NBA official rookie rankings updated: Knupel rises to first, Flagg third, Hornets have two rookies in top five

On November 13th Beijing time, the NBA official rookie rankings were updated. Hornets’ 4th pick Knupel has risen to the top thanks to his outstanding play, with Grizzlies’ 11th pick Coward holding steady at second. The third through fifth spots are occupied by Mavericks’ first overall pick Flagg, 76ers’ third pick Eichkum, and Hornets’ 34th pick Kalkbrenner. Hornets boast two rookies among the top five. Below are the specific rankings and insights—

1. Knupel (Hornets)

Season stats: averaging 16.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3 assists per game

Previous ranking: 4th place

Draft position: 4th overall pick

Highlights: Frequently led the Hornets in single-game scoring, rebounds, assists, or steals, recording two double-doubles so far. Scored 20+ points in four consecutive games (including 30 points against the Heat). Nearly achieved a triple-double against the Lakers with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists. Showcases many subtle on-court skills and is continuously learning and adapting through game experience.

2. Coward (Grizzlies)

Season stats: averaging 14.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game

Previous ranking: 2nd place

Draft position: 11th overall pick

Highlights: Amidst the Grizzlies’ struggles with injuries, losses, and other challenges this season, Coward has been a rare bright spot. Offensively, he has shown the value of a “steal” rookie, while his exceptionally long wingspan draws attention on defense, both on the perimeter and under the basket.

3. Flagg (Mavericks)

Season stats: averaging 15 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game

Previous ranking: 3rd place

Draft position: 1st overall pick

Highlights: Although age-wise he should be a college freshman, as the 2025 first overall pick, Flagg is performing at the expected level. Despite facing the highest scrutiny and expectations among rookies, and dealing with team unrest caused by front office changes (GM Nico Harrison’s dismissal), he continues to significantly impact the Mavericks’ games. In the latest match, he scored 26 points and grabbed 9 rebounds, delivering a clutch finish against the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo. The league’s referee report also vindicated him on a controversial call during the final moments.

4. Eichkum (76ers)

Season stats: averaging 15.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game

Previous ranking: 1st place

Draft position: 3rd overall pick

Highlights: This confident rookie from Baylor University is in a different environment than most peers: the 76ers are not rebuilding but aiming for the playoffs. He must accept a rotation spot behind Maxey, Embiid, and the eventually returning Paul George (knee injury). Currently, he is struggling with shooting slumps (17 made on 61 attempts over the past 5 games) and has seen reduced minutes, yet still enjoys a large fan base. Detroit Pistons’ coach Bickerstaff commented, “His speed and explosiveness remind me of a young Derrick Rose.”

5. Kalkbrenner (Hornets)

Season stats: averaging 9.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game

Previous ranking: 9th place

Draft position: 34th overall pick

Highlights: Drawing attention with an NBA historical-level shooting accuracy (82.4%, league-leading), his defense also notably suppresses opponents’ shooting percentages. This 7-foot Creighton University player ranks third in the league for blocks per game (2.3) and block rate (7.8%). Regarding his offensive efficiency, Kalkbrenner said, “It’s thanks to my teammates creating easy scoring chances for me. My role isn’t to take difficult shots, so the accuracy is naturally high, but the passes I get on my cuts are excellent.”

Players ranked 6th to 10th are 6. Fears (Pelicans), 7. Trey Johnson (Wizards), 8. Derrick Quinn (Pelicans), 9. Ace Bailey (Jazz), and 10. Will Richards (Warriors).