By Jeremy Woo | ESPN, 2025-04-10 19:20:00
由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
2024 届 NBA 新秀可能是过去十年中最受诟病的一届，联盟高管们普遍认为该届选秀缺乏顶尖人才。在我们回顾本赛季最终的新秀排行榜时，有一个好消息：相对于之前的预期，这批新秀已经很好地适应了。
当然，之前的期望值很低，而且 2024 届新秀的长期表现还有待时间检验。但随着常规赛于周日结束，这届新秀正在成长为一批能够产生许多具有长期潜力的 NBA 老将的群体。
我榜单上的前两名新秀分别是亚特兰大的扎卡里·里萨谢(Zaccharie Risacher)，去年的状元秀，以及圣安东尼奥的斯蒂芬·卡斯尔(Stephon Castle)，第四顺位被选中，目前是 NBA 年度最佳新秀的博彩热门。
与往常一样，这份新秀排名并不代表长期潜力，而是旨在反映这届新秀的整体表现。像里德·谢泼德(Reed Sheppard)这样在休斯顿火箭队的角色不稳定的球员，以及德文·卡特(Devin Carter)这样在肩伤复出后在萨克拉门托国王队的角色有限的球员，因此没有被列入榜单，尽管我仍然看好他们的前景。
这份最终版本旨在表彰那些在本赛季大部分时间里都扮演常规角色的球员，尽管那些因伤缺席一段时间的球员也得到了考虑。
那么，谁是 2024-25 赛季的头号新秀呢？
更多 NBA 报道：
争冠球队的弱点 | 卢卡的其他交易
选秀： 最新模拟选秀 | 前 100 名排名
1. 扎卡里·里萨谢，大前锋，老鹰
选秀顺位： 状元，法国
主要数据： 场均 12.4 分，场均 1.2 次失误，真实命中率 54.7%
里萨谢以有史以来最不被看好的状元秀之一的身份进入 NBA，联盟高管们普遍认为这是一届星光黯淡的选秀。
考虑到所有因素，他适应联盟的过程相当顺利。他在赛季开始后的两场比赛中就获得了全职首发的位置，亚特兰大队重新回到了附加赛席位，并且尽管面临挑战，但积极的收获包括 3 月 30 日对阵密尔沃基雄鹿队的比赛中创下赛季新高的 36 分。
自从二月份的全明星赛后，他的投篮命中率为 47.9%，三分球命中率为 39.2%，并且在进攻端已经稳定下来，同时打出了可靠的防守。他需要在创造自己的投篮机会方面下功夫，但他受益于与特雷·杨(Trae Young)和戴森·丹尼尔斯(Dyson Daniels)的配合，并且很少犯错。
在去年六月关于应该选择哪位球员作为状元秀的激烈辩论之后——也许还没有足够的宣传——里萨谢正在兑现他的状元秀身份，老鹰队应该对他们的决定（当时和现在）感到满意。
2. 斯蒂芬·卡斯尔，后卫，马刺
选秀顺位： 第 4 顺位，康涅狄格大学
主要数据： 场均 14.5 分，场均 3.9 次助攻，真实命中率 51.7%
在一个格雷格·波波维奇(Gregg Popovich)教练因中风休养而缺席球队，而维克托·文班亚马(Victor Wembanyama)因右肩深静脉血栓而缺阵的赛季里，卡斯尔被要求扮演许多不同的角色。
卡斯尔证明了自己像之前被吹捧的那样多才多艺，在达龙·福克斯(De’Aaron Fox)因小拇指受伤缺席本赛季剩余比赛的情况下，他更多地承担了进攻核心的角色。自全明星赛以来，他场均得到 17.6 分，在所有符合条件的新秀中得分领先，并且从产量角度来看，他为赢得 NBA 年度最佳新秀的奖项建立了强大的理由。
我曾考虑把他排在榜单的第一位，但卡斯尔在效率和失误方面的挣扎（场均 2.1 次失误）让里萨谢略占优势。然而，卡斯尔肯定有潜力最终成为这届新秀中最好的球员，特别是如果他能够改进他比赛的这些方面。
他看起来像是一个正确的选择，并且是文班亚马回归后一个有趣的长期搭档。
3. 扎克·埃迪(Zach Edey)，中锋，灰熊
选秀顺位： 第 9 顺位，普渡大学
主要数据： 场均 9.2 分，场均 8.0 个篮板，真实命中率 61.9%
