Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey top NBA rookie cards to chase in 2025-26

As the 2025-26 NBA season tips off Oct. 21, the league will be blessed with one of the strongest rookie classes in years, led by a generational player in Cooper Flagg.

The top overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg will lead a rookie class that includes multiple players who could develop into NBA All-Stars and others who could be strong rotational players.

As a result, collectors should have a bevy of coveted rookie cards to chase during the 2025-26 season. And with Topps Basketball returning for the first time in 16 years, it is the perfect time to become an avid hoops collector again.

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Here’s a look at the top NBA rookies and rookie cards to chase this year:

The former Duke star and No. 1 overall pick could not have landed in a better situation. Flagg will be featured on a playoff contender in Dallas and be surrounded by veteran stars, including former All-Stars Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving.

Flagg is considered a generational talent expected to join Spurs big man and 2023-24 Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama as one of the top rookies to enter the league in years.

As a Fanatics exclusive athlete, Flagg will be featured with multiple cards and rare parallels in all Topps products. His NBA Rookie Debut Patch card could top the $1.1 million paid for Paul Skenes MLB Rookie Debut card.

Though Bailey slipped to fifth in the NBA Draft, the Rutgers rookie could be the biggest steal of the draft. Like Flagg, Bailey may have landed in a perfect situation in Utah, where he will be the centerpiece of the rebuilding Jazz.

The talented, versatile forward could lead all rookies in scoring for the young Jazz and challenge Flagg for Rookie of the Year, making his rookie cards hot commodities.

Talk about landing in a perfect situation. What better role for a young point guard than playing with the 7-4, 21-year-old Wemby.  

Bailey’s Rutger’s teammate, the No. 2 pick in the draft, could join him on the NBA All-Rookie team.

The son of former NBA star Ron Harper, Dylan is a versatile, 6-5 point guard projected to become a future All-Star. The biggest challenge for Harper is playing time with the Spurs, which have a deep and talented backcourt.

Still, he is expected to form a long-term 1-2 punch with Wemby and the Spurs, making his rookie card one to chase.

The high-flying Edgecomb is widely regarded as the best athlete in the draft, a versatile 6-4 shooting guard expected to have an impact on both ends of the floor.

He also will get a golden opportunity on a talented Philadelphia team with a good mix of youth and veterans with point guard Tyrese Maxie and veteran All-Stars Joel Embiid and Paul George.

While Edgecomb may not put up elite scoring numbers as a rookie, he should flash enough all-around potential to make his rookie card worth chasing.

The sharp-shooting guard from Texas has a chance to be one of the best 3-point shooters in this rookie class and should get plenty of shots in a rebuilding Washington backcourt thin on talent.

A 6-6 wing, Johnson can also create his own shot and has a chance to develop into an elite scorer, making his rookie card one to chase.

Knueppel is one of the most intriguing players in the class as he also steps into a great situation with the rebuilding Hornets. Knueppel is one of the best long-range shooters in the draft and, having played with Flagg at Duke, is also an exceptional playmaker and all-around player with a high basketball IQ and winning pedigree.

While he may not be a perennial All-Star, Knueppel is expected to develop into a valuable rotational player who could have a long career. That makes his trading card worth investing in.

The lightning-quick guard from Oklahoma is a fearless shooter and scorer who could put up big numbers alongside Zion Williamson in New Orleans. The No. 7 pick in the draft will get a good opportunity with point guard Dejounte Murray out to start the season.

A surprise top-10 pick, Demin is one of five first-round picks, including three points guards, by the rebuilding Nets. A 6-8 guard, the former BYU star could start right away and put up big numbers for a team that desperately needs talent. A fast start by Demin could make him a rookie worth watching.

The 7-0 shot blocker from Duke was the top big man in the draft and the Suns wanted him so badly they traded perennial All-Star Kevin Durant for his draft rights. He’ll get an immediate opportunity behind often-injured Mark Williams. If you’re into collecting NBA big man, Maluach is your man.