OT: NBA Rookie Class

[RUChet]

Been impressed with the 2025 NBA rooks. A million percent better than last year which was really an awful draft class.

Flagg will be all nba in a few years. People forget he’s supposed to be a college freshman and he just set the record for youngest each to get 35 pts and also 11 assists. He already plays good defense and just needs to improve his 3pt shot- just like Doncic did, MJ and LBJ did, Kobe did.

Harper was playing really well before his injury and looks good since his return. He will be an nba all star down the line. Has all the tools.

Ace is getting better and better and is also very young. I expect a huge jump next season for him but would like to see him settle in as a SF and not SG.

Queen looks like an old school center that can also handle and shoot from deep. He’s going to be quite good.

Kon may be the best shooter in the nba after Steph. And he’s putting up way better stats than Curry in his rookie year.

And there are others doing well up and down the rookie class.

And what is scary is many are saying the 2026 draft will be even better than 2025.

Lots of young talent coming up.

 

[rucoe89]

We had two of those rising stars and our Coaching staff shat all over that talent.

 

[RUChet]

Also crazy that Montverde had Flagg, Queen, Newell, McNealy as seniors - that’s nuts for a HS team. They went undefeated and believe they could have beaten some D1 mid majors on a given night.

 

[LotusAggressor_rivals]

We had two of those rising stars and our Coaching staff shat all over that talent.

Spacing and screening go a long way.

 

[goru7]

Now that Dylan is back from the calf injury , he is killing it. Still goes downhill the best by any guard in the NBA just like college. His 16 points, 5 rebounds , 5 assists and a key late steal in 22 minutes helped the Spurs win again. Dylan is the best rookie of this talented class with knueppel also being very good. Flagg is a distant third. Edgecombe has cooled off. Ace will start to rise as he has been moved to the starting lineup about 4 games ago.

 

[NickRU714]

Fake news
The "experts" said Ace and Dylan weren't ready.
Flagg was going to be another Duke bust.

I should look up the thread that proposed Flagg, Ace and Dylan stay in college because they weren't going to get playing time and would be wasting development time riding the bench this year.

 

[rucoe89]

Also crazy that Montverde had Flagg, Queen, Newell, McNealy as seniors - that’s nuts for a HS team. They went undefeated and believe they could have beaten some D1 mid majors on a given night.

One of those they would have defeated would have been the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

 

[seansherm]

Now that Dylan is back from the calf injury , he is killing it. Still goes downhill the best by any guard in the NBA just like college. His 16 points, 5 rebounds , 5 assists and a key late steal in 22 minutes helped the Spurs win again. Dylan is the best rookie of this talented class with knueppel also being very good. Flagg is a distant third. Edgecombe has cooled off. Ace will start to rise as he has been moved to the starting lineup about 4 games ago.

Dylan being the best rookie is a big stretch. Kon has been very good thus far and even Queen averaging more assists than Dylan. Flagg has been better too.

 

[goru7]

Dylan being the best rookie is a big stretch. Kon has been very good thus far and even Queen averaging more assists than Dylan. Flagg has been better too.

In minutes played he is the best. His full game stats would translate to 25 points a game. No one is doing that and especially on the Spurs who have tons of offensive options. Flagg has to be leading scorer and take the most shots for them to have any chance at winning. Much different situation . Kon has been very good but again with more minutes. No sure what stretch you are talking about.

 

[lion1983]

Bailey: In his last 12 games (after he started getting playing time after his illness, and about 2 games before he was inserted into the starting line-up), before tonight vs the Nets, Bailey is averaging 13.6 ppg on 64-123 FG (52% FG), 27-69 3-pointers (39% 3-py FG), 3.7 rpg, 2.0 ***/g. In his last 10 games - as the starting 2G, he is averaging 14.2 ppg, in 25 min/g, 53.3% FG, 42.4% 3-point FG, 3 rpg, 2 ***/g, 1.1 stl/g, 0.5 blocks/g

Harper: 13.6 ppg, in 21 min/g, on 49.6% FG, 33% 3-point FG, 3 rpg, 3.5 ***/g, 1.1 stl/g