埃迪的新秀赛季符合我的预期：他在每分钟的基础上效率很高并且产量丰富，但由于他的防守限制，场均只有 20 分钟的出场时间，使他更多地扮演了一个轮换角色。
他在 4 月 5 日对阵底特律活塞队的比赛中抢下了赛季新高的 21 个篮板，并且自从孟菲斯队更换教练以来，随着灰熊队进入季后赛的实验，他已经回到了首发阵容。埃迪的内线得分和篮板球能力，加上他不同寻常的身材和力量，将使他的发展轨迹引人入胜。他在场上时球队的净效率值为 +4.6，在场均出场时间超过 20 分钟的新秀中排名第一。
4. 多诺万·克林根(Donovan Clingan)，中锋，开拓者
选秀顺位： 第 7 顺位，康涅狄格大学
主要数据： 场均 6.3 分，场均 7.7 个篮板，场均 1.6 个盖帽
克林根在场均盖帽数方面领先所有新秀，并且表现出了许多积极的闪光点，他在 2 月 12 日进入了开拓者的首发阵容，并且首次适应了职业生涯中更长的出场时间。他在康涅狄格大学的轮换阵容中获得了很大的成功，但下一步将是在 NBA 中持续承担更多的比赛时间。
他已经是一位有影响力的防守中锋，并且在防守端一直很稳定，在德安德烈·艾顿(Deandre Ayton)和罗伯特·威廉姆斯三世(Robert Williams III)受伤的情况下挺身而出，并且在沉退防守和篮板球方面都证明了自己是有效的。改善他的体格和身体状况可能有助于限制犯规麻烦，并使未来在油漆区的终结更容易。
克林根看起来像是波特兰队一个真正的防守核心，特别是如果他能够在场上停留更长的时间。
5. 马塔斯·布泽利斯(Matas Buzelis)，前锋，公牛
选秀顺位： 第 11 顺位，NBA G 联赛点燃队
主要数据： 场均 8.2 分，场均 0.9 个盖帽，真实命中率 55.3%
自从 2 月 5 日成为全职首发以来，布泽利斯打出了他本赛季最好的篮球，为一支已经锁定附加赛席位的公牛队带来了改变。他所处的位置带来的体型优势、运动能力和不断提高的球技，加上不错的盖帽本能（每 40 分钟 2.1 次），为他提供了一个坚实的基础。
不断提高的稳定性和自信心使他在各个方面都比一些球探预期的更有影响力。下一步将是扩大他的进攻范围，并更有效地创造自己的投篮机会。
布泽利斯在去年一度被认为是状元秀的候选人，而且到目前为止，他看起来确实是芝加哥队的一个不错的补充，即使他不是一个成品。
6. 亚历克斯·萨尔(Alex Sarr)，大前锋/中锋，奇才
选秀顺位： 第 2 顺位，法国
主要数据： 场均 13.1 分，场均 6.6 个篮板，场均 1.5 个盖帽
萨尔的职业生涯开局良好。奇才队表现不佳，但他获得了大量的进步时间，因为他的进攻技巧正在赶上他令人印象深刻的身体天赋。很少有 7 英尺高的球员能够像萨尔那样在地板上奔跑、保护篮筐并在外线流畅地发挥作用，而且虽然他的统计数据存在缺陷（两分球命中率为 45%，场均 6.5 个篮板都低于标准），但他的天赋闪光点说明了他的长期潜力。
他即将加入文班亚马和俄克拉荷马城切特·霍姆格伦(Chet Holmgren)的行列，成为 NBA 历史上仅有的投进 100 个三分球并盖帽 100 次的新秀，这表明了内外兼修的多功能性，这可能会使他在未来脱颖而出。华盛顿队希望他成为一名基石球员。
7. 杰伦·威尔斯(Jaylen Wells)，得分后卫/小前锋，灰熊
选秀顺位： 第 39 顺位，华盛顿州立大学
主要数据： 场均 10.4 分，真实命中率 56%
即使是灰熊队也无法预料到威尔斯会如此迅速地适应，他在赛季开始后的五场比赛中就成为了首发球员，从那以后一直保持着这个位置，并且表现为这届新秀中最有价值的选择之一。
他的外线投射能力是他在选秀时的卖点之一，但威尔斯在防守端确实令人惊讶，他在防守端经常承担艰巨的任务。
威尔斯对于一支在本赛季的大部分时间里都排在西部前列的球队来说是不可或缺的，并且是本赛季更好的新秀故事之一，他的 +4.2 净效率值在新秀中排名第二，仅次于埃迪（出场 20 分钟以上）。
威尔斯的赛季似乎已经结束，他在周二夏洛特队的胜利中摔倒导致手腕骨折，并且被担架抬离球场。随着季后赛的临近，这对苦苦挣扎的灰熊队来说是又一次重大挫折。
