 PPG, doing it while playing nearly 34 minutes per night. His scoring load is the heaviest in the class, and no rookie is asked to create as much offense possession-to-possession.
Rebounding Leader:
Derik Queen stands out as the top rebounder among rookies at 7.4 RPG, a notable number considering his limited minutes. His rebounding rate and interior activity separate him from the wing-heavy rookie class.
Assist Leader:
VJ Edgecombe and Ryan Nembhard headline rookie playmaking, but Edgecombe’s 4.1 APG carries more weight given his scoring responsibility and minutes on a playoff-level team. He is the most balanced creator in the class.
Steals Leader:
VJ Edgecombe again appears at the top with 1.5 SPG, reinforcing his two-way value. Among high-minute rookies, no one generates more defensive disruption on the perimeter.
Blocks Leader:
Ryan Kalkbrenner leads all rookies with 1.5 BPG, anchoring the paint when he is on the floor. His rim protection numbers stand out sharply compared to the rest of the class.
Minutes Leader:
VJ Edgecombe logs the most playing time at 35.6 MPG, a strong indicator of trust. Coaches do not give rookies this level of responsibility unless the impact is real.
Overall Usage Leader:
Cooper Flagg combines elite minutes, scoring, rebounding, and defensive production, making him the most used rookie in the league, even when efficiency fluctuates.
1. Kon Knueppel – Charlotte Hornets
18.9 PPG | 5.4 RPG | 3.6 APG | 48.3% FG | 42.9% 3PT | 89.5% FT
Knueppel has quietly become the most reliable rookie scorer in the league, and that reliability is what separates him at the top right now. He leads all rookies in made threes per game, converts at an elite level from the free-throw line, and rarely wastes possessions. What stands out most is how polished his shot selection already is, he scores without forcing the issue, a rare trait for a rookie wing with real offensive responsibility.
Charlotte’s improvement matters here. The Hornets are no longer losing points when he is on the floor, and several of their recent competitive games have been driven by Knueppel’s ability to stabilize scoring runs. He does not dominate the ball, yet he consistently finishes possessions. That balance, paired with efficiency and availability, has pushed him slightly ahead of the pack as of late January.
The concern is ceiling. He is not the most physically overwhelming rookie, and his defensive impact is solid rather than spectacular. But Rookie of the Year is about this season, and right now, no rookie has combined volume, efficiency, and consistency better.
2. Cooper Flagg – Dallas Mavericks
19.5 PPG | 6.5 RPG | 4.2 APG | 48.2% FG | 29% 3PT
Flagg remains the most complete rookie in the class, even if the efficiency has dipped. He rebounds like a power forward, defends multiple positions, and carries a usage burden that few rookies are asked to handle. Dallas leans on him heavily, and he has answered by playing major minutes without missing time, something voters do not ignore.
What has allowed Knueppel to jump him is shooting variance. Flagg’s three-point percentage has lagged behind expectations, and there are nights where defences sag off him and clog driving lanes. Still, his impact goes beyond the box score. He affects spacing defensively, generates transition opportunities, and consistently draws top assignments.
Flagg’s case strengthens if Dallas finishes the season well. Right now, the numbers are strong but not dominant enough to separate him. The talent is obvious. The polish is still catching up.
3. VJ Edgecombe – Philadelphia 76ers
15.1 PPG | 5.4 RPG | 4.1 APG | 38% 3PT
Edgecombe’s argument is built on trust. Philadelphia plays him real minutes in real games, and he has not broken their structure. For a team pushing for playoff positioning, that matters. His ability to rebound from the guard spot, defend on the perimeter, and keep the offense moving has made him one of the safest rookies in the class.
He does not dominate possessions, and that slightly caps his counting stats. But his efficiency from three and his playmaking growth have been consistent all season. Among rookies on winning teams, Edgecombe stands out as the most dependable two-way contributor.
The downside is narrative. He has not had many “headline” performances, and Rookie of the Year races tend to reward visible scoring explosions. Still, if Philadelphia stays in the top half of the East, his role will carry real weight.
