Fantasy draft primer: When to target Flagg, Harper and the 2025 rookie class
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With NBA fantasy drafts approaching, managers are weighing how soon to invest in this season’s most anticipated first-year players. Analyst André Snellings evaluated 10 prominent rookies—after extensive pre-draft study and in-person scouting at Las Vegas Summer League—to determine where each one should be selected.
Early-round lock
Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Dallas Mavericks — The former Duke standout enters the league with expectations reminiscent of Victor Wembanyama’s debut two years ago. Flagg paced the Blue Devils in points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals, and displayed NBA-ready size and mentality in Las Vegas. Dallas needs perimeter offense while Kyrie Irving (ACL) recovers at least through mid-season, leaving Flagg positioned to open as the primary wing scorer. Snellings places him firmly inside the preseason top 50 overall and expects him off the board within the first four rounds.
Mid- to late-round considerations
Ace Bailey, SF/PF, Utah Jazz — Viewed as one of the draft’s three most NBA-ready talents, Bailey joins a rebuilding Jazz roster that plans to make him its offensive focal point. He could lead Utah in scoring as a rookie and is the most likely newcomer after Flagg to deliver immediate fantasy value.
Dylan Harper, PG/SG, San Antonio Spurs — Harper’s combination of size, athleticism and skill drew Summer League comparisons to Brandon Roy’s rookie campaign. San Antonio, however, already features De’Aaron Fox, reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson, limiting Harper’s early usage. His long-term upside makes him a viable bench stash.
Egor Demin, PG, Brooklyn Nets — The 6-foot-8 guard projects as the quickest contributor among Brooklyn’s five first-round picks. A natural complement to scorer Cam Thomas, Demin can fill every category once he clears plantar fascia issues that may slow his start.
VJ Edgecombe, SG, Philadelphia 76ers — With Jared McCain sidelined, the Baylor product is expected to start on the wing. Explosiveness at both ends could translate into steals, blocks and transition points, making him a late-round flyer, especially in category formats.
Deep-league targets and watch-list options
Tre Johnson, SG, Washington Wizards — One of the class’s top three-point shooters, Johnson can score both off the dribble and on spot-ups. Washington’s thin perimeter rotation gives him a chance to develop into a flex option by season’s end.
Kon Knueppel, SG, Charlotte Hornets — Known for elite spot-up accuracy, Knueppel should benefit from LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Collin Sexton drawing defensive attention. High three-point volume could carry niche value in category leagues.
Jeremiah Fears, PG/SG, New Orleans Pelicans — With Dejounte Murray out until January, Fears may see early backcourt minutes as a scoring sixth man. Monitoring his workload is advisable before adding in standard formats.
Khaman Maluach, C, Phoenix Suns — Drafted for interior defense, Maluach opens behind Mark Williams, who has appeared in only 106 of 246 possible career games. Should Williams miss time, Maluach’s shot-blocking could become useful for managers chasing that category.
Nique Clifford, SG, Sacramento Kings — The 23-year-old impressed during Summer League after five collegiate seasons and will back up DeMar DeRozan. Although early minutes look limited, Clifford remains a name to track once the schedule begins.
Source: ESPN