8. 凯莱尔·韦尔(Kel’el Ware)，中锋，热火
选秀顺位： 第 15 顺位，印第安纳大学
主要数据： 场均 9.2 分，场均 7.4 个篮板，真实命中率 60.7%
韦尔是 2024 年选秀大会上更令人感兴趣的选择之一，热火队投资了他的乐透级天赋，尽管他因努力程度不稳定而闻名，这使他在高中和大学时期的球探中备受争议。
韦尔已经首发了 34 场比赛，并且自从一月份取得突破以来，他的动力得到了改善，他在盖帽方面领先迈阿密，并且表现出了稳定的表现，包括 14 次两双，与伊夫·米西并列新秀最多。
他也是本赛季平均出场时间超过 20 分钟并且净效率值为正的三名新秀之一。如果迈阿密能够继续最大限度地发挥他的潜力，他可能会成为巴姆·阿德巴约(Bam Adebayo)身边的一个长期固定球员。
9. 伊夫·米西(Yves Missi)，中锋，鹈鹕
选秀顺位： 第 21 顺位，贝勒大学
主要数据： 场均 9.1 分，场均 8.2 个篮板，场均 1.3 个盖帽
米西的迅速崛起是伤病缠身的鹈鹕队赛季中的一个亮点。新奥尔良队迫切需要解决中锋位置的问题，而米西比预期更早地挺身而出，为鹈鹕队提供了有用的出场时间和宝贵的稳定性。
他在篮板球方面领先所有新秀，与韦尔并列两双次数最多，并且在鹈鹕队首发的比赛最多，他在他的角色中提供了一丝稳定和证明了他的学习能力。虽然目前尚不清楚从长远来看他将在技术方面增加多少，但他的篮筐冲击和内线防守使他成为新奥尔良队一个不错的发现。
10. 凯尔·菲利波夫斯基(Kyle Filipowski)，大前锋，爵士
选秀顺位： 第 32 顺位，杜克大学
主要数据： 场均 9.1 分，场均 5.9 个篮板，真实命中率 59.2%
菲利波夫斯基的进攻技巧已经很好地转化为 NBA 比赛，尽管这是在犹他州不断失利的情况下。自全明星赛以来，他场均得到 13.6 分，投篮命中率为 49%，并且在防守端表现出了比本赛季预期更多的勇气。
他在选秀大会第二轮中的表现对爵士队来说是很好的，因为菲利波夫斯基在进攻端表现得绰绰有余，并且受益于立即上场比赛的机会。目前，他看起来像是这届新秀中更有价值的选择之一。
11. 特里斯坦·达·席尔瓦(Tristan da Silva)，小前锋，魔术
选秀顺位： 第 18 顺位，科罗拉多大学
主要数据： 场均 7.0 分，场均 3.3 个篮板，真实命中率 52.3%
尽管最近他的角色有所减少，但达·席尔瓦还是为魔术队首发了 36 场比赛，并且平均出场时间为 21.8 分钟，证明了自己是一个有用的替补，因为弗兰茨·瓦格纳(Franz Wagner)和保罗·班切罗(Paolo Banchero)都因伤缺席了本赛季的相当一段时间。
虽然不是华而不实，但达·席尔瓦在进攻端混合阵容以及防守多个位置的能力使他成为一名多才多艺的替补球员，增加了不总是在他的统计数据中体现出来的价值。他将于 5 月 15 日满 24 岁，因此潜力可能不是很大，但魔术队在首轮中段立即发现了他的实用性。
12. 布布·卡林顿(Bub Carrington)，控球后卫/得分后卫，奇才
选秀顺位： 第 14 顺位，匹兹堡大学
主要数据： 场均 9.6 分，场均 4.3 次助攻，真实命中率 51.2%
19 岁的卡林顿在场均出场时间方面领先所有新秀，华盛顿队完全致力于他们的年轻球员运动。作为副产品，奇才队并没有赢得太多比赛，但卡林顿已经展示了他的天赋（他在 4 月 3 日对阵魔术队的比赛中得到 32 分）。他一直很好地限制了失误，并且相对于他的年龄而言，他具有高于平均水平的身材和敏锐的感觉。
他的发展看起来处于良好的位置，并且有增长的空间，这使他成为华盛顿队继续重建的后场固定球员。
13. 罗恩·霍兰德二世(Ron Holland II)，小前锋，活塞
选秀顺位： 第 5 顺位，NBA G 联赛点燃队
主要数据： 场均 6.5 分，两分球命中率 62%