Tre Johnson: 11.5 ppg, in 24 min/g, 44% FG, 39.6% 3-point

Kon Kueppel: 18 ppg, in 33 mpg, on 46% FG, 41% 3-point FG, 5.6 rpg, 3 ***/g

Flagg: 17.3 ppg in 33.8 min/g, 47.6 FG%, 26% 3-point FG, 6.6 rpg, 3.3 ***/g, 1.4 stl/g, 0.6 blocks/g

Queen: 12.3 ppg, in 24 mpg, on 48% FG, 12% 3-point FG, 6.2 rpg, 3.5 ***/g,

Bailey is actually the most efficient offensive player of all of these after he was inserted into the starting line-up. And by a margin - and at 2G - a little time at WF as well. His efficiency is likely helped by him NOT having to be the lead scorer - but being the #3 option on the floor, or even the #4 option. FYI, Bailey has similar steals and blocked shots adjusted for minutes as does Flagg.

Harper has the most offensive production per minute.

Just saying.

 

[RUChet]

This starting 5 rookie team is quite impressive:

Harper
Knuepel
Bailey
Flagg
Queen

with Edgecomb, Howard and Kalkbrenner off bench

2025 class was really really good
2026 class going to be as good

 

[LotusAggressor_rivals]

Now that Dylan is back from the calf injury , he is killing it. Still goes downhill the best by any guard in the NBA just like college. His 16 points, 5 rebounds , 5 assists and a key late steal in 22 minutes helped the Spurs win again. Dylan is the best rookie of this talented class with knueppel also being very good. Flagg is a distant third. Edgecombe has cooled off. Ace will start to rise as he has been moved to the starting lineup about 4 games ago.

Flagg struggled because Jason Kidd actually thought he could play point guard in the NBA. He found out rather quickly that he can't.

 

[LotusAggressor_rivals]

Fake news
The "experts" said Ace and Dylan weren't ready.
Flagg was going to be another Duke bust.

I should look up the thread that proposed Flagg, Ace and Dylan stay in college because they weren't going to get playing time and would be wasting development time riding the bench this year.

Ace and Dylan have probably learned more basketball in 20 NBA games than they learned the whole season they were at RU. That would have been the case if they just rode the bench.

 

[RUChet]

Flagg struggled because Jason Kidd actually thought he could play point guard in the NBA. He found out rather quickly that he can't.

He can’t now but he’s also 18. MJ ended up playing PG quite a bit but didn’t start three. LBJ too. Clearly Flagg is playing better off then ball but let’s we where he is in 3 yrs- maybe more in the ball. He’s already averaging 18ppg at age 18.

 

[LotusAggressor_rivals]

He can’t now but he’s also 18. MJ ended up playing PG quite a bit but didn’t start three. LBJ too. Clearly Flagg is playing better off then ball but let’s we where he is in 3 yrs- maybe more in the ball. He’s already averaging 18ppg at age 18.

It took Kidd 10 games to realize that an 18 year old forward couldn't be an NBA point guard or that it wasn't the best utilization of his skills.

 

[seansherm]

Flagg w 42/7/6 against Ace's Jazz last night. Ace w 7.

 

[goru7]

Flagg w 42/7/6 against Ace's Jazz last night. Ace w 7.

Looks very different until you actually watch the game or look at a Boxscore. ACE fouled out. Flagg is the #1 option on offense whereas on Utah , George and Markenen are the primary scorers and take most of the shots. Ace at best is the third option . Not ideal how he is being used. But props to Flagg who is getting help from a point guard and being put in a position to succeed.

 

[RUChet]

Looks very different until you actually watch the game or look at a Boxscore. ACE fouled out. Flagg is the #1 option on offense whereas on Utah , George and Markenen are the primary scorers and take most of the shots. Ace at best is the third option . Not ideal how he is being used. But props to Flagg who is getting help from a point guard and being put in a position to succeed.

Yeah but there really is no comparison between Flagg an Ace right now. Ace has a chance to be a good pro but Flagg may be an all star this year if his play continues to improve and he will be all nba soon.

