2024-25 NBA Rookie Rankings: Rookie of the Year?

1. Zaccharie Risacher, PF, Hawks

Drafted: No. 1, France
Key stats: 12.4 points per game, 1.2 turnovers per game, 54.7% True Shooting

The 2024 NBA rookie class was initially considered weak, but it has performed better than expected. As the season concludes, these rookies have shown promise. While initial expectations were low, this rookie class is shaping up to include many players with significant NBA careers ahead.

Zaccharie Risacher of Atlanta, the top pick, and Stephon Castle of San Antonio, picked fourth and a Rookie of the Year favorite, lead my rankings.

These rankings reflect current performance, not long-term potential. Players with inconsistent roles or injuries, like Reed Sheppard and Devin Carter, were not included despite my positive outlook on their future.

This list focuses on rookies with consistent playing time throughout the season, even considering those who missed some games due to injury. So, who is the top rookie of the 2024-25 season?

2. Stephon Castle, G, Spurs

Drafted: No. 4, UConn
Key stats: 14.5 PPG, 3.9 assists per game, 51.7% TS

Stephon Castle has played various roles this season, especially with coaching and player absences in San Antonio. He`s shown versatility, particularly offensively with De`Aaron Fox injured. Averaging 17.6 points since the All-Star break, he`s a strong Rookie of the Year contender based on production.

I considered ranking him first, but Risacher`s slightly better efficiency and fewer turnovers gave him a slight edge. However, Castle has the potential to be the best player from this rookie class, especially with continued development alongside Wembanyama.

3. Zach Edey, C, Grizzlies

Drafted: No. 9, Purdue
Key stats: 9.2 PPG, 8.0 rebounds per game, 61.9% TS

Zach Edey`s rookie season aligns with expectations: efficient and productive per minute, but playing around 20 minutes due to defensive limitations. He had a season-high 21 rebounds on April 5 and has returned to the starting lineup. His interior scoring and rebounding, combined with his size and strength, make his development interesting to watch. His net rating is top among rookies playing significant minutes.

4. Donovan Clingan, C, Trail Blazers

Drafted: No. 7, UConn
Key stats: 6.3 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1.6 blocks per game

Donovan Clingan leads rookies in blocks and has shown promise since joining Portland`s starting lineup in February. While successful in limited minutes at UConn, he`s adapting to more playing time in the NBA. He is already a strong defensive center, effective in various defensive schemes. Improving his physique and conditioning could reduce fouls and improve his offense.

Clingan appears to be a key defensive player for Portland if he can consistently play more minutes.

5. Matas Buzelis, F, Bulls

Drafted: No. 11, G League Ignite
Key stats: 8.2 PPG, 0.9 BPG, 55.3% TS

Matas Buzelis has played his best basketball since becoming a starter in February, contributing to the Bulls` play-in spot. His size, athleticism, improving skills, and shot-blocking ability provide a good foundation. Improved consistency has made him more impactful than expected. Developing his offense and shot creation are his next steps.

Once considered a top pick, Buzelis looks like a valuable addition for Chicago, though still developing.

6. Alex Sarr, PF/C, Wizards

Drafted: No. 2, France
Key stats: 13.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.5 BPG

Alex Sarr is off to a solid start. Playing significant minutes for the Wizards, he is developing his offense to match his physical gifts. Few players his size have his mobility and perimeter skills. While stats like two-point percentage and rebounding are areas for improvement, his potential is clear. He`s close to joining Wembanyama and Holmgren as rookies with 100 threes and 100 blocks, highlighting his versatility. Washington hopes he becomes a key player.

7. Jaylen Wells, SG/SF, Grizzlies

Drafted: No. 39, Washington State
Key stats: 10.4 PPG, 56% TS

Jaylen Wells has exceeded expectations, becoming a starter early in the season and proving to be a steal in the draft. While his shooting was a known strength, his defense has been a surprise, consistently guarding tough opponents. Wells has been vital for Memphis and a top rookie story, with a strong net rating. His season appears over due to a wrist injury, a setback for the Grizzlies.

8. Kel`el Ware, C, Heat

Drafted: No. 15, Indiana
Key stats: 9.2 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 60.7% TS

Kel`el Ware was an intriguing pick with lottery talent but questions about consistency. He has started many games and shown improved effort, especially since January. Leading Miami in blocks and with numerous double-doubles, he is performing well. He also has a positive net rating while playing significant minutes. If Miami maximizes his potential, he could be a long-term partner for Adebayo.

9. Yves Missi, C, Pelicans

Drafted: No. 21, Baylor
Key stats: 9.1 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.3 BPG

Yves Missi`s quick impact has been a positive for the Pelicans amidst injuries. Needed at center, Missi contributed earlier than expected, providing stability. He leads rookies in rebounding, is tied for most double-doubles, and has started the most games for New Orleans. While his long-term skill development is uncertain, his rim-running and defense have been valuable for the team.