4. Cedric Coward – Memphis Grizzlies
14.0 PPG | 6.3 RPG | 47% FG
Coward’s rise has been one of the more impressive developments of January. On a Memphis team dealing with instability and injuries, he has steadily expanded his role without sacrificing efficiency. His rebounding for a wing and his comfort scoring inside the arc give him a physical edge against other rookies.
He is not yet a primary option, but his recent stretch of double-doubles has forced defenses to account for him. That matters on a roster searching for long-term clarity. Coward’s two-way profile suggests real staying power, even if the team context limits his visibility.
What holds him back is opportunity. Memphis is not winning consistently, and his usage fluctuates. But if his upward trend continues, he could challenge for a higher spot by season’s end.
5. Collin Murray-Boyles – Toronto Raptors
~7.8 PPG | 5.1 RPG | 0.8 SPG | 0.8 BPG
Murray-Boyles’ inclusion is about impact relative to role. Toronto is winning, and he has become a functional part of that success. His defense, rebounding, and willingness to do low-usage work have earned him minutes that most rookies do not get on playoff-level teams.
His January surge, highlighted by double-doubles and increased scoring confidence, has elevated him into serious All-Rookie territory. He fills gaps rather than headlines, but those gaps matter when injuries hit and rotations tighten.
The limitation is offensive ceiling. He is not yet a consistent scorer, and his shooting remains a work in progress. Still, on a team that values versatility and discipline, Murray-Boyles has exceeded expectations, and that earns him a spot in the top five conversation right now.
Rookie Leaders 2025-26 NBA Season:
| Player | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | TOVPG | PFPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper Flagg | DAL | 44 | 33.9 | 19.5 | 6.5 | 4.1 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 2.2 | 2.3 |
| Kon Knueppel | CHO | 48 | 31.9 | 18.9 | 5.4 | 3.6 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 2.1 | 2.2 |
| VJ Edgecombe | PHI | 43 | 35.6 | 15.1 | 5.4 | 4.1 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 1.8 | 3.2 |
| Jeremiah Fears | NOP | 49 | 26.0 | 13.6 | 3.7 | 3.0 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 2.2 | 1.8 |
| Derik Queen | NOP | 48 | 25.8 | 12.1 | 7.4 | 4.3 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 2.5 | 2.9 |
| Ace Bailey | UTA | 41 | 24.9 | 11.3 | 3.5 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 1.2 | 2.5 |
| Caleb Love | POR | 40 | 22.3 | 11.2 | 2.7 | 2.6 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 1.3 | 1.1 |
| Egor Dёmin | BRK | 40 | 24.8 | 10.4 | 3.0 | 3.4 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 1.8 | 1.9 |
| Dylan Harper | SAS | 37 | 21.2 | 10.4 | 3.3 | 3.5 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 1.4 | 1.8 |
| Tre Johnson | WAS | 39 | 25.1 | 12.9 | 2.7 | 2.2 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 1.4 | 1.8 |
