The 2024 NBA rookie class, initially considered weak, has exceeded expectations. Despite low initial opinions from league experts about the draft`s top talent, this group of first-year players has shown significant promise throughout the season.

While it’s still early to fully judge the long-term impact of the 2024 draft class, the regular season`s conclusion suggests it will produce many valuable NBA players with considerable potential for future growth.

Leading the rookie rankings are Zaccharie Risacher of Atlanta, the first overall pick, and Stephon Castle from San Antonio, the fourth pick and a strong contender for Rookie of the Year.

These rankings are a snapshot of the rookies` performance this season, not a prediction of their entire careers. Players like Reed Sheppard and Devin Carter, despite their potential, are not included due to inconsistent roles or injuries affecting their playing time.

This final ranking focuses on rookies who consistently played significant minutes throughout the season, although those who missed time due to injury were still considered.

So, who tops the list as the best rookie of the 2024-25 NBA season?

Contents
  1. 1. Zaccharie Risacher, PF, Hawks
  2. 2. Stephon Castle, G, Spurs
  3. 3. Zach Edey, C, Grizzlies
  4. 4. Donovan Clingan, C, Trail Blazers
  5. 5. Matas Buzelis, F, Bulls
  6. 6. Alex Sarr, PF/C, Wizards
  7. 7. Jaylen Wells, SG/SF, Grizzlies
  8. 8. Kel`el Ware, C, Heat
  9. 9. Yves Missi, C, Pelicans
  10. 10. Kyle Filipowski, PF, Jazz
  11. 11. Tristan da Silva, SF, Magic
  12. 12. Bub Carrington, PG/SG, Wizards
  13. 13. Ron Holland II, SF, Pistons
  14. 14. Isaiah Collier, PG, Jazz
  15. 15. Jared McCain, SG, 76ers
  16. 16. Quinten Post, C, Warriors
  17. 17. Dalton Knecht, SF, Lakers
  18. 18. Adem Bona, C, 76ers
  19. 19. Ryan Dunn, SF, Suns
  20. 20. Ajay Mitchell, SG, Thunder

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 top picks, joining what was seen as a weaker draft.

However, his transition to the league has been smooth. He became a starter early in the season, helped Atlanta compete for a play-in spot, and scored a season-high 36 points against Milwaukee in March.

Since the All-Star break, he`s been shooting efficiently and playing solid defense. While he needs to improve creating his own shots, he`s benefited from playing alongside experienced guards and avoids many errors.

Despite pre-draft debates, Risacher has lived up to his top pick status, making the Hawks` selection look wise.

2. Stephon Castle, G, Spurs

Drafted: No. 4, UConn

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

Castle has played various roles this season, especially with team changes and injuries.

He`s shown his versatility, taking on a larger offensive role and leading rookies in scoring since the All-Star break. This strong performance has built a solid case for NBA Rookie of the Year.

While considered for the top spot, Risacher edged him out due to Castle`s slightly lower efficiency and higher turnover rate. However, Castle has the potential to become the best player from this draft, particularly if he refines these areas.

He appears to be a great pick and a promising partner for a returning key player in the future.

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 is unfolding as expected: highly effective per minute but with limited playing time due to defensive challenges, averaging 20 minutes per game in a rotational role.

He grabbed a season-high 21 rebounds in April and has returned to the starting lineup recently. Edey`s inside scoring and rebounding, combined with his unique size and strength, make his development intriguing. His positive net rating is the best among 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 all rookies in blocks and has shown great potential, becoming a starter for the Trail Blazers in February and adjusting to more minutes than he played in college.

Already a strong defensive center, he`s been consistent defensively, filling in effectively due to injuries. Improving his physique and fitness could reduce fouls and enhance his scoring near the basket.

Clingan looks like a key defensive player for Portland, especially if he can increase his playing time.

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 his best since becoming a starter in February, contributing to the Bulls` play-in tournament qualification. His size, athleticism, improved skills, and shot-blocking ability provide a strong foundation.

Increased consistency and confidence have made him more impactful than some expected. The next step is to expand his offensive game and create more shots himself.

Once considered a potential top pick, Buzelis is proving to be a valuable addition for Chicago, although still developing.

6. Alex Sarr, PF/C, Wizards

Drafted: No. 2, France

Key stats: 13.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.5 BPG

Sarr`s NBA career is off to a good start. Despite playing on a struggling Wizards team, he`s getting significant playing time as his offensive skills catch up to his physical gifts. Few players his size move as well, protect the rim, and operate on the perimeter like Sarr.