从统计数据上讲，霍兰德的赛季并不出色，但他为一支令人惊讶的活塞队填补了一个有用的角色，该队重返季后赛，从替补席上提供了活力和稳固的外线防守。他已经开始在关键时刻弄清楚一些事情，自从全明星赛以来，他的净效率值为 +6.1，真实命中率为 64%。
霍兰德的三分球投篮（23%）仍然需要改进，但是在底特律队，他所扮演的进攻角色比他在 G 联赛中所扮演的压力要小得多，这应该有利于他的发展。
14. 以赛亚·科利尔(Isaiah Collier)，控球后卫，爵士
选秀顺位： 第 29 顺位，南加州大学
主要数据： 场均 8.7 分，场均 6.3 次助攻，真实命中率 50.2%
爵士队在一月份将控球后卫的重任交给了科利尔，尽管犹他州队位于西部联盟的底部，但他获得了宝贵的经验。他打破了球队传奇人物约翰·斯托克顿(John Stockton)的新秀助攻纪录（416 次），现在在场均助攻数（和失误数）方面领先所有新秀。科利尔在他的跳投方面遇到了困难，并且容易犯错，但是他在进攻端运行的侵略性和组织能力是一个亮点。
科利尔曾一度被认为是 2024 届新秀中的顶尖球员之一，在他在选秀中滑落后，爵士队对科利尔采取了低风险的举措。如果他成为一名更好的射手并且提高他的决策能力，那么从长远来看，犹他队可能会从这个决定中获得一些价值。
15. 贾里德·麦凯恩(Jared McCain)，得分后卫，76 人
选秀顺位： 第 16 顺位，杜克大学
主要数据： 场均 15.3 分，三分球命中率 38%（23 场比赛）
在半月板撕裂于 12 月 16 日结束了他的赛季之前，麦凯恩为这支人手不足的 76 人队打出了一段令人印象深刻的表现。其中大部分是在输球的情况下进行的，但他在 11 月连续 7 场比赛得到 20 分的事迹引人注目。
虽然他在身体素质方面没有优势，但麦凯恩高于平均水平的投篮能力和篮球智商将使他有机会在他的二年级赛季中继续发展。由于本赛季只打了 23 场比赛，因此很难将他的排名排得更高，但他在这个位置上值得一提。
16. 昆汀·波斯特(Quinten Post)，中锋，勇士
选秀顺位： 第 52 顺位，波士顿学院
主要数据： 场均 8.5 分，场均 3.7 个篮板，真实命中率 59.6%
波斯特在净效率值（+9.1）方面领先所有新秀，自从全明星赛以来，他场均出场 18 分钟——这得益于在一支优秀的勇士队中打球——并且很好地填补了空缺，并在二月份获得了一份标准合同。
在他为一些表现不佳的波士顿学院球队效力后，他的选秀前景可能被低估了，因为自从一月份从 NBA G 联赛全职转来以来，他拉开空间的能力（三分球命中率超过 40%，场均超过 4 次尝试）对勇士队的替补席来说很有价值。
17. 道尔顿·克内克特(Dalton Knecht)，小前锋，湖人
选秀顺位： 第 17 顺位，田纳西大学
主要数据： 场均 9.9 分，三分球命中率 37.2%
克内克特在选秀大会上的滑落备受关注，尽管对于一支大为改善的湖人队来说，他的出场时间有所减少，但他的三分球命中率仍然在新秀侧翼球员中名列前茅。
他的防守挣扎是一个限制因素，但他有能力成为一名有用的专家，并且在被插入阵容时有一些不错的时刻。如果湖人队需要在替补席上获得进攻火力，他们可能会在季后赛中召唤他。
18. 阿德姆·博纳(Adem Bona)，中锋，76 人
选秀顺位： 第 41 顺位，加州大学洛杉矶分校
主要数据： 场均 5.3 分，场均 4.1 个篮板，真实命中率 71%
虽然自从二月份开始以来，76 人队只赢了两次，但博纳的表现值得关注。这位二轮秀看起来可能已经为下个赛季的稳定角色做好了准备。自从全明星赛后，他场均得到 9.8 分和 6.5 个篮板，并且以场均 1.9 个盖帽领先新秀，同时投篮命中率为 69%。
博纳因他从大学时代就拥有的动力而闻名，在对于 76 人队来说基本上是一个失败的赛季中，他表现得名副其实。
19. 瑞安·邓恩(Ryan Dunn)，小前锋，太阳
选秀顺位： 第 28 顺位，弗吉尼亚大学
主要数据： 场均 6.5 分，场均 3.4 个篮板，真实命中率 51.1%
邓恩在菲尼克斯队令人