# Which was the best NBA rookie class of the 2020s?

> Six draft years, each with a franchise cornerstone and a few late-pick surprises; picking one means weighing star power against depth.

*By YPB Team · Published November 12, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/which-was-the-best-nba-rookie-class-of-the-2020s*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **2020 NBA rookie class**
   The 2020 draft's 2020-21 rookies, led by Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball (pictured) and including Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, Tyrese Maxey and Desmond Bane.
2. **2021 NBA rookie class**
   The 2021 draft's 2021-22 rookies, led by Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes (pictured) and including Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, Franz Wagner and Alperen Şengün.
3. **2022 NBA rookie class**
   The 2022 draft's 2022-23 rookies, led by Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero and including Jabari Smith Jr. (pictured), Jalen Williams, Keegan Murray and Walker Kessler.
4. **2023 NBA rookie class**
   The 2023 draft's 2023-24 rookies, led by unanimous Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama (pictured) and including Brandon Miller, Amen Thompson and Jaime Jaquez Jr.
5. **2024 NBA rookie class**
   The 2024 draft's 2024-25 rookies, led by Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle and including No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher (pictured), Alex Sarr, Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey.
6. **2025 NBA rookie class**
   The 2025 draft's 2025-26 rookies, led by Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg (pictured) and including Kon Knueppel, VJ Edgecombe, Dylan Harper and Cedric Coward.

Tags: 2020s, basketball, nba, rookies