| Cedric Coward | MEM | 42 | 26.7 | 14.0 | 6.3 | 2.9 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 1.7 | 2.0 |
| Walter Clayton | UTA | 43 | 18.1 | 6.9 | 2.0 | 3.3 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 1.2 | 1.7 |
| Nique Clifford | SAC | 45 | 19.3 | 5.4 | 3.0 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 1.9 |
| Ryan Kalkbrenner | CHO | 37 | 23.8 | 8.6 | 6.1 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 1.5 | 1.1 | 1.7 |
| Ryan Nembhard | DAL | 35 | 19.2 | 7.0 | 1.8 | 4.9 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 1.5 | 1.4 |
| Sion James | CHO | 49 | 24.6 | 5.9 | 3.5 | 2.0 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.9 | 1.8 |
| Hunter Dickinson | NOP | 1 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Dylan Cardwell | SAC | 22 | 19.4 | 4.5 | 7.0 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 1.6 | 0.7 | 3.9 |
| Moussa Cisse | DAL | 27 | 11.8 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 1.8 |
| Joan Beringer | MIN | 23 | 7.0 | 3.1 | 2.2 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 1.1 |
| Brooks Barnhizer | OKC | 26 | 7.4 | 1.2 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.5 |
| Carter Bryant | SAS | 37 | 8.1 | 2.5 | 1.7 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.8 |
| Koby Brea | PHO | 2 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Javonte Cooke | POR | 10 | 6.5 | 1.7 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.3 |
| LJ Cryer | GSW | 3 | 2.7 | 2.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 |
| Mohamed Diawara | NYK | 37 | 5.1 | 1.9 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.5 |
| Noa Essengue | CHI | 2 | 3.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 |
| Rasheer Fleming | PHO | 27 | 6.7 | 2.4 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.7 |
| Myron Gardner | MIA | 19 | 6.8 | 3.2 | 1.9 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 1.5 |
| Hugo González | BOS | 42 | 15.1 | 4.2 | 3.3 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 1.9 |
| Yang Hansen | POR | 27 | 8.5 | 2.4 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.9 | 1.2 |
| Chucky Hepburn | TOR | 2 | 6.5 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 1.0 |
| DaRon Holmes | DEN | 12 | 14.1 | 4.5 | 2.0 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 1.3 |
| Kasparas Jakučionis | MIA | 23 | 15.1 | 4.1 | 2.3 | 1.9 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.8 | 1.8 |
| Curtis Jones | DEN | 6 | 5.2 | 1.5 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.5 |
| Kam Jones | IND | 13 | 6.8 | 1.6 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.3 |
| David Jones García | SAS | 11 | 6.2 | 2.9 | 1.2 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Miles Kelly | DAL | 10 | 8.1 | 2.9 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.8 |
| Yanic Konan Niederhäuser | LAC | 26 | 8.6 | 3.5 | 2.1 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 1.2 |
| Chaz Lanier | DET | 18 | 9.0 | 3.1 | 0.9 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.3 |
