As the preseason winds down and the countdown to opening night begins, the spotlight has already shifted toward the league's newest faces.
Before a single regular-season minute has been logged, the 2025 rookie class has managed to steal headlines, from viral highlights and breakout debuts to unexpected maturity on the floor.
Let's take a look at the rookies who have already carved out a place in the spotlight so far.
Cooper Flagg: The new face of Dallas
For years, Dallas revolved around Luka Doncic.
Now, Cooper Flagg is at the centre of everything in Dallas.
The No. 1 pick has transitioned seamlessly from college to the NBA.
Flagg's two-way dominance has been startling, defending wings, rebounding like a forward, and running offense through sharp reads rather than flash.
With Kyrie Irving sidelined and Anthony Davis managing his minutes, Flagg has quickly become Dallas' heartbeat. He's scoring efficiently, facilitating from the elbow, and defending at a level rare for a rookie.
If his early rhythm holds, he won't just contend for Rookie of the Year.
Flagg has the potential to push Dallas back into playoff contention sooner than anyone expected.
Ace Bailey: Utah's rising star
The Jazz may have finally found their long-term cornerstone.
Ace Bailey's preseason performances, highlighted by a 25-point showing against Houston, have lit up Salt Lake City.
His blend of confidence, athleticism, and pure scoring ability has given Utah a focal point it's lacked since the Donovan Mitchell era.
With the Jazz leaning heavily into development, Bailey has been handed the green light.
And with every game, he looks less like a rookie finding his footing and more like a player ready to lead the next chapter of Utah basketball.
Dylan Harper: The perfect fit beside Wembanyama
The Spurs' future already looked bright with Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper has made it even brighter.
The No. 2 pick has impressed early, nearly recording a double-double in 22 minutes against Indiana.
It was only Harper's second preseason game.
His poise, size, and passing touch have added a new dimension to San Antonio's offense, forming instant chemistry with Wembanyama in the pick and roll.
With De'Aaron Fox out, Harper has stepped in confidently as a lead guard, attacking gaps, finding shooters, and controlling the pace.
It's still early, but the Spurs might have landed another star player, and the Harper–Wembanyama pairing already looks built to last.
Kon Knueppel: The steady hand
Charlotte may still be a work in progress, but Kon Knueppel's arrival has brought the balance this team has been missing.
The No. 4 overall pick has wasted no time earning trust, moving into the starting lineup next to LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Ryan Kalkbrenner.
For the Hornets, who've struggled to find rhythm between Ball and Miller, Knueppel's off-ball movement and feel have been a game-changer.
He's not the type to fill highlight reels, but his versatility has quietly made the Hornets a more competitive team.
If he keeps producing in the starting lineup, Knueppel could quietly help the Hornets climb a few rungs up the Eastern Conference ladder, something this franchise hasn't managed in years.
Tyrese Proctor: The underrated playmaker
Tyrese Proctor might not have been one of the most talked about rookies entering the season, but he's already making a strong first impression in Cleveland.
The 21-year-old from Sydney has adapted quickly to the NBA's pace, showcasing his ability as both a scorer and facilitator through a promising preseason stretch.
At 6'5, he's handled extended minutes with confidence, showing improved control on the ball and a calm presence in the Cavaliers' backcourt.
With the Cavs missing Darius Garland and Max Strus, he's taken advantage of early opportunities in the rotation and looked right at home.
For a late second-round pick, Proctor's composure and consistency have stood out.
If he keeps developing at this pace, Proctor could prove to be one of the draft's best value picks.
A rookie class built for the moment
The 2025 class isn't just talented, it's ready.
From Rocco Zikarsky learning behind Rudy Gobert to Kasparas Jakucionis carving out a role in Miami, nearly every team has drafted a rookie who looks prepared to contribute to the game.
Across the league, this group has already changed expectations for what 'year one' looks like.
And leading that charge is Cooper Flagg, not just the face of a new draft class, but the first glimpse of the NBA's next era.
Hugo Gonzalez?