2025 NBA Rookie Grades So Far: Flagg, Edgecombe, Harper

Merlin sees the 2025 rookie class bursting out of the gate: eight rookies are already scoring in double figures and several late picks look like steals. Standouts include VJ Edgecombe’s 20.3 points and Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper’s early promise, while Kon Knueppel’s record three-point start and Cedric Coward’s scoring show depth across the board. This matters because these freshmen are already shifting rotations and giving teams unexpected lifts. Merlin notes not every seed has sprouted — injuries and development plans (Billy Donovan: "This is a guy at 18 years old who has a huge runway") will temper immediate impact. Some clubs, like Charlotte and Memphis, "killed this draft," while others are patient, letting bodies and skills grow. Expect peaks, slumps and a few midseason role swings as the true class reveals itself.