| Khaman Maluach | PHO | 20 | 4.5 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.9 |
| Chris Mañon | LAL | 4 | 3.5 | 0.0 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.8 |
| Alijah Martin | TOR | 10 | 8.8 | 3.0 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.9 |
| Jahmai Mashack | MEM | 7 | 3.6 | 0.9 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 0.1 |
| Liam McNeeley | CHO | 28 | 12.2 | 4.1 | 2.1 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 1.3 |
| Collin Murray-Boyles | TOR | 38 | 21.7 | 7.7 | 5.1 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 1.1 | 2.6 |
| Asa Newell | ATL | 34 | 10.9 | 5.1 | 2.1 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 1.6 |
| Lachlan Olbrich | CHI | 11 | 6.7 | 0.4 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 1.5 |
| Micah Peavy | NOP | 41 | 16.0 | 4.6 | 2.2 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 1.7 |
| Noah Penda | ORL | 31 | 13.9 | 5.0 | 3.9 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 1.4 |
| Taelon Peter | IND | 22 | 6.3 | 1.7 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 0.4 |
| Drake Powell | BRK | 35 | 19.1 | 6.2 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 1.0 | 1.4 |
| Tyrese Proctor | CLE | 35 | 10.6 | 5.1 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 1.1 |
| Will Riley | WAS | 38 | 14.3 | 5.4 | 1.9 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 1.4 |
Rookie Shooting Spilts 2025-26 NBA Season:
| Player | Team | GP | MPG | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PTM | 3PTA | 3PT% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper Flagg | DAL | 44 | 33.9 | 7.5 | 15.5 | .482 | 1.0 | 3.5 | .290 | 3.5 | 4.3 | .801 | .559 |
| Kon Knueppel | CHO | 48 | 31.9 | 6.5 | 13.5 | .486 | 3.4 | 7.8 | .429 | 2.4 | 2.7 | .900 | .644 |
| VJ Edgecombe | PHI | 43 | 35.6 | 5.6 | 13.1 | .428 | 2.1 | 5.6 | .375 | 2.0 | 2.6 | .769 | .536 |
| Jeremiah Fears | NOP | 49 | 26.0 | 4.8 | 10.5 | .457 | 1.4 | 3.8 | .368 | 2.6 | 3.3 | .788 | .562 |
| Derik Queen | NOP | 48 | 25.8 | 4.6 | 9.8 | .469 | 0.8 | 2.4 | .333 | 2.1 | 2.8 | .750 | .543 |
| Ace Bailey | UTA | 41 | 24.9 | 4.2 | 9.5 | .442 | 1.2 | 3.6 | .333 | 1.7 | 2.2 | .773 | .534 |
| Caleb Love | POR | 40 | 22.3 | 4.1 | 9.2 | .446 | 1.5 | 4.1 | .366 | 1.5 | 1.9 | .789 | .556 |
| Egor Dёmin | BRK | 40 | 24.8 | 3.8 | 8.6 | .442 | 1.3 | 3.7 | .351 | 1.5 | 1.9 | .789 | .546 |
| Dylan Harper | SAS | 37 | 21.2 | 3.8 | 8.4 | .452 | 1.1 | 3.1 | .355 | 1.7 | 2.2 | .773 | .549 |
| Tre Johnson | WAS | 39 | 25.1 | 4.7 | 10.3 | .456 | 1.6 | 4.3 | .372 | 1.9 | 2.4 | .792 | .564 |
| Cedric Coward | MEM | 42 | 26.7 | 5.0 | 10.7 | .470 | 1.6 | 4.5 | .353 | 2.3 | 2.7 | .848 | .586 |
| Walter Clayton | UTA | 43 | 18.1 | 2.5 | 5.8 | .431 | 1.0 | 2.8 | .357 | 0.9 | 1.1 | .818 | .545 |
| Nique Clifford | SAC | 45 | 19.3 | 2.0 | 4.7 | .426 | 0.6 | 1.8 | .333 | 0.8 | 1.0 | .800 | .521 |
| Ryan Kalkbrenner | CHO | 37 | 23.8 | 3.4 | 6.1 | .557 | 0.1 | 0.3 | .333 | 1.7 | 2.4 | .708 | .594 |
