Top 5 Rookie of the Year Candidates At the Quarter Point Of The 2025-26 NBA Schedule

Remember when everyone assumed Cooper Flagg would cruise to Rookie of the Year? Yeah, about that. Just over six weeks into the season, this rookie class is delivering a balanced level of play by a rookie class that we haven't seen in years, with five legitimate contenders making this award anyone's game. The beauty of this race? It's December, and we are genuinely no closer to knowing who will win the award come the end of the season. 

Charlotte Hornets | 18.2 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 3.2 APG

The revelation nobody saw coming. Charlotte's fourth pick is averaging over 18 points per game and drilling threes at an absurd clip. Currently, the Hornets forward is on pace to shatter the rookie record for made three-pointers. To date, Knueppel has had just three single-digit scoring nights. If the Hornets weren’t such a terrible team, maybe the media attention would help more casual fans pay attention to what is happening in Charlotte, rather than saying “who”?

Dallas Mavericks | 17.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.3 APG

The consensus number one pick is finally finding his rhythm after an inconsistent start. Playing point guard for a struggling Dallas team wasn't exactly the dream scenario, but he's showing why he was so hyped. The Mavericks have won four of their last five games, which have included a season-high 35-point game and a pair of 20+ point efforts from Flagg, who has thrived since moving to his more natural small forward position. 

Philadelphia 76ers | 14.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 4.0 APG

Edgecombe made his presence felt straight out of the gate for the 76ers, forming an electric backcourt with Tyrese Maxey that has Philadelphia fans giddy about the next decade. His efficiency and output have dipped after the first seven games of the season, but his ability to impact the game on both ends of the court continues to help the Sixers remain as playoff contenders during a season in which most had considered the team to be bound for a lottery pick. 

New Orleans Pelicans | 15.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 3.1 APG

The seventh pick needed just two games coming off the bench to earn the full-time starting point guard gig with the Pelicans. Leading all rookies in steals, Fears recently put together three straight games scoring 20 or more points.  He's been given the keys to run the Pelicans' offense with Dejounte Murray out, and he's responded with a fearless attacking style that's exactly what New Orleans needs as they figure out their rebuilding process. 

New Orleans Pelicans | 12.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.9 APG

New Orleans gave up a lot to acquire the thirteenth pick, moving the 23rd pick and a first-round selection next summer.  Queen's all-around game and energy have been eye-opening, making the deal somewhat more tolerable for the struggling Pelicans. He recently dropped a historic 33-point triple-double against the Spurs, becoming the first rookie center to post a 30-point triple-double in NBA history. He and Fears are helping the Pelicans stay competitive despite injuries to key players, while giving New Orleans a 1–2 punch for the future.