Flagg is a generational player - he is already a very good defender , passer and scorer but needs to improve the 3

Ace can score but his all around game is nowhere near Flagg - at least not now

 

[BillyC80]

When I heard Flagg scored 42 points I assumed that Dallas won the game. Was surprised to see Utah beat them in overtime.

Neither team is good, Mavs at 10-17 and Jazz 10-15

 

[Nycrusupporter]

Yeah but there really is no comparison between Flagg an Ace right now. Ace has a chance to be a good pro but Flagg may be an all star this year if his play continues to improve and he will be all nba soon.

Flagg is a generational player - he is already a very good defender , passer and scorer but needs to improve the 3

Ace can score but his all around game is nowhere near Flagg - at least not now

This has always been true between the two of them.

 

[seansherm]

Looks very different until you actually watch the game or look at a Boxscore. ACE fouled out. Flagg is the #1 option on offense whereas on Utah , George and Markenen are the primary scorers and take most of the shots. Ace at best is the third option . Not ideal how he is being used. But props to Flagg who is getting help from a point guard and being put in a position to succeed.

Yeah, I wasn't commenting on Ace's game, he's option # 5 on his team lately. Don't think he's shot 40% once in their last 5. He'll be fine down the road.
Not sure I'd call Flagg their #1 option, certainly was last night. He doesn't lead them in shots all that often. Does up his role when Davis is out.

 

[RUChet]

Yeah, I wasn't commenting on Ace's game, he's option # 5 on his team lately. Don't think he's shot 40% once in their last 5. He'll be fine down the road.
Not sure I'd call Flagg their #1 option, certainly was last night. He doesn't lead them in shots all that often. Does up his role when Davis is out.

Because he’s 18 and should be a college freshman . Mavs WILL trade Davis, Irving, Thompson, Gafford. Flagg will be the number 1 option next year but hey need to rebuild. Lively if healthy is their center

 

[goru7]

Yeah but there really is no comparison between Flagg an Ace right now. Ace has a chance to be a good pro but Flagg may be an all star this year if his play continues to improve and he will be all nba soon.

Flagg is a generational player - he is already a very good defender , passer and scorer but needs to improve the 3

Ace can score but his all around game is nowhere near Flagg - at least not now

Flagg struggled in his first 10 -12 games and not until Jason Kidd finally played Nembard at the point to distribute which Kidd was having Flagg do as a point forward , has he iimproved his game , his shooting and efficiency. Ace hasn’t been given anything and is being misused in my opinion by keeping him in the corner and as the 3rd , 4th or 5th option. ACE is lethal at the foul line midrange and that has been totally eliminated from his game. He has to really work on his handle to drive more before we see an appreciable uptick in his play. He was shooting well when he was first placed in the starting lineup but the last 5 games not well. I do not think he looks comfortable out there as to where he is supposed to be on the court. Hopefully he can navigate it and let his talent take over

 

[BillyC80]

Flagg struggled in his first 10 -12 games and not until Jason Kidd finally played Nembard at the point to distribute which Kidd was having Flagg do as a point forward , has he iimproved his game , his shooting and efficiency. Ace hasn’t been given anything and is being misused in my opinion by keeping him in the corner and as the 3rd , 4th or 5th option. ACE is lethal at the foul line midrange and that has been totally eliminated from his game. He has to really work on his handle to drive more before we see an appreciable uptick in his play. He was shooting well when he was first placed in the starting lineup but the last 5 games not well. I do not think he looks comfortable out there as to where he is supposed to be on the court. Hopefully he can navigate it and let his talent take over

Saw a clip somewhere of him following up his own shot for a monster slam. Happened as Flagg could only stand by and watch.

 

[Nycrusupporter]

Yeah, I wasn't commenting on Ace's game, he's option # 5 on his team lately. Don't think he's shot 40% once in their last 5. He'll be fine down the road.
Not sure I'd call Flagg their #1 option, certainly was last night. He doesn't lead them in shots all that often. Does up his role when Davis is out.

Flagg is averaging 26 points a game over the last 7 games. He has become the #1 option.

