Fantasy Basketball Rookie Report: Cooper Flagg takes the top spot with Kon Knueppel on his heels

With nearly a third of the fantasy basketball season in the rear view, it’s time to reassess the 2025 NBA Draft class. For the first time this season, the top of the ladder has shifted, with Dallas’ Cooper Flagg taking over the No. 1 spot. There’s been quite a shakeup among first-year players over the past month, with new entrants and rooks providing more value to fantasy managers.

Here’s the updated December ladder with context for both High Score and 9-category formats.

1. Cooper Flagg — SF/PF, Dallas Mavericks

High Score Rank: 59 | 9-cat Rank: 73

Flagg claims the top position thanks to his across-the-board production and massive role in Dallas. The Mavericks have fast-tracked Flagg into the centerpiece of their offense and defense because the vets are either injured or underwhelming. Flagg was mostly showcased as the point guard to start the season, with his role now moving to more of a scoring threat. Over his past 10 games, Flagg has averaged 21.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists, shooting 48% from the field.

Just days ago, Flagg became the youngest player in NBA history to score 40 points (he scored 42), breaking LeBron James’ record. Flagg’s shooting struggles are becoming a thing of the past and when you combine that with his defensive contributions, he’s deserving of the No. 1 spot. As his efficiency improves and the scoring hovers in the low-to-mid 20s, he could start to pull away from the field.

2. Kon Knueppel — SG/SF, Charlotte Hornets

High Score Rank: 88 | 9-cat Rank: 67

Knueppel continues to impress as one of the most polished wings of this draft class. He’s neck-and-neck with Flagg in terms of production at this point in the season and there should be more conversation about how he is the best rookie. I have Flagg slightly ahead of him because of his defense, but Knueppel’s offensive production has been pushing elite.

Knueppel’s efficiency exceeds that of the No. 1 overall pick.

(databallr)

Knueppel leads all rookies in scoring and 3-pointers made — but what really stands out is how well he maintains that production under heavier usage. Charlotte has asked him to be their primary scorer and playmaker with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller being sidelined at different points, and his shooting splits remain among the best in the class. He’s on pace to obliterate the rookie 3s record and as of Thursday, Knueppel is the only rookie in NBA history to average 47/40/90 shooting splits while playing more than 115 minutes by this point in the season (he’s played 883!). He was named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for October/November for a reason.

Knueppel continues to be one of the most reliable and efficient rookie contributors in fantasy, especially in 9-cat formats.

3. VJ Edgecombe — PG/SG, Philadelphia 76ers

High Score Rank: 84 | 9-cat Rank: 94

Averaging 15-5-4 with a steal per game is rookie of the year worthy numbers in a class that wasn’t this deep. Edgecombe has cooled from his early-season burst, but the Sixers’ rookie continues to produce across categories despite the Sixers’ stars getting healthier. He’s been flexing his ability as a primary ball-handler with Tyrese Maxey sidelined, and while I’m not sold on his handle yet, he’s getting the job done and also got out of a shooting slump that plagued him in November.

I could see the angle to sell high after putting up 20+ points in consecutive games. However, he’s shown more than enough early on to be considered one of their cornerstones for the future. It’s hard to find rookies locked into 30 minutes a night.

[High Score is a new way to play Fantasy Basketball on Yahoo with simple rosters and scoring. It’s not too late to create or join a league]

4. Derik Queen — C, New Orleans Pelicans

High Score Rank: 97 | 9-cat Rank: 136

Queen is the new entrant from our last report and man, did he hit the ground running. He put up a 30-10-10 triple-double, amassing 70 points in High Score a week ago. And, even before that game, his minutes and impact continue to grow. The Pelicans traded meaningful draft capital for him, and month over month, he’s improved in almost every statistical area.

For December, he’s up to 15.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists, shooting 58% from the field and 83% from the line. Real minutes, real production that evolved into a must-roster, potential league-winning type of player across formats.

Once he tightens his discipline and effort on the defensive end, his 9-cat value will follow. Queen is trending in the right direction and could break into the top three sooner rather than later.

5. Ryan Kalkbrenner — C, Charlotte Hornets

High Score Rank: 165 | 9-cat Rank: 86

Kalkbrenner remains one of the most stable category-league rookies. His rim protection, FG% and low turnover rate give him a locked-in floor, especially in 9-cat formats. His High Score value is limited by low-scoring volume, but Charlotte continues to rely on him as their defensive anchor, something many didn’t anticipate from the second-round pick.

He’s not as flashy as the names above him, but he’s become a reliable big man to block shots and is one of the most efficient scorers in the entire league.

6. Cedric Coward — SG/SF, Memphis Grizzlies

High Score Rank: 135 | 9-cat Rank: 162

Coward was the top rookie in November, after jumping out to a crazy, efficient first 10 games of his career. He’s since regressed, but he remains a key part of Memphis’ rotation. He maintained double-digit scoring while also increasing his rebounding and assist rates month over month, a sign that he can help fantasy managers beyond his efficiency. Coward’s in a good situation, seeing 27 minutes a game and that could rise depending on how the Grizzlies decide to move over the next couple of months ahead of the trade deadline.

7. Jeremiah Fears — PG, New Orleans Pelicans

High Score Rank: 121 | 9-cat Rank: 179

Fears’ emergence over the past month and change stemmed from Jordan Poole’s absence. With Poole back, that hasn’t prevented the fearless rookie from maximizing his minutes. He’s an electric player, with the handles and creativity of Kyrie Irving (seriously, look).

He’s a pretty volatile scorer, which is reflected in his poor 9-cat rank. However, I’d still roll with him for High Score and points leagues because he gets buckets and steals at a high rate. Most wouldn’t expect that Fears leads rookies in total steals coming into Thursday. The Pelicans stink and I can only see his role expanding the deeper we get into the season.

Up-and-Comers

Dylan Harper – PG/SG, San Antonio Spurs
Ace Bailey – SF/PF, Utah Jazz
Maxime Raynaud – C, Sacramento Kings
Ryan Nembhard -PG, Dallas Mavericks

Watch List (Deep Stashes)

Tre Johnson — SG, Washington Wizards
Walter Clayton — PG, Utah Jazz
Drake Powell — SF, Brooklyn Nets

These are the names who could crack the ladder if roles shift, trades occur or injuries open up additional minutes.

Source link