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2K has revealed the top 10 highest-rated rookies list for the latest NBA 2K26. Here are their names, OVR ratings, ages, and positions.
NBA 2K26 is the latest installment in the NBA franchise, and with it comes a whole new lineup of rookie players. Usually, newcomers have a rating of 69 to 78 due to their lack of experience and skill compared to veterans. However, there are still a few exceptions to this, as sometimes the developers can give a rookie somewhere around 80 ovr. In this article, we have ranked the top 10 rookies in NBA 2K26 according to 2K.
Best 10 Rookie Ratings in NBA 2K26
We have listed the best rookies in the game from one to ten according to their ratings. Even though long-time fans of the sport might find it predictable to a certain degree, if you are a newcomer to this sports simulation title, you will certainly find many noteworthy players here.
1. Cooper Flagg – 82
- Overall Rating: 82
- Position: SF
- Age: 18
- Team: Dallas Mavericks
Coming in at the number one spot is first-round draft pick forward Cooper Flagg. The player is the latest member of the Dallas Mavericks, who held the tenth position of the Western Conference at the end of the regular NBA Season. Gamers do not often see a rookie with an 80+ rating in an NBA title; however, whenever that happens, it is usually a sign that the developers have deemed the player a generational talent. Nevertheless, ratings don’t always reflect well on the court, so you will only know how good he is when you use him.
2. Dylan Harper – 78
- Overall Rating: 78
- Position: SG
- Age: 19
- Team: San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs’ Dylan Harper is a more traditional rookie in NBA 2K26 in terms of ratings. His 78 overall makes him the second-best rookie in the entire game. The player is already a significant part of the Spurs’ new build, and he can be the same for you in the game. If someone doesn’t like Cooper Flagg, and they can certainly turn to Dylan Harper; his OVR places him right after Flagg.
3. Ace Bailey – 77
- Overall Rating: 77
- Position: SF
- Age: 19
- Team: Utah Jazz
The third player on our list can be considered one of the top contenders for Rookie of the Year alongside Flagg and Harper. He was a fifth draft pick. Gamers should not judge his ability based on draft status, as Bailey has immense natural talent and also shows tremendous potential for the future.
Also Read: NBA 2K26: Top 50 All Time Players
4. V.J. Edgecombe – 76
- Overall Rating: 76
- Position: SG
- Age: 20
- Team: Philadelphia 76ers
V.J. Edgecombe is a new player of the Philadelphia 76ers. The rookie has earned New York Gatorade Player of the Year as well as the National Interscholastic Basketball Conference (NIBC) Player of the Year in the past, and his ability both with and without the ball makes him one of the top five rookies in NBA 2K26 with a 76 OVR. Gamers who are interested in the player should also try to pair him with an experienced veteran to extract his full potential.
5. Kon Knueppel – 75
- Overall Rating: 75
- Position: SG
- Age: 20
- Team: Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets recruited Kon Knueppel as a fourth draft pick. Even though the team might not be extremely competitive in NBA 2K26, the player himself boasts a 75 OVR as a rookie, and his talent is evident from his MVP-level performance in the NBA Summer League. Knueppel’s potential is noteworthy, and 2K has deemed him as their fifth best rookie in the latest NBA title.
6. Tre Johnson – 75
- Overall Rating: 75
- Position: SG
- Age: 19
- Team: Washington Wizards
Tre Johnson has the same 75 OVR, similar to Kon Knueppel. However, he is currently a member of the Washington Wizards and the consensus is that he is a five-star recruit for the team. Despite ranking sixth in this list, Johnson can possibly go higher with development. This particular offensive player is a rookie who still has a lot to learn in order to sharpen the edges a bit more, but still makes it to the top ten list of highest-rated rookies in NBA 2K26.
7. Khaman Maluach – 74
- Overall Rating: 74
- Position: C
- Age: 18
- Team: Phoenix Suns
Khaman Maluach was drafted as a tenth pick, but his rating is not a reflection of that at all. Originally, he was recruited by the Houston Rockets, but then was traded off to the Phoenix Suns. The decision was ultimately beneficial for the player, since he had a better space to develop as a youngster and grow out of his rookie stature.
Read More: NBA 2K26: Best Power Forward Build
8. Jeremiah Fears – 73
- Overall Rating: 73
- Position: PG
- Age: 18
- Team: New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans recruited Jeremiah Fears as the seventh draft. The young talent is rated a 73 OVR as a rookie by the developers. This implies that just like in real life, Jeremiah needs some time to properly develop his talent and reach the skill-level of an NBA regular. However, if you are willing to put the training and time into it, then this player can become great.
9. Egor Demin – 72
- Overall Rating: 72
- Position: PG
- Age: 19
- Team: Brooklyn Nets
Egor Demin came into the NBA as an eighth draft pick of the Brooklyn Nets. The 72-rated rookie can be a great passer in both real life and in NBA 2K26. However, he also has some drawbacks, especially his shooting skills, which need significant improvement to compete in the NBA. Still, despite all the caveats, Demin has managed to get into the top 10 rookies in NBA 2K26.
10. Collin Murray-Boyles – 72
- Overall Rating: 72
- Position: PF
- Age: 22
- Team: Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors’ Collin Murray-Boyles is closing off our top 10 rookies in the NBA list. The 72-rated player is known primarily for his impressive defensive ability for his age. However, he can also be quite effective in certain specific offensive situations. Overall, there isn’t much difference between Collin and Egor, but the latter takes a more advanced position on this article because of his passing ability.
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