Fantasy Basketball Rookie Report: Cooper Flagg takes first place with Kon Knueppel hot on his heels

With nearly a third of the fantasy basketball season behind us, it’s time to reevaluate the 2025 NBA Draft class. For the first time this season, the top of the rankings has changed, with Dallas’ Cooper Flagg taking the top spot. There’s been quite a change among first-year players over the last month, with new entrants and towers providing more value to fantasy managers.

Here are the updated December rankings with context for both the High Score and 9-category formats.

1. Cooper Flagg – SF/PF, Dallas Mavericks

High score ranking: 59 | Rank 9 cats: 73

Flagg holds the top spot thanks to his across-the-board production and strong role in Dallas. The Mavericks brought Flagg into the center of their offense and defense because veterans are injured or underwhelming. Flagg was featured primarily as a point guard early in the season, with his role now morphing into a scoring threat. Over his last 10 games, Flagg has averaged 21.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists while shooting 48 percent from the field.

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Just a few days ago, Flagg became the youngest player in NBA history to score 40 points (he scored 42), breaking LeBron James’ record. Flagg’s shooting woes are becoming a thing of the past, and when you combine that with his defensive contributions, he deserves the top spot. As his efficiency improves and his rating gets into the low to mid-20s, he could start to move away from the field.

2. Kon Knueppel — SG/SF, Charlotte Hornets

High score ranking: 88 | Rank 9 cats: 67

Knueppel continues to impress as one of the most polished wings in 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’s the better rookie. I have Flagg slightly ahead of him because of his defense, but Knueppel’s offensive production pushed the elite.

Knueppel leads all rookies in scoring and 3-pointers made, but what really stands out is his ability to maintain that production even under heavier usage. Charlotte asked him to be their leading scorer and playmaker, with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller sidelined at various times, and his shooting splits remain among the best in the class. He’s on pace to obliterate his rookie record of 3s, 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 at this point in the season (he’s played 883!). He was named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for October/November for a reason.

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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 ranking: 84 | Rank 9 cats: 94

Averaging 15-5-4 with one steal per game is a number worthy of a rookie of the year in a class that wasn’t that deep. Edgecombe has calmed down after his early-season explosion, but the Sixers rookie continues to produce in all categories even as the Sixers’ stars improve. He’s tested his ability as the primary ball-handler with Tyrese Maxey sidelined, and while I’m still not sold on his role, he’s getting the job done and is even out of a shooting slump that plagued him in November.

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I could see the sell angle at the top after putting up 20+ points in consecutive games. However, it has proven itself early enough to be considered one of the pillars for the future. It’s hard to find rookies stuck in 30 minutes a night.

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4. Derik Queen – C, New Orleans Pelicans

High score ranking: 97 | Rank 9 cats: 136

Queen are the new kids on the block since our last report and boy, they hit the ground running. A week ago he posted a 30-10-10 triple-double, accumulating 70 High Score points. And, even before that game, his minutes and impact continue to grow. The Pelicans traded significant capital for him, and month after month, he has improved in nearly every statistical area.

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In December he totaled 15.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists, shooting 58% from the field and 83% from the free throw line. Real minutes, real production who has evolved into a can’t-miss, potentially winning type of player in all formats.

Once he strengthens his discipline and commitment on defense, his 9-cat rating will follow. Queen are going in the right direction and could break into the top three sooner or later.

5. Ryan Kalkbrenner – C, Charlotte Hornets

High score ranking: 165 | Rank 9 cats: 86

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

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

6. Cedric Coward – SG/SF, Memphis Grizzlies

High score ranking: 135 | Rank 9 cats: 162

Coward was the best rookie in November, having played an insanely efficient first 10 games of his career. He has since regressed, but remains a key part of Memphis’ rotation. He has maintained double-digit scoring while also increasing his rebound and assist rates month after month, a sign that he can help fantasy managers beyond his efficiency. Coward is in a good spot, seeing 27 minutes per game and that could increase depending on how the Grizzlies decide to move in the next couple of months before the trade deadline.

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7. Jeremiah Fears – PG, New Orleans Pelicans

High score ranking: 121 | Rank 9 cats: 179

The emergence of fears in the last month and the change have stemmed from the absence of Jordan Poole. With Poole’s return, that hasn’t stopped the intrepid rookie from maximizing his minutes. He’s an electric player, with the handles and creativity of Kyrie Irving (seriously, look).

He is a rather volatile scorer, which is reflected in his poor 9-cat grade. However, I would still pick him for the high scoring and points championships because he gets buckets and steals at a high rate. Many wouldn’t expect Fears to lead rookies in total steals heading into Thursday. The Pelicans suck and I can only see his role expanding as we get into the season.

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Next

• Dylan Harper – PG/SG, San Antonio Spurs

• Ace Bailey – San Francisco/PF, Utah Jazz

• Maxime Raynaud – C, Sacramento Kings

• Ryan Nembhard-PG, Dallas Mavericks

Checklist (deep Stashes)

• Tre Johnson – SG, Washington Wizards

• Walter Clayton – PG, Utah Jazz

• Drake Powell – San Francisco, Brooklyn Nets

These are the names that could make it if roles change, trades occur, or injuries open up additional minutes.