| Ryan Nembhard | DAL | 35 | 19.2 | 2.6 | 6.0 | .433 | 0.9 | 2.5 | .360 | 0.9 | 1.1 | .818 | .539 |
| Sion James | CHO | 49 | 24.6 | 2.2 | 5.1 | .431 | 0.7 | 2.0 | .350 | 0.8 | 1.0 | .800 | .528 |
| Hunter Dickinson | NOP | 1 | 5.0 | 1.0 | 2.0 | .500 | 0.0 | 0.0 | .000 | 0.0 | 0.0 | .000 | .500 |
| Dylan Cardwell | SAC | 22 | 19.4 | 1.7 | 3.2 | .531 | 0.0 | 0.1 | .000 | 1.1 | 1.6 | .688 | .572 |
| Moussa Cisse | DAL | 27 | 11.8 | 1.5 | 2.8 | .536 | 0.0 | 0.0 | .000 | 0.9 | 1.3 | .692 | .572 |
| Joan Beringer | MIN | 23 | 7.0 | 1.2 | 2.6 | .462 | 0.3 | 0.9 | .333 | 0.4 | 0.5 | .800 | .540 |
| Brooks Barnhizer | OKC | 26 | 7.4 | 0.5 | 1.3 | .385 | 0.1 | 0.4 | .250 | 0.1 | 0.2 | .500 | .423 |
| Carter Bryant | SAS | 37 | 8.1 | 0.9 | 2.3 | .391 | 0.3 | 0.9 | .333 | 0.4 | 0.5 | .800 | .491 |
| Koby Brea | PHO | 2 | 4.0 | 0.5 | 1.5 | .333 | 0.5 | 1.5 | .333 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1.000 | .581 |
| Javonte Cooke | POR | 10 | 6.5 | 0.6 | 1.6 | .375 | 0.2 | 0.7 | .286 | 0.3 | 0.4 | .750 | .479 |
| LJ Cryer | GSW | 3 | 2.7 | 0.7 | 1.3 | .500 | 0.7 | 1.3 | .500 | 0.0 | 0.0 | .000 | .750 |
| Mohamed Diawara | NYK | 37 | 5.1 | 0.7 | 1.7 | .412 | 0.2 | 0.7 | .286 | 0.3 | 0.4 | .750 | .503 |
| Noa Essengue | CHI | 2 | 3.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | .000 | 0.0 | 0.0 | .000 | 0.0 | 0.0 | .000 | .000 |
| Rasheer Fleming | PHO | 27 | 6.7 | 0.9 | 2.1 | .429 | 0.3 | 0.8 | .375 | 0.3 | 0.4 | .750 | .524 |
| Myron Gardner | MIA | 19 | 6.8 | 1.2 | 2.7 | .444 | 0.4 | 1.1 | .364 | 0.4 | 0.5 | .800 | .541 |
| Hugo González | BOS | 42 | 15.1 | 1.5 | 3.6 | .417 | 0.4 | 1.2 | .333 | 0.8 | 1.0 | .800 | .513 |
| Yang Hansen | POR | 27 | 8.5 | 0.9 | 2.0 | .450 | 0.1 | 0.3 | .333 | 0.5 | 0.7 | .714 | .512 |
| Chucky Hepburn | TOR | 2 | 6.5 | 0.0 | 1.0 | .000 | 0.0 | 0.5 | .000 | 0.0 | 0.0 | .000 | .000 |
| DaRon Holmes | DEN | 12 | 14.1 | 1.7 | 3.8 | .447 | 0.4 | 1.2 | .333 | 0.8 | 1.0 | .800 | .534 |
| Kasparas Jakučionis | MIA | 23 | 15.1 | 1.5 | 3.6 | .417 | 0.4 | 1.3 | .308 | 0.7 | 0.9 | .778 | .503 |
| Curtis Jones | DEN | 6 | 5.2 | 0.5 | 1.3 | .385 | 0.3 | 0.8 | .375 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 1.000 | .544 |
| Kam Jones | IND | 13 | 6.8 | 0.6 | 1.5 | .400 | 0.2 | 0.7 | .286 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 1.000 | .504 |
| David Jones García | SAS | 11 | 6.2 | 1.1 | 2.4 | .458 | 0.4 | 1.0 | .400 | 0.4 | 0.5 | .800 | .566 |
| Miles Kelly | DAL | 10 | 8.1 | 1.1 | 2.5 | .440 | 0.4 | 1.1 | .364 | 0.3 | 0.4 | .750 | .540 |
| Yanic Konan Niederhäuser | LAC | 26 | 8.6 | 1.3 | 2.8 | .464 | 0.2 | 0.6 | .333 | 0.7 | 0.9 | .778 | .540 |
| Chaz Lanier | DET | 18 | 9.0 | 1.2 | 2.7 | .444 | 0.4 | 1.1 | .364 | 0.3 | 0.4 | .750 | .534 |
| Khaman Maluach | PHO | 20 | 4.5 | 0.5 | 1.2 | .417 | 0.1 | 0.3 | .333 | 0.2 | 0.3 | .667 | .488 |
| Chris Mañon | LAL | 4 | 3.5 | 0.0 | 0.8 | .000 | 0.0 | 0.3 | .000 | 0.0 | 0.0 | .000 | .000 |
| Alijah Martin | TOR | 10 | 8.8 | 1.1 | 2.5 | .440 | 0.4 | 1.1 | .364 | 0.4 | 0.5 | .800 | .548 |
