The first two weeks of the season have already shown how differently these rookies are being used. Some have stepped into significant roles and are delivering for fantasy managers. Others are struggling with their shot or simply aren't getting enough minutes to make an impact.
Let's rank the top 15 rookies based primarily on their rest-of-season value in points leagues, with some consideration for category formats.
We'll also look at which players could become more fantasy relevant as the season progresses.
1. Caleb Wilson, SF, Chicago Bulls
Chicago hasn't wasted any time putting Wilson to work. The rookie has 19.5 PPG and 6.5 RPG in 34.1 MPG. He's also attempted 17.1 shots with a 26.3% usage rate. The shooting hasn't been particularly efficient, and averaging more than three combined steals and blocks will be difficult to sustain. Still, Wilson is getting plenty of opportunities on both ends of the floor. He's an automatic starter in fantasy lineups and has a chance to be especially valuable in category leagues.
2. Cameron Boozer, PF, Memphis Grizzlies
The shooting hasn't caught up with the rest of Boozer's game, but fantasy managers have a lot to like. He's averaged 16.5 PPG, 9.8 RPG and 5.4 assists while making 2.3 3-pointers per game. His 23.4% assist percentage shows how much Memphis relies on him as a passer. Boozer is also shooting 94.4% from the free throw line, which helps offset his field goal percentage below 40%. He's a strong hold in every format and someone I'd consider trading for if another manager is frustrated with his shooting.
3. Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Sacramento Kings
Sacramento has essentially given Acuff the keys to its offense. He's averaged 25.6 PPG, 7.0 APG and 3.0 3-pointers in 36.6 MPG, with a 32.3% usage rate. Acuff recently scored 38 points with nine 3-pointers against the Grizzlies. The downside is his efficiency. Acuff's shooting 37.7% from the field and committing 3.6 turnovers per game. That makes him more appealing in points leagues than category formats, but it's hard to argue with this kind of volume. Keep him in your starting lineup.
4. Yaxel Lendeborg, SF/PF, Golden State Warriors
Lendeborg has delivered in an expanded role for Golden State. He's averaged 21.5 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 3.9 APG and 2.5 3-pointers. Lendeborg's 63.8% true shooting percentage is impressive considering his offensive responsibilities. Jimmy Butler III's absence has helped create minutes and touches, and Lendeborg has played well. He's a must-start player, especially in category leagues. The one thing to watch is how much his role changes when Butler returns and Golden State's rotation gets healthier.
5. AJ Dybantsa, SF, Washington Wizards
Dybantsa missed the start of the season with an ankle injury, but the No. 1 overall pick has looked comfortable offensively through three games. He's averaged 16.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG and 1.0 SPG in 30.5 minutes per game. His limited assists and 3-point production make him somewhat dependent on scoring right now. Washington also has other established offensive options, so his role could take time to develop. Dybantsa belongs on fantasy rosters, and there's no reason to rush to conclusions after such a small sample.
6. Darryn Peterson, SG/PG, Utah Jazz
Peterson's shooting has been rough, but there's more to his early numbers than the 35.4% field goal percentage. He's averaged 12.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.8 APG and 1.1 steals in 30.3 minutes showing his versatility. The minutes and defensive production give Peterson a decent foundation while he works through his shooting struggles. I'd hold him in 12-team leagues and consider trading for him if another manager is inpatient.
7. Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, LA Clippers
Wagler has had the ball in his hands, but the shots aren't going in. He's averaging 12.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 23.8 minutes while shooting just 30.9% from the field. His 23.4% usage rate and 20.2% assist percentage are encouraging, and he's finding ways to get to the free throw line. Wagler is averaging 6.0 free throw attempts and converting 85.4%. There's enough here to justify stashing him in deeper leagues. In standard formats, I'd wait for the shooting or playing time to improve before adding him.
8. Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Brooklyn Nets
Brown's 33.8% field goal percentage is hard to ignore, but the passing numbers tell a different story. He's averaged 4.0 APG in 22.8 minutes, and his 31.0% assist percentage ranks among the highest in the rookie class. Brown also has a 27.9% usage rate, so Brooklyn is giving him opportunities to create offense. The problem is that he isn't producing enough outside of assists, and he's shooting only 29.7% from deep. I'd leave Brown on waivers in standard leagues for now. Better shooting or a larger role could change that.
