The 2025-26 NBA season is well underway, with most teams having played between six to eight games in the first two weeks of action. Early results have already provided a mix of surprises and confirmations: some teams expected to be conference front-runners have stumbled out of the gate, while others have started as predicted. Individual players have also delivered standout performances, including four 50-point games in this brief span, signaling an exciting season ahead.
Among the most closely watched stories this season is the debut of the incoming rookie class, highlighted by the No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg. These first-year players have experienced varied levels of success so far, with some immediately making a significant impact, while others have shown flashes of potential alongside moments of inconsistency. To better understand the rookie landscape, the Rookie Wire Power Rankings have been developed—not as a Rookie of the Year predictor, but as a week-to-week gauge of who is making the biggest contributions early on.
One rookie who has made a strong impression is Derik Queen of the New Orleans Pelicans. Queen played a crucial role in securing the Pelicans’ first win of the season against the Charlotte Hornets, tallying 12 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and four steals. Impressively, all 12 points and seven rebounds came in the fourth quarter, making him only the third player this season to reach those numbers in a single quarter. Despite an inconsistent role to start the year, Queen’s performance may have earned him an expanded role moving forward, as the Pelicans look to build momentum.
Tre Johnson of the Washington Wizards has also been a consistent offensive contributor. The sixth overall pick has scored in double figures in six of his first seven games, showcasing his dynamic scoring ability and his talent for pushing the pace and attacking the paint. His role off the bench under coach Brian Keefe has been pivotal, and Johnson’s early productivity suggests he is on track for a solid rookie season.
Will Richard, selected 56th overall by the Golden State Warriors, may not have eye-popping stats, but his impact has been notable. In just 13.7 minutes per game, Richard’s efficient shooting and fearless play have drawn praise from head coach Steve Kerr, who said Richard “looks like he is in his seventh year,” and from star Stephen Curry, who called him “fearless.” Richard’s clutch plays and solid defense have helped the Warriors maintain their status as a team vying for a deep playoff run.
Jeremiah Fears has stepped up for the Pelicans, taking on a starting role at point guard due to Zion Williamson’s hamstring injury. Aside from a rough game on October 27, Fears has been productive and aggressive, offering a different dynamic to New Orleans’ lineup. His ability to create offense and handle the ball has earned the team’s confidence as they navigate the early season without one of their stars.
Meanwhile, No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg has started the season playing point guard for the Dallas Mavericks, filling in for the sidelined Kyrie Irving. Flagg is currently sixth among rookies in scoring and one of six rookies to have scored 20 or more points in a game this season. While his performances have been somewhat uneven, coach Jason Kidd believes the experience Flagg is gaining at point guard will be invaluable as the season progresses. Flagg himself has been critical of his start but has shown glimpses of the talent that made him the top pick out of Duke.
Ryan Kalkbrenner, the Charlotte Hornets’ starting center, has emerged as a key player in their frontcourt. The 7-foot Kalkbrenner leads the NBA in field-goal percentage at an impressive 82.9% and ranks fourth in blocked shots, trailing only the league’s premier shot-blocker, Victor Wembanyama. His efficient scoring in the post and rebounding have been vital for the Hornets, who are pleased with his effort and the experience he is accumulating nightly. Notably, Kalkbrenner’s field-goal percentage is the highest ever recorded by a player through his first eight career games, underscoring his early impact.
Dylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs has also made a strong start, providing scoring and defensive energy off the bench. Harper’s ability to deliver key stops and contribute offensively has given the Spurs a promising young piece to build around. Unfortunately, Harper suffered a left calf strain during a recent loss to