| Jahmai Mashack | MEM | 7 | 3.6 | 0.3 | 0.9 | .333 | 0.1 | 0.4 | .250 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 1.000 | .436 |
| Liam McNeeley | CHO | 28 | 12.2 | 1.5 | 3.4 | .441 | 0.5 | 1.4 | .357 | 0.6 | 0.7 | .857 | .545 |
| Collin Murray-Boyles | TOR | 38 | 21.7 | 2.9 | 6.2 | .468 | 0.3 | 1.0 | .300 | 1.6 | 2.2 | .727 | .528 |
| Asa Newell | ATL | 34 | 10.9 | 1.9 | 4.2 | .452 | 0.4 | 1.2 | .333 | 0.9 | 1.2 | .750 | .532 |
| Lachlan Olbrich | CHI | 11 | 6.7 | 0.1 | 0.5 | .200 | 0.0 | 0.2 | .000 | 0.1 | 0.2 | .500 | .291 |
| Micah Peavy | NOP | 41 | 16.0 | 1.7 | 3.9 | .436 | 0.5 | 1.4 | .357 | 0.7 | 0.9 | .778 | .530 |
| Noah Penda | ORL | 31 | 13.9 | 1.8 | 4.1 | .439 | 0.4 | 1.3 | .308 | 1.0 | 1.3 | .769 | .526 |
| Taelon Peter | IND | 22 | 6.3 | 0.6 | 1.5 | .400 | 0.2 | 0.6 | .333 | 0.3 | 0.4 | .750 | .498 |
| Drake Powell | BRK | 35 | 19.1 | 2.3 | 5.2 | .442 | 0.7 | 2.0 | .350 | 0.9 | 1.1 | .818 | .537 |
| Tyrese Proctor | CLE | 35 | 10.6 | 1.9 | 4.3 | .442 | 0.6 | 1.7 | .353 | 0.7 | 0.9 | .778 | .538 |
| Maxime Raynaud | SAC | 41 | 22.6 | 3.5 | 7.4 | .473 | 0.9 | 2.5 | .360 | 1.5 | 1.9 | .789 | .565 |
| Will Richard | GSW | 44 | 19.5 | 2.6 | 5.9 | .441 | 0.9 | 2.6 | .346 | 0.9 | 1.1 | .818 | .546 |
| Jase Richardson | ORL | 33 | 12.0 | 2.0 | 4.5 | .444 | 0.6 | 1.7 | .353 | 0.9 | 1.1 | .818 | .542 |
| Will Riley | WAS | 38 | 14.3 | 2.0 | 4.6 | .435 | 0.6 | 1.8 | .333 | 0.8 | 1.0 | .800 | .529 |
Injury Report
| Player | Team | Injury / Details | Status | Est. Return / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tre Johnson | WAS | Left ankle sprain | Day-to-Day / Out (recent game) | Ruled out mid-game vs. Bucks (Jan 29/30); twisted ankle on landing; re-evaluation pending; short-term absence expected |
| Cooper Flagg | DAL | Left ankle soreness / injury management | Resolved / Active | Missed 1 game (Jan 28 vs. MIN) for management; previously questionable but returned strong; only ~3–4 total games missed this season |
| Kon Knueppel | CHO | Right ankle injury (Dec 2025); minor hip contusion (early Jan); past minor chip fracture | Resolved / Active | Missed 1 game after ankle twist (X-rays negative); briefly questionable with hip contusion; largely durable despite minor nicks |
| L.J. Cryer | GSW | Left hamstring tightness | Out | Expected out until at least early February; missed games starting Jan 30 vs. Pistons; limited rotation role |
| Noa Essengue | CHI | Torn left shoulder | Out (season-ending) | Underwent surgery; will miss remainder of the 2025–26 season |
| Thomas Sorber | OKC | Torn ACL (right knee) | Out (season-ending) | Suffered injury during offseason/workout; did not make NBA debut |
| Cedric Coward | MEM | Left ankle sprain | Resolved / Active | Missed 1 game (vs. Spurs following Lakers game); returned quickly with no minutes restriction |
| Ryan Kalkbrenner | CHO | Sore elbow | Resolved / Active | Missed approximately 2+ weeks earlier in season; returned and continues to lead rookies in blocks |