While his stats show areas for improvement, his talent flashes suggest high potential. He`s close to joining a select group of rookies with 100 threes and 100 blocks, highlighting his versatile game. Washington is counting on him as a future cornerstone player.

7. Jaylen Wells, SG/SF, Grizzlies

Drafted: No. 39, Washington State

Key stats: 10.4 PPG, 56% TS

Wells has been a surprisingly quick contributor for the Grizzlies, becoming a starter early in the season and performing as a top value pick in the draft.

Known for his shooting, Wells has also impressed defensively, taking on tough assignments regularly.

He has been crucial for a Grizzlies team that was strong in the West for much of the season. Wells is a notable rookie success story, with a high net rating among rookies playing significant minutes.

Unfortunately, his season appears over due to a wrist injury suffered in a recent game, a blow to the Grizzlies as the playoffs approach.

8. Kel`el Ware, C, Heat

Drafted: No. 15, Indiana

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

Ware was an intriguing pick in the draft, with the Heat investing in his talent despite past concerns about consistency.

He has started many games and shown improved effort, leading Miami in blocks and recording numerous double-doubles, among the most for rookies.

He`s also one of few rookies with a positive net rating while playing significant minutes. If Miami can maximize his potential, he could be a long-term partner alongside their established center.

9. Yves Missi, C, Pelicans

Drafted: No. 21, Baylor

Key stats: 9.1 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.3 BPG

Missi`s quick emergence has been a positive for the Pelicans during an injury-filled season. New Orleans needed center depth, and Missi stepped up earlier than expected, providing valuable minutes and stability.

He leads rookies in rebounds, is tied for the most double-doubles, and has started the most games for the Pelicans, showing consistency and learning quickly. While his long-term skill development is uncertain, his rim-running and defense have been a good find 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 translated well to the NBA, although in a context of many losses for Utah. He`s averaged good scoring numbers since the All-Star break and has shown better defense than anticipated.

Falling to the second round was beneficial for the Jazz, as Filipowski has been effective offensively and gained immediate playing time. He looks like a strong value pick so far.

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 recently decreased, da Silva started many games for the Magic and played significant minutes, filling in effectively when key players were injured.

While not flashy, da Silva`s versatility to fit different lineups and defend multiple positions makes him valuable depth. His upside might be limited due to age, but the Magic found immediate use for him in the mid-first round.

12. Bub Carrington, PG/SG, Wizards

Drafted: No. 14, Pittsburgh

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

Carrington, only 19, leads all rookies in minutes played, as Washington focuses on developing young talent. Despite team struggles, Carrington has shown his potential, including a 32-point game in April. He manages turnovers well, has good size for his position, and shows maturity for his age.

He seems to be developing well and is positioned to be a key player in Washington`s rebuilding process.

13. Ron Holland II, SF, Pistons

Drafted: No. 5, G League Ignite

Key stats: 6.5 PPG, 62% 2FG

Holland`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, showing a positive net rating and good shooting efficiency since the All-Star break.

His three-point shooting needs work, but playing in Detroit with less offensive pressure than in the G League 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 gave Collier point guard duties in January, and despite Utah`s poor record, he`s gaining valuable experience. He broke a team rookie assist record and leads rookies in assists (and turnovers) per game. Collier struggles with shooting and makes mistakes, but his aggression and playmaking are positives.

Once highly regarded, the Jazz took a chance on Collier after he dropped in the draft. It could be a good move long-term if 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)

McCain played impressively for the shorthanded Sixers before an injury ended his season early. Despite team losses, his streak of 20-point games in November was notable.

While not physically dominant, McCain`s shooting and basketball IQ give him potential for growth in his second season. His ranking is limited by playing only 23 games, but he deserved recognition.

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 while playing for the Warriors and has earned a standard contract.

Possibly underrated in the draft, his floor spacing ability has been valuable off the Warriors` bench since joining from the G League.

17. Dalton Knecht, SF, Lakers

Drafted: No. 17, Tennessee

Key stats: 9.9 PPG, 37.2% 3FG

Knecht`s draft position was a talking point, and while his minutes have decreased on the improved Lakers, his three-point percentage is still high 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, Bona`s performance has been positive. The second-round pick looks ready for a bigger role next season. He`s averaged good numbers since the break and leads rookies in blocks per game during this period, while shooting efficiently.

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

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, having a successful individual season despite the team`s underperformance. He`s a versatile defender, securing a long-term role.

His offense is still developing, particularly his shooting, but improving his three-point percentage is a step forward and crucial for his future.

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 to a standard one despite his injury.

Mitchell`s composure and versatility in the backcourt earned him this role quickly, making him a strong value pick. His contributions, though in a short period, earn him the final spot on this list.