Cooper Flagg, V.J. Edgecombe, and Asa Newell didn’t just land in the NBA—they walked into playoff-ready warzones. Each joins a team with postseason goals and immediate needs. Their college numbers were loud, and now their roles might be even louder. Whether it’s defensive stops, floor spacing, or rim protection, they’re already part of the plan. These rookies were drafted to contribute now—and the stage couldn’t be bigger.
Cooper Flagg – Dallas Mavericks (No. 1 pick)Duke’s 6’9″ star put up an impressive 19.2 pts, 7.5 reb, 4.2 ast, 1.4 stl, and 1.4 blk over 37 games, hitting nearly 39% from beyond the arc. He was named ACC Player and Rookie of the Year, leading Duke to the Final Four.
The Mavericks, after trading Luka Doncic and building a ‘win-now’ team, picked him at No. 1 in a surprising lottery outcome. Flagg, known for his elite defense, basketball IQ, and versatility, is expected to join the starting lineup—taking on perimeter threats and helping to stretch the floor for Dallas’s playoff run.
V.J. Edgecombe – Philadelphia 76ers (No. 3 pick)The 6 foot five guard of Baylor attracted the attention of everyone because he had quite good stats of 15.0 pts, 5.6 reb, 3.2 ast, 2.1 stl in the only season in his college career and was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year with Second Team All-Big 12 selection. He has been considered an exceptional athlete, excellent in attacking the defense, and has a quick transition play.
Today, Edgecombe will be a part of 76ers where he will have a company of such players as Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The Philadelphia front office considers him to be a 3-and-D wing, an all-purpose commodity that should challenge the best point players of the rival teams, who are in the chase of the playoffs.
Asa Newell – Atlanta Hawks (No. 23 pick)Georgia’s freshman leader put up 15.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, shooting 54.3% from the field and accumulating seven double-doubles—ranking him among the top freshmen in the country. Atlanta traded down from the 13th spot to select him and also secured an additional 2026 pick. Newell signed a four-year, $16.2 million rookie-scale contract. At 6’11” with a wingspan of 6’11¼”, he is seen as a mobile, energetic backup big—ready to provide support next to Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis, and could take on larger roles if injuries arise.
Dallas’s investment in Flagg indicates a belief in his potential for immediate influence and leadership. His NCAA success and versatile skill set are a great match for a Mavericks team looking for its next foundational player. Philly has found defensive versatility in Edgecombe—a high-energy wing who could serve as the spark they need in challenging moments. In Atlanta, Newell fortifies their frontcourt depth, bringing size, rebounding, and hustle to a team designed to compete in the East.