2025 Rookie Redraft: Kon Knueppel Climbs, Flagg Stays

The 2025 rookie class has already forced a midseason redraft. Kon Knueppel would climb after leading rookies with 18.1 points and 40.7 percent from three, while Cooper Flagg, despite some uneven play, remains the No. 1 choice thanks to youth and upside. Ryan Kalkbrenner vaulted from second round to lottery talk by leading rookies in rebounding and shooting near 80 percent, and second round surprises like Will Richard, Derik Queen and Ben Saraf have pushed into first round conversations. Merlin sees a league quick to reward readiness and efficiency. Early stats can be enchanted by minutes and roles, so expect more shakeups as minutes change and injuries heal. Teams chasing wins will favor grown up contributors for now, but talent and age will tug the order back toward potential by season end.