9. Meleek Thomas, SG, Cleveland Cavaliers
Thomas has given Cleveland some unexpected scoring. He's averaged 13.0 PPG and 2.6 3-pointers while shooting 46.3% from the field. Thomas' 59.2% true shooting percentage is excellent, although he's played just five games and has averaged 21.4 MPG. He needs those threes to maintain his fantasy value, and it's difficult to expect him to keep shooting at this pace. Thomas is worth considering when you need points and 3-pointers, but I'd be careful about getting too attached to his early production.
10. Aday Mara, C, Oklahoma City Thunder
Mara's fantasy appeal is pretty simple right now. He's blocking shots. The 7-foot-3 center has averaged 1.9 BPG and 5.5 RPG in just 19.0 MPG. He's scored only 6.8 PPG, so the offensive production isn't there yet. However, the blocks alone could help managers in category leagues. Playing time remains the biggest obstacle. If Oklahoma City starts giving Mara closer to 25 MPG, he could become a much more attractive option. For now, Mara's primarily a blocks specialist.
11. Kingston Flemings, SG/PG, Atlanta Hawks
Flemings isn't scoring much, but the assists are worth paying attention to. He's averaged 4.9 APG and 0.8 SPG in 20.8 MPG. Flemings' 17.4% usage rate helps explain why he's scoring only 8.0 PPG. The passing gives him some appeal in deeper category leagues, especially for managers looking for assists. Managers in points league can leave him on waivers for now, but if Atlanta starts giving him closer to 30 MPG, Flemings could help fantasy managers who need assists.
12. Trevon Brazile, SF/PF, Denver Nuggets
Denver isn't asking Brazile to do much offensively, but he's finding ways to contribute. The second-round pick out of Arkansas has averaged 8.0 PPG and 6.4 RPG in 22.1 MPG. Brazile's shooting 55.0% from the field and his 14.4% usage rate tells us Denver isn't relying on him to create offense, which limits his scoring ceiling. However, Brazile's rebounding and defensive production could help managers in deeper leagues. I'd consider streaming him when you need those categories, especially if his minutes increase.
13. Brayden Burries, SG, Milwaukee Bucks
Burries' rebounding has been one of the better parts of his game. He's averaged 4.5 RPG and 8.9 PPG in just 17.9 minutes. Burries' shooting hasn't been nearly as impressive, though, at 41.1% from the field. Milwaukee also has several guards competing for playing time, making it difficult to project a consistent role. Burries has a 21.6% usage rate, but he isn't getting enough minutes to help fantasy managers in most leagues. I'd leave him on waivers until something changes.
14. Morez Johnson Jr., PF/C, Dallas Mavericks
Johnson is shooting 60% from the field, but that efficiency hasn't translated into much fantasy value. He's averaged just 7.4 PPG and 3.1 RPG in only 15.9 MPG, with very little production in steals or blocks. His field goal percentage is encouraging, although he needs to contribute more on the glass and defensively. Even with additional minutes, Johnson would need to improve those areas to become a dependable fantasy option. There's no reason to prioritize him on waivers in standard leagues right now.
15. Nate Ament, SF, Milwaukee Bucks
Ament has shown some promise as an outside shooter, making 40.0% of his 3-point attempts. The problem is that he's attempting fewer than two per game while averaging just 14.8 minutes. Ament's producing 7.2 PPG and 2.3 RPG, and his 20.6% usage rate suggests Milwaukee is giving him some offensive opportunities. It's not enough for fantasy purposes. Ament is more of a developmental stash in deeper leagues. Managers in shallower formats can leave him on waivers until his playing time increases.
Final thoughts
Wilson, Boozer, Acuff and Lendeborg have established themselves as must-roster players. They're getting consistent minutes and enough offensive opportunities to produce strong fantasy numbers. Wilson and Lendeborg are particularly appealing in category leagues, while Acuff's scoring and assists make him more valuable in points formats.
Boozer and Peterson are two players I'd be patient with. Both are contributing despite shooting struggles, and there's room for their fantasy value to improve if they become more efficient. Wagler and Brown also have potential, but managers in shallower leagues don't need to rush to add them.
Mara, Flemings and Brazile are three names I'd keep on the radar. Mara could become a valuable source of blocks, Flemings has assist potential, and Brazile is already contributing rebounds and defensive stats in limited minutes.
The next rookie worth adding might not be someone who's producing right now. Keep an eye on playing time, usage rates and rotation changes. Those are often the first signs that a player is about to become useful in fantasy.