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As the Detroit Pistons look to climb the Eastern Conference standings in 2025-26, second-round pick Chaz Lanier hopes to make an impact as the team's only rookie.

His game may still be raw by NBA lottery pick standards, but on a rebuilding Phoenix Suns roster, rookie Khaman Maluach has time to develop and impress.

The hype surrounding Ben Simmons' coming into the league was that he could revolutionize the point guard position. However, after three All-Star worthy seasons, injuries, mental health issues, and bad decisions have led to his fall from grace.

The LA Lakers moved up in the 2025 NBA Draft to select Adou Thiero. Will the rookie be able to crack a forward-heavy lineup on a team that is searching to make the most of what could be LeBron James' last season?

The Chicago Bulls are looking to rebuild with a youthful lineup. Will Noa Essengue be one of their building blocks and how will he fare this season?

The LA Clippers have built a "win-now" team, filled with veterans in search of an NBA title. Yanic Konan Niederhauser is hoping to crack the final roster and provide the team with a youthful and energetic defensive presence off the bench.

Ryan Kalkbrenner may have been the Charlotte Hornets' last draft pick, but he could end up being one of their building blocks for the future.

The Sacramento Kings believe that they added a key piece to their retooling effort when they acquired Nique Clifford from the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2025 NBA Draft.

The Washington Wizards hope that rookie Tre Johnson becomes another core piece as the team continues to rebuild through the draft.

While both players carved out Hall of Fame worthy careers, years later, some still argue that Carmelo Anthony, not LeBron James, should have been named the 2003-04 NBA Rookie of the Year.

The Indiana Pacers are retooling this season. Can second-round draft pick Kam Jones make an impact and help the team remain competitive in the wide-open Eastern Conference?

While the start to his NBA career may have been filled with questionable decisions and behavior, the Utah Jazz believe that rookie forward Ace Bailey is a key piece of their future.

The Philadelphia 76ers are at a crossroads. While they have veteran talent on their roster that can make them a playoff team, they also have a number of young players, including rookie VJ Edgecombe, who are looking to take over the team heading into the future.

Undrafted out of Mississippi State, Cameron Matthews looks to break the Houston Rockets' 2025-2026 roster as a rookie.

Coming off a National Championship with the Florida Gators, Will Richard looks to crack the Golden State Warriors lineup for the 2025-26 season.

The Houston Rockets were dealt a massive blow when it was announced earlier this week that starting point guard Fred VanVleet would miss the season with a torn ACL.

All eyes may be on number one overall pick Cooper Flagg, but the Dallas Mavericks may have found a diamond in the rough with undrafted rookie point guard Ryan Nembhard

Lonzo Ball has dealt with a lot during his relatively young NBA career. Heading into the 2025-26 season, finally healthy after two-plus seasons away from the game, Ball may be the missing piece to the Cavs' championship puzzle.

The Chicago Bulls are hoping that homegrown forward Matas Buzelis can take the next step towards helping the team return to the postseason.

The Dallas Mavericks are primed to be a contender in the Western Conference this season. With Kyrie Irving sidelined until 2026, the Mavs are hoping that D'Angelo Russell can step in as the starting point guard.