| VJ Edgecombe | PHI | Minor early-season issue (unspecified) | Resolved / Active | Briefly mentioned after strong season start; no significant impact; has remained consistent and durable |
Contract Worth
| Player | Team | Contract Situation / Worth | Deal Type | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper Flagg | DAL | 4 years, $62.7M (Years 1–2 guaranteed: $28.3M) | Rookie Scale (Pick 1) | A- (High-value deal for a top performer, but long-term cap risk) |
| Kon Knueppel | CHO | 4 years, $45.5M (Years 1–2 guaranteed: $20.5M) | Rookie Scale (Pick 4) | A+ (Elite value for ROTY-level production) |
| VJ Edgecombe | PHI | 4 years, $50.4M (Years 1–2 guaranteed: $22.8M) | Rookie Scale (Pick 3) | A (Two-way impact on contender-friendly deal) |
| Jeremiah Fears | NOP | 4 years, $37.4M (Years 1–2 guaranteed: $16.9M) | Rookie Scale (Pick 7) | B+ |
| Derik Queen | NOP | 4 years, $26.6M (Years 1–2 guaranteed: $12.0M) | Rookie Scale (Pick 13) | B |
| Ace Bailey | UTA | 4 years, $41.2M (Years 1–2 guaranteed: $18.6M) | Rookie Scale (Pick 5) | B- |
| Caleb Love | POR | 3 years, $5.5M (partial guarantee) | Second-Round Minimum | C+ |
| Egor Dëmin | BRK | 4 years, $34.2M (Years 1–2 guaranteed: $15.4M) | Rookie Scale (Pick 8) | B |
| Dylan Harper | SAS | 4 years, $56.1M (Years 1–2 guaranteed: $25.4M) | Rookie Scale (Pick 2) | B+ |
| Tre Johnson | WAS | 4 years, $37.4M (Years 1–2 guaranteed: $16.9M) | Rookie Scale (Pick 6) | B |
| Cedric Coward | MEM | 4 years, $31.4M (Years 1–2 guaranteed: $14.2M) | Rookie Scale (Pick 11) | A (Late-lottery bargain) |
| Walter Clayton | UTA | 4 years, $22.5M (Years 1–2 guaranteed: $10.2M) | Rookie Scale (Pick 18) | C |
| Nique Clifford | SAC | 4 years, $21.4M (Years 1–2 guaranteed: $9.7M) | Rookie Scale (Pick 24) | C+ |
| Ryan Kalkbrenner | CHO | 2 years, $2.5M | Two-Way → Standard | B (Strong rim protection value) |
| Ryan Nembhard | DAL | $578K | Two-Way | C |
| Hunter Dickinson | NOP | $578K | Two-Way (Undrafted) | D |
| Dylan Cardwell | SAC | $578K | Two-Way | B |
| Moussa Cisse | DAL | $578K | Two-Way | C+ |
| Joan Beringer | MIN | 4 years, $23.7M (Years 1–2 guaranteed: $10.7M) | Rookie Scale (Pick 17) | C |
| Brooks Barnhizer | OKC | $578K | Two-Way (Pick 44) | D |
| Carter Bryant | SAS | 4 years, $24.9M (Years 1–2 guaranteed: $11.3M) | Rookie Scale (Pick 14) | C |
| Koby Brea | PHO | $578K | Two-Way (Pick 41) | D |
| LJ Cryer | GSW | $578K | Two-Way (Undrafted) | D |
| Noa Essengue | CHI | 4 years, $30.3M (Years 1–2 guaranteed: $13.7M) | Rookie Scale (Pick 12) | F- (Season-ending injury) |
| Hugo González | BOS | 4 years, $19.3M (Years 1–2 guaranteed: $8.7M) | Rookie Scale (Pick 28) | B |
| Yang Hansen | POR | 4 years, $23.7M (Years 1–2 guaranteed: $10.7M) | Rookie Scale (Pick 16) | C |
| Collin Murray-Boyles | TOR | 4 years, $34.2M (Years 1–2 guaranteed: $15.4M) | Rookie Scale (Pick 9) | A (Excellent surplus value) |
| Maxime Raynaud | SAC | $578K | Two-Way (Pick 42) | A- (Second-round steal) |
| Will Riley | WAS | 4 years, $20.3M (Years 1–2 guaranteed: $9.2M) | Rookie Scale (Pick 21) | C |
