The race for the best newcomer

Will the Spurs make it three, and give Texas its third straight Rookie of the Year trophy, behind Victor Wembanyama and Stephen Castle? It was within the realm of possibility a month ago since then Dylan Harper was one of the favorites for this award, but San Antonio’s back is injured, so he will have to catch up with certain teammates of his vintage.

For now, like last season, there is no big favorite that stands out and it is even very open. VJ Edgecombe illuminated the first days before returning to the ranks, doc Cooper Flagg the temperature rises slowly. Finally, it is unexpected Knuppel could etc Derrick Queen who use it to make a name for themselves. It’s a shame that one or two French people don’t take advantage of it.

1. Kon Knuepel (Hornets)
Statistics : 18.6 points on 48% shooting, including 42% on 3-pointers, 5.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists

The fourth pick in the draft, the Hornets scorer has been a revelation this first month and he is “Baby Cly”. It has the same support as the old “Splash Brother”, the same ease of “catch-and-shoot”, and above all, it puts it! Kon Knuepel is taking more than 8 3-point shots per game and is shooting 42%. It’s simple, Keegan Murray’s rookie scoring record should explode.

What we’re discovering is that Cooper Flagg’s former Duke teammate isn’t just a shooter, and Charlotte has found the ideal element to free up space for LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.

2. Cooper Flagg (Mavericks)
Statistics : 15.9 points on 45% including 26% on 3-pointers, 6.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists

The No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft, Cooper Flagg is starting like no other with a fired GM, two injured superstars and a role he’s discovering: playmaker. But the young winger (18 years old) is a quick learner and doesn’t show much frustration despite the complicated evenings and defeats in spades.

He has been getting stronger for a few matches and we can clearly see that he is more comfortable on the wing than in the front. The return of Anthony Davis, then Kyrie Irving, should allow him to evolve with less pressure.

3. VJ Edgecombe (Sikers)
Statistics : 15.6 points on 41% including 37% on 3-pointers, 6 rebounds, 4.2 assists

Currently injured, VJ Edgecombe is the rookie leader in assists and attempts, as well as playing time. Hyperspectacular, he recalls some of the most stylish quarterbacks in history, from Dwyane Wade to Michael Jordan, including Ray Allen. His tandem with Tyrese Maxey has brought smiles back to a franchise that has been on the dole for a year, while Joel Embiid’s knees are still seriously creaky.

4. Cedric Coward, Grizzlies
Statistics : 13.7 points on 47% including 38% on 3-pointers, 6 rebounds, 2.8 assists

He was one of the potential “steals” of this draft, and it has been confirmed! Cedric Coward is one of the best “two-way players” of his vintage, and he’s not afraid. To the point of establishing himself as a natural leader within the Grizzlies on the brink of crisis. Erratic, he’s at his best when Ja Morant is around, but the Grizzlies have been smart in getting this player back who hasn’t played in nearly a year.

5. Derrick Quinn, Pelicans
Statistics: 12.3 points on 49% success, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists

Dubbed: Nikola Jokić during their head-to-head meeting, the former Maryland interior confirms that the Pelicans have a nose for finding good interiors after selecting Yves Mission last season. Considered “baby Jokić”, he can cross the entire field with the ball in his hand, to draw a pass from behind his partner.

It mentions : Ryan Kalkbrenner (Hornets), Jeremiah Fears (Pelicans), Ace Bailey (Jazz)…