 

[Nycrusupporter]

Looks very different until you actually watch the game or look at a Boxscore. ACE fouled out. Flagg is the #1 option on offense whereas on Utah , George and Markenen are the primary scorers and take most of the shots. Ace at best is the third option . Not ideal how he is being used. But props to Flagg who is getting help from a point guard and being put in a position to succeed.

Markkanen needs to remain their #1 option until they trade him to maximize his value. He had a down year last year, so important for him to continue putting up big numbers. They will very likely move him by the trade deadline, which also allows Ace to ease into a bigger role without too much pressure.

 

[CranfordKnight]

Harper looking good vs. my Knicks tonight.

 

[Nycrusupporter]

Harper looking good vs. my Knicks tonight.

He is hitting 3s tonight, big for him.

 

[Simce91]

He is hitting 3s tonight, big for him.

He's also playing some pretty good D

 

[seansherm]

Flagg is averaging 26 points a game over the last 7 games. He has become the #1 option.

Become the #1 scorer maybe, but think he's only taken the most shots twice in that time.

 

[seansherm]

He's also playing some pretty good D

That's what I've been most impressed with

 

[BillyC80]

Spurs can’t make a shot in the 4Q

 

[BillyC80]

Dylan with 21 to lead the Spurs

 

[yesrutgers01]

First full NBA game I have watched in a while. Dylan looks no different than he did at Rutgers but he is doing it against full grown *** NBA.
kid has no fear either.
Played a really good all around game.
Just a special player.

 

[RUChet]

‘25 and ‘26 will be 2 of the best nba rookie classes in a long time and good for young American talent for a change. these rooks are so skilled…

 

[goru7]

Dylan coming off 21 points in the NBA Cup final has 24 points in 22 minutes , shooting 9-13 , 3-5 from 3 , 3-3 from the foul line , 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 turnover in their win over Washington tonight. The confidence gained in the cup has flowed over. Dylan is killing it and if his 3 point shooting continues to improve , he will be Rookie of the Year.

 

[RUChet]

Dylan coming off 21 points in the NBA Cup final has 24 points in 22 minutes , shooting 9-13 , 3-5 from 3 , 3-3 from the foul line , 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 turnover in their win over Washington tonight. The confidence gained in the cup has flowed over. Dylan is killing it and if his 3 point shooting continues to improve , he will be Rookie of the Year.

Dylan is on the rise but it’s not going to be easy beating Flagg and Knuepel. But certainly those 3 are playing really well. It’s a terrific top of the class

 

[DHajekRC1984]

First full NBA game I have watched in a while. Dylan looks no different than he did at Rutgers but he is doing it against full grown *** NBA.
kid has no fear either.
Played a really good all around game.
Just a special player.

I haven't watched an NBA game in a decade.. but reading this thread I feel like I have more interest right now in catching a Dylan or Ace game than watching RU get embarrassed with the lack of quality play (and coaching).

 

[yesrutgers01]

I haven't watched an NBA game in a decade.. but reading this thread I feel like I have more interest right now in catching a Dylan or Ace game than watching RU get embarrassed with the lack of quality play (and coaching).

The "Cup" game was the first NBA game I have watched in a very long time. But, I have to say- it was a lot of fun. Knicks actually have a pretty fun and exciting team and it was great watching Harper out there.

 

[goru7]

Dylan is on the rise but it’s not going to be easy beating Flagg and Knuepel. But certainly those 3 are playing really well. It’s a terrific top of the class

Knueppel is probably been the most consistent , injury free , steady contributor with some breakout games. Flagg seems to be coming on since Kidd staying playing a real point guard but he is playing many more minutes and taking the most shots most nights. Dylan was really good for 5/6 games , got injured and was out 7-8 games and now has been back for about 5 games . His minutes are much less than either Flagg or Knueppel but his impact in the last 5-6 since he has been back has been just as good if not better considering his minutes and his sharing the spotlight with Castle and Fox . His efficiency is really good , a stat sheet stuffer , his defense has suprised people , and his 3 in the last 2 games has been terrific. If he gets the 3 point efficiency up , watch out.