This year's rookie class is shaping up to be a talented one, full of potential stars and good depth. It's a stark contrast to last year, where the future All-Stars are still somewhat of a mystery.
Cooper Flagg was the runaway favorite for Rookie of the Year during the preseason, but he hasn't been close to the most impressive rookie thus far. There's going to be plenty of competition for that award, and it's still wide open.
Here's a look at the top 10 rookies after roughly a dozen games in the books.
1. VJ Edgecombe, Sixers (No. 3 draft pick), A
Flagg was supposed to be the rookie who contributed to a good team right away. Instead it's been Edgecombe, who the Sixers have leaned on to become one of the early surprises in the East.
Edgecombe's athleticism was always readily apparent. That has translated in a big way. He's a thunderous force when going downhill. He's already a tough defender who is leading his class with 1.5 steals per game. He's also averaging the second-most points at 16.3 per game, aided by solid 3-point shooting and more self-creation than he showed at Baylor.
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2. Cedric Coward, Grizzlies (No. 11 pick), A
Coward had a massive rise during the pre-draft process, but it may not have been big enough. In retrospect, it might have been obvious that the 6-foot-6 wing with a 7-foot-2 wingspan would be an instant 3-and-D success story.
He brings high effort to the defensive side of the ball, hounding opponents. And his 44.4 percent from 3 has combined nicely with his off-ball cutting skill.
3. Kon Knueppel, Hornets (No. 4 pick), A
Knueppel is on pace to smash through the rookie record for 3's made in a season, set by Keegan Murray three years ago. He's torched the nets, hitting 40.5 percent of his bombs for the Hornets on 8.2 attempts per game.
He's done more than just shoot the ball. He's showing flashes of self creation and playmaking. He's setting killer screens. And he's moving well off the ball, putting pressure on opposing defenses at all times. His 16.7 points per game are leading this class.
4. Cooper Flagg, Mavericks (No. 1 pick), B+
Flagg might be the most talented of this bunch, but he hasn't had the hot start many anticipated. That is almost completely due to his role on the Mavericks, who need his shot creation and are giving him too much responsibility.
Dallas' offense is the worst in the league, with weak guard play and little ability to generate rim pressure. Flagg has been forced to play on the ball and try to manufacture shots for teammates. He's still been great in transition, but the lack of coherent roster building has made it a slog in the team's halfcourt offense.
Despite not yet figuring out how to become an efficient scorer, Flagg is contributing in other areas. He's still defended well, and he's managed to average 15.0 points per game despite the lack of threats around him.
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5. Dylan Harper, Spurs (No. 2 pick), B+
Harper will drop in the next edition of this rookie ranking. A calf strain will keep him out for multiple weeks. But through his first six games, he was in the running for the best start outside of Edgecombe.
Harper is only 19 years old, but he already sees the floor like a veteran. His drives, first step, and ballhandling have been impressive. He looks like he has star potential next to Victor Wembanyama.
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6. Jeremiah Fears, Pelicans (No. 7 pick), B
Fears has the best handle in his class. He's using it to get downhill and attack defenses. He's been electric in getting to the rim, finishing with touch, and using crafty change-of-pace to create space for his shot. Defensively, he's been a deflections machine.
It's been a rocky season for New Orleans, and Fears hasn't shown the consistency yet. He's had some brilliant games along with some stinkers. But he's already proven that he's a starting-level guard with a high ceiling.
7. Collin Murray-Boyles, Raptors (No. 9 pick), B
Murray-Boyles had tremendous defensive instincts at South Carolina. He's brought that same effort and intensity to the Raptors this season. He's got the size and strength at 6-foot-7 and 245 pounds to play some small ball five, where he's been effective in stints early on. And his hands and feet are like a guard's.
The question for Murray-Boyles is if he can contribute enough offensively to be an effective player. His shooting form is unorthodox, but he's been a surprising 8-of-17 from deep through his first eight games.
8. Tre Johnson, Wizards (No. 6 pick), B
Johnson is a walking bucket who never passes up a decent look. He's been able to score from all three levels, although his rim touch needs some work. He's broken into the Wizards' starting lineup over the past week thanks to his string of scoring double-digit points in eight of his first 11 games.
9. Ryan Kalkbrenner, Hornets (No. 34 pick), B
Will Kalkbrenner ever miss a shot? He's shooting an absurd 80.8 percent from the field, which will smash the record 74.2 percent set by Mitchell Robinson if Kalk takes enough shots to qualify.
Kalkbrenner is also among the league leaders with 2.3 blocks per game. His size has shored up a weak point for the Hornets. He's extremely tough to keep off the offensive glass, and he has great touch when he gets the ball near the rim.
Kalkbrenner does have some limitations. He doesn't move particularly well, and he isn't a jump shooter. He's an older rookie at age 24, giving him limited upside. But he knows his role, and he fills it extremely well.
10. Derik Queen, Pelicans (No. 13 pick), B
Queen has started to get some playing time, and he's making the most of it. He's filling up the stat sheet in every column, serving as a hub for the team's offense and throwing some gorgeous passes. He plays with extreme confidence and poise, going right at even the best defenders in the league like Victor Wembanyama.
The flashes from Queen are great, but there are still some fairly glaring holes in his game. His defense and scoring efficiency haven't materialized yet. The good has outweighed the bad thus far, and he has a fun future ahead of him.
Honorable mention: Hugo Gonzalez, Sion James, Will Richard, Walter Clayton Jr.