10. Kyle Filipowski, PF, Jazz

Drafted: No. 32, Duke
Key stats: 9.1 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 59.2% TS

Kyle Filipowski`s offense has translated well to the NBA, despite playing on a struggling Jazz team. He has averaged good points and shooting percentages since the All-Star break and has shown better defense than anticipated. Falling to the second round benefited Utah, as Filipowski has been productive and gained immediate playing time. He looks like a strong value pick.

11. Tristan da Silva, SF, Magic

Drafted: No. 18, Colorado
Key stats: 7.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 52.3% TS

Although his role has decreased recently, Tristan da Silva started many games for the Magic and played significant minutes, filling in due to injuries. While not flashy, his versatility in lineups and defense makes him a valuable depth player. His upside might be limited due to age, but the Magic have found immediate use for him.

12. Bub Carrington, PG/SG, Wizards

Drafted: No. 14, Pittsburgh
Key stats: 9.6 PPG, 4.3 APG, 51.2% TS

Bub Carrington, at 19, leads rookies in minutes, reflecting Washington`s focus on youth. Despite team struggles, Carrington has shown talent. He limits turnovers, has good size for his position, and shows maturity. He appears to be developing well and is positioned as a key player in Washington`s rebuild.

13. Ron Holland II, SF, Pistons

Drafted: No. 5, G League Ignite
Key stats: 6.5 PPG, 62% 2FG

Ron Holland II`s stats aren`t high, but he`s played a useful role for a surprisingly improved Pistons team, providing energy and defense off the bench. He`s improved recently, with a good net rating and shooting percentage since the All-Star break. His three-point shooting needs work, but playing in Detroit with less offensive pressure should aid his development.

14. Isaiah Collier, PG, Jazz

Drafted: No. 29, USC
Key stats: 8.7 PPG, 6.3 APG, 50.2% TS

The Jazz made Isaiah Collier their point guard in January, and despite Utah`s struggles, he`s gaining valuable experience. He broke a team rookie assist record and leads rookies in assists (and turnovers). While his shooting and turnovers are weaknesses, his playmaking and aggressiveness are positives. Once highly-rated, the Jazz took a chance on Collier, hoping he improves his shooting and decision-making.

15. Jared McCain, SG, 76ers

Drafted: No. 16, Duke
Key stats: 15.3 PPG, 38% 3FG (23 games)

Jared McCain played well for the Sixers before a season-ending injury in December. His scoring, including a streak of 20-point games in November, was notable. While not physically dominant, his shooting and basketball IQ should help him develop further in his second season. Limited games this season make it hard to rank him higher, but he deserves recognition.

16. Quinten Post, C, Warriors

Drafted: No. 52, Boston College
Key stats: 8.5 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 59.6% TS

Quinten Post leads rookies in net rating while playing around 18 minutes since the All-Star break, benefiting from playing on a strong Warriors team. He has performed well and earned a standard contract. Perhaps underrated in the draft, his three-point shooting has been valuable for Golden State`s bench since joining from the G League in January.

17. Dalton Knecht, SF, Lakers

Drafted: No. 17, Tennessee
Key stats: 9.9 PPG, 37.2% 3FG

Dalton Knecht`s draft position was discussed, and while his minutes have decreased on the improved Lakers, his three-point percentage is top among rookie wings. His defense is a weakness, but he can be a useful offensive specialist and has had good moments. The Lakers might use him in the playoffs for bench scoring.

18. Adem Bona, C, 76ers

Drafted: No. 41, UCLA
Key stats: 5.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 71% TS

Despite the Sixers` struggles, Adem Bona`s production is noteworthy. The second-round pick seems ready for a bigger role next season. Since the break, he`s averaged good points, rebounds, and leads rookies in blocks, while shooting efficiently. Known for his energy, Bona has performed as expected in a difficult season for Philadelphia.

19. Ryan Dunn, SF, Suns

Drafted: No. 28, Virginia
Key stats: 6.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 51.1% TS

Ryan Dunn became a regular bench player early in Phoenix, having a successful rookie season relative to expectations. He is a versatile defender, which provides a path to a consistent NBA role. His offense is still developing, but his improved three-point shooting is a positive step. Continued offensive improvement is key for his long-term success.

20. Ajay Mitchell, SG, Thunder

Drafted: No. 38, UC Santa Barbara
Key stats: 6.4 PPG, 59.5% TS (35 games)

Ajay Mitchell is nearing a return from injury. He had become a reliable bench player for the Thunder, playing well enough to have his two-way contract converted despite his injury. Mitchell`s composure and ability to play guard positions contributed to his early role and make him a good value pick. His positive impact, though brief, earns him the final spot on this list.