• Download the NBA App

Familiar faces in new places, either by trade or free agency, always fuel anticipation for a new NBA season. Rookies, in this case, the 2025 Draft class led by Dallas’ Cooper Flagg, bring energy and excitement.

But some of the biggest impact annually comes from the new guys’ predecessors, last season’s newcomers returning for their second seasons. Like freshmen turned sophomores, they know their way around campus now. Many are ready to take the next step, and typically, a few who struggled have a little traction now.

The best of 2024’s rookie class demonstrated last season they’re on their way, including Spurs guard Stephon Castle, the Kia Rookie of the Year winner , as well as All-Rookie picks such as Memphis Grizzlies big man Zach Edey, Portland Trail Bl

See Full Page