In the wake of the 2025 NBA trade deadline, the rookie landscape has experienced a significant shift, with new talents emerging and making their mark. Notably, UConn’s freshman forward, Liam McNeeley, has risen in prominence, now projected as the 13th overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks in ESPN’s latest mock draft. McNeeley’s standout performance, including a recent 38-point game against Creighton, has solidified his status as a top prospect.
Meanwhile, Duke’s star freshman, Cooper Flagg, continues to dominate, achieving his seventh double-double of the season with 17 points and 14 rebounds in a victory over Virginia. Flagg’s historic milestone of 500 points, 100 assists, and 30 blocks in a single season has made him a favorite for National Player of the Year and a likely No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft.
The trade deadline has also influenced rookie rankings, with players like Dalton Knecht of the Los Angeles Lakers benefiting from team roster changes. Knecht’s sharpshooting abilities have earned him a consistent role, averaging 9.4 points per game and shooting 35.8% from beyond the arc.
As the season progresses, these emerging talents are poised to make significant impacts, reshaping team dynamics and contributing to the evolving narrative of the NBA’s rookie class.
