Five NBA Rookies Who Could Surprise in 2025–26

Every NBA season produces a few rookies who outpace the scouting reports — players drafted outside the top five who immediately carve out meaningful roles through maturity, poise, and adaptability. The 2024 class proved that upside isn’t always defined by draft position.

Cleveland’s Jaylon Tyson was the prototype of a “Jaime Jaquez Jr.–type” rookie: polished, poised, and instantly useful. He earned closing minutes for the Cavaliers by March, averaging 11.4 points and shooting nearly 40 percent from three.

Devin Carter became Sacramento’s defensive heartbeat off the bench, playing with a veteran’s toughness. In Memphis, Zach Edey silenced critics of his mobility by anchoring the Grizzlies’ interior with efficiency and physicality.

Meanwhile, Matas Buzelis turned a turbulent G League year into an NBA breakout year in Chicago, and Orlando’s Tristan da Silva became one of the East’s most reliable glue guys, spacing the floor and defending within the Magic’s disciplined system. Together, they represented the kind of ready-made talent that often sneaks up on expectations — not through flash, but through feel and fit.

This year, two top picks — Cooper Flagg in Dallas and Ace Bailey in Utah — are already commanding headlines with highlight performances and top billing in Rookie of the Year discussions. But beneath that spotlight lies another group of newcomers drawing quiet confidence from their coaches and teammates.

From high-IQ playmakers to versatile defenders and disciplined scorers, these are the five NBA rookies who could surprise in 2025–26 — players poised to follow last year’s blueprint of unexpected readiness.

Tre Johnson’s Leadership Stands Out Early

Tre Johnson — Washington Wizards (Pick No. 6)
The Wizards envisioned Tre Johnson as their long-term offensive centerpiece, and early preseason flashes suggest that belief wasn’t misplaced. The 19-year-old averaged 6.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while showing patience and awareness uncommon for a guard his age.

Washington’s staff has praised Johnson’s work ethic — reportedly having to ask him to leave the gym to rest — and his discipline shows in his shot selection and defensive positioning. Coaches already see him as the “emotional engine” of the roster. Against New York, he scored 10 points and dished three assists in just 14 minutes, commanding the offense like a veteran.

Johnson’s competitive edge, communication, and ability to adapt off the ball make him more than a scorer. The early indicators suggest a future two-way leader capable of accelerating Washington’s rebuild faster than expected.

TOO SMOOTH ROOK 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/PZLm4sEXgC

— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) October 14, 2025

Jeremiah Fears’ Fearless Approach

Jeremiah Fears — New Orleans Pelicans (Pick No. 7)
If confidence translates, Fears might be one of this class’s quickest risers. He averaged 13.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in preseason, culminating with a 20-point, six-rebound, four-assist outing against Houston that drew high praise from head coach Willie Green for his “composure and aggression.”

Initially cautious early in camp, Fears began playing with visible rhythm and swagger, leveraging his speed to collapse defenses and create shots at all three levels. His growing command of the pick-and-roll has already earned him backup guard responsibilities as the Pelicans await Dejounte Murray’s return.

NBA scouts have likened his mentality to Collin Sexton’s, but with steadier control and defensive intent. His two-way spark gives New Orleans a much-needed burst of pace and intensity — qualities that could cement his rotation spot before December.

2025 #7 overall pick Jeremiah Fears did a little bit of everything for the Pels tonight:

20 PTS I 6 REB I 4 AST I 2 STL I 2 3PM pic.twitter.com/QqLl94SKrz

— NBA (@NBA) October 15, 2025

Khaman Maluach’s Defensive Presence Transforms Phoenix

Khaman Maluach — Phoenix Suns (Pick No. 10)
Khaman Maluach has emerged as one of the preseason’s most eye-opening surprises. The 7-footer averaged 9.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals while shooting 68% from the floor, punctuated by a breakout 17-point, eight-rebound, three-steal, two-block night against the Lakers.

What stands out isn’t just his production but how naturally his defensive instincts translate. Maluach switches fluidly, rotates on time, and defends without fouling — rare for a rookie big. His combination of quick feet and rim protection immediately gives Phoenix something it’s lacked since Deandre Ayton’s departure.

The Suns view Maluach as a long-term defensive pillar, and his early poise makes him an All-Rookie Team candidate if his minutes continue to rise. With energy, mobility, and composure already at NBA level, he’s the prototype modern big every contender seeks.

Khaman Maluach has potential… pic.twitter.com/k6fCQsRb1U

— NBA University (@NBA_University) October 15, 2025

Nique Clifford’s Poise Impresses in Sacramento

Nique Clifford — Sacramento Kings (Pick No. 24)
Few late first-rounders have adjusted faster than Nique Clifford. The 6-foot-6 guard averaged 12.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in preseason while showcasing a polished two-way game. His debut — 10 points, nine assists, and two steals — quickly earned the Kings’ coaching staff’s confidence.

Doug Christie has praised Clifford for being “ahead of schedule” as a secondary playmaker and transition defender. His court awareness and pace control bring maturity to Sacramento’s second unit, and his ability to connect plays rather than force them has drawn early comparisons to Herb Jones.

Clifford’s value lies in reliability. He defends, communicates, and plays within system flow — the rare rookie who helps stabilize rather than disrupt a veteran rotation. Sacramento may have found one of the steals of the draft.

Nique Clifford’s high level passing was apparent in his first preseason.

He lead all Sacramento players with 18 total assists.

Lefty passes, patience in PnR, and even throwing defenders off with some no-looks.

Amazing stuff from the rookie: pic.twitter.com/kLpACuUpGj

— Brenden Nunes (@BrendenNunesNBA) October 20, 2025

Ryan Nembhard’s IQ Makes Instant Impact in Dallas

Ryan Nembhard — Dallas Mavericks (Undrafted)
Undrafted rookies aren’t supposed to run an NBA offense like veterans — unless they’re Ryan Nembhard. Across four preseason games, he averaged 7.0 points, 7.3 assists, and 3.8 rebounds while committing only two turnovers total. His 10:1 assist-to-turnover ratio led all rookies, highlighted by a 12-assist, five-rebound performance against Utah.

Jason Kidd called Nembhard “reliable, organized, and consistent,” noting how his command of spacing and pace steadied Dallas’s second unit. He reads defenses several moves ahead, manipulating coverages like a seasoned floor general.

Though undersized, Nembhard compensates with anticipation and fight on defense. The Mavericks plan to open the season with him as the primary backup point guard — a remarkable rise for an undrafted player who already looks like a long-term contributor.

The Bottom Line

Rookie surprises often stem from intangibles — work ethic, feel, and maturity more than raw numbers.  Johnson’s leadership, Fears’ fearlessness, Maluach’s defensive range, Clifford’s steadiness, and Nembhard’s command of tempo each hint at staying power.

For five players drafted outside the No. 5 slot, their early composure signals something greater than early-season hype — a rookie class ready to make a real impact now, not later.

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