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

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

Risacher entered the NBA with less hype than typical No. 1 picks, joining a draft class initially viewed as underwhelming by many executives.

However, his transition to the league has been seamless. He quickly secured a starting position, contributing to Atlanta`s play-in tournament qualification. Despite some challenges, highlights include a 36-point game against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 30.

Since the All-Star break, Risacher has improved his shooting to 47.9% from the field and 39.2% from three-point range, demonstrating offensive consistency and reliable defense. While still developing his shot creation skills, he benefits from playing alongside Trae Young and Dyson Daniels, minimizing errors.

Despite pre-draft debates and perhaps understated initial excitement, Risacher is living up to his top pick status, making the Hawks` draft decision look increasingly sound.

2. Stephon Castle, G, Spurs

Drafted: No. 4, UConn

Key stats: 14.5 PPG, 3.9 assists per game, 51.7% TS

Castle has adapted to various roles this season, especially with coaching changes and key player absences. He has shown his versatility, particularly stepping up offensively when De`Aaron Fox was injured. Since the All-Star break, he`s averaging 17.6 points and leads rookies in scoring, strengthening his Rookie of the Year case.

While considered for the top spot, Risacher edged him out slightly due to Castle`s efficiency and turnover rate (2.1 per game). However, Castle possesses the potential to become the best player from this draft, particularly if he refines these aspects of his game.

He appears to be a valuable pick and a promising long-term partner for Victor Wembanyama.

3. Zach Edey, C, Grizzlies

Drafted: No. 9, Purdue

Key stats: 9.2 PPG, 8.0 rebounds per game, 61.9% TS

Edey`s rookie season aligns with expectations: highly efficient and productive per minute, but averaging 20 minutes due to defensive limitations, often in a platoon role.

He achieved a season-high 21 rebounds against the Detroit Pistons on April 5 and has returned to the starting lineup. Edey`s interior scoring and rebounding, combined with his unique size and strength, make his development intriguing. His net rating of +4.6 leads rookies playing over 20 minutes per game.

4. Donovan Clingan, C, Trail Blazers

Drafted: No. 7, UConn

Key stats: 6.3 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1.6 blocks per game

Clingan leads rookies in blocks per game and has shown significant potential, joining the Trail Blazers` starting lineup on Feb. 12 and adapting to increased minutes. While successful in a platoon role at UConn, his next challenge is maintaining performance with more NBA playing time.

Already an impactful defensive center, he has consistently performed well, filling in during injuries to key players and proving effective defensively and on the boards. Improving conditioning could reduce fouls and enhance his paint finishing.

Clingan appears to be a core defensive piece for Portland, especially if he can sustain longer playing stretches.

5. Matas Buzelis, F, Bulls

Drafted: No. 11, G League Ignite

Key stats: 8.2 PPG, 0.9 BPG, 55.3% TS

Buzelis has been performing at his peak since becoming a starter on Feb. 5, contributing to the Bulls` play-in qualification. His size, athleticism, improved ball handling, and shot-blocking ability provide a solid foundation.

Increased consistency and confidence have made him more impactful than initially expected. Future development will focus on expanding his offensive repertoire and improving shot creation.

Once considered a potential No. 1 pick, Buzelis is proving to be a valuable addition for Chicago, though still a work in progress.

6. Alex Sarr, PF/C, Wizards

Drafted: No. 2, France

Key stats: 13.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.5 BPG

Sarr is off to a strong professional start. Despite playing for a struggling Wizards team, he is gaining significant developmental minutes as his offensive skills catch up to his physical gifts. Few 7-footers possess his mobility, rim protection, and perimeter fluidity. While his stats show areas for improvement (45% on 2-pointers, 6.5 rebounds per game), his potential is evident.

He is approaching joining Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren as the only rookies to achieve 100 3-pointers and 100 blocks, highlighting his versatile inside-out game. Washington is counting on him as a franchise cornerstone.

7. Jaylen Wells, SG/SF, Grizzlies

Drafted: No. 39, Washington State

Key stats: 10.4 PPG, 56% TS

Wells has exceeded expectations, becoming a starter early in the season and establishing himself as a top value pick in the draft.

While his floor spacing was a known asset, Wells has impressed defensively, consistently taking on challenging assignments.

Indispensable for the Grizzlies, Wells has been a standout rookie story. Unfortunately, his season appears over due to a wrist injury sustained in a recent game.

8. Kel`el Ware, C, Heat

Drafted: No. 15, Indiana

Key stats: 9.2 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 60.7% TS

Ware was a compelling pick in the 2024 draft, with the Heat investing in his high potential despite previous concerns about consistency.

Starting in 34 games, Ware has shown improved effort since January, leading Miami in blocks and achieving 14 double-doubles, tying for the rookie lead.

He is also among the few rookies with a positive net rating while playing over 20 minutes. If Miami maximizes his potential, he could be a long-term partner with Bam Adebayo.

9. Yves Missi, C, Pelicans

Drafted: No. 21, Baylor

Key stats: 9.1 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.3 BPG

Missi`s rapid emergence has been a positive aspect of the Pelicans` injury-filled season. He addressed New Orleans` need at center, stepping up earlier than anticipated and providing valuable minutes and stability.

He leads rookies in rebounding, shares the rookie lead in double-doubles, and has started the most games for the Pelicans, offering consistency and quickly adapting to his role. While his long-term skill development is uncertain, his rim-running and interior defense are valuable assets for New Orleans.

10. Kyle Filipowski, PF, Jazz

Drafted: No. 32, Duke

Key stats: 9.1 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 59.2% TS

Filipowski`s offensive skills have effectively transitioned to the NBA, despite playing on a struggling Jazz team. Since the All-Star break, he`s averaged 13.6 points on 49% shooting and shown better defense than expected.

Falling to the second round benefited the Jazz, as Filipowski has been offensively effective and gained immediate playing time. He appears to be 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

While his role has recently decreased, da Silva started 36 games for the Magic, averaging 21.8 minutes, proving useful while key players were injured.

Although not flashy, da Silva`s versatility in lineups and ability to defend multiple positions make him valuable depth, even if it`s not always reflected in stats. Approaching 24, his upside might be limited, but the Magic gained immediate value from him.

12. Bub Carrington, PG/SG, Wizards

Drafted: No. 14, Pittsburgh

Key stats: 9.6 PPG, 4.3 APG, 51.2% TS

Carrington, 19, leads rookies in minutes per game for the rebuilding Wizards. While wins are scarce, Carrington has shown talent, including a 32-point game against the Magic on April 3. He manages turnovers well, and his size and feel for the game are impressive for his age.

He appears to be developing well and is positioned to be a key part of Washington`s future backcourt.

13. Ron Holland II, SF, Pistons

Drafted: No. 5, G League Ignite

Key stats: 6.5 PPG, 62% 2FG

Holland`s statistical impact wasn`t huge, but he has played a useful role for a surprisingly improved Pistons team, providing energy and defense off the bench. He`s improved recently, with a positive net rating and strong True Shooting since the All-Star break.

His 3-point shooting is still developing, but joining Detroit, with a less demanding offensive role than in the G League, should benefit his development.

14. Isaiah Collier, PG, Jazz

Drafted: No. 29, USC

Key stats: 8.7 PPG, 6.3 APG, 50.2% TS

The Jazz gave Collier point guard duties in January, and despite Utah`s position at the bottom of the West, he`s gained valuable experience. He broke a franchise rookie assist record and leads rookies in assists (and turnovers) per game. While his shooting and turnovers are weaknesses, his aggressiveness and playmaking are positives.

Once highly regarded in the 2024 class, the Jazz took a chance on Collier. If he improves his shooting and decision-making, Utah could benefit long-term.

15. Jared McCain, SG, 76ers

Drafted: No. 16, Duke

Key stats: 15.3 PPG, 38% 3FG (23 games)

McCain had a strong stretch for the shorthanded Sixers before a season-ending injury in December. Despite team struggles, his seven consecutive 20-point games in November were notable.

While not physically dominant, McCain`s shooting and basketball IQ provide a foundation for his second season. Limited to 23 games, ranking him higher was difficult, but he deserved mention.

16. Quinten Post, C, Warriors

Drafted: No. 52, Boston College

Key stats: 8.5 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 59.6% TS

Post leads rookies in net rating since the All-Star break while playing 18 minutes per game for the Warriors. He has performed well and earned a standard contract in February.

Possibly underrated in the draft after playing on weaker Boston College teams, his 3-point shooting (41% on over four attempts per game) has been valuable for the Warriors off the 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

Knecht`s draft position was a topic of discussion, and while his minutes have decreased on the improved Lakers, his 3-point percentage is highest among rookie wings.

Defensive limitations exist, but he can be a useful specialist and has shown promise. The Lakers might use him in the playoffs for offensive boosts.

18. Adem Bona, C, 76ers

Drafted: No. 41, UCLA

Key stats: 5.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 71% TS

Despite the 76ers` struggles since February, Bona`s performance has been notable. The second-round pick looks ready for a consistent role next season. Since the break, he`s averaged 9.8 points and 6.5 rebounds, leading rookies in blocks per game while shooting 69%.

Known for his energy, Bona has lived up to expectations in what`s been a tough season for the 76ers.

19. Ryan Dunn, SF, Suns

Drafted: No. 28, Virginia

Key stats: 6.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 51.1% TS

Dunn became a regular bench player for the Suns. He`s had a successful individual season relative to expectations. A versatile defender, he has a path to a steady role.

Offensively, he is still developing, but improving his 3-point shooting to 30% on three attempts per game is a step forward. Continued improvement in this area is crucial 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)

Mitchell is nearing a return from injury. He became a valuable bench player for the Thunder, playing so well that his two-way contract was converted despite his injury.

Mitchell`s composure and versatility helped him earn his role ahead of schedule, making him a valuable pick. His contributions, though brief, earn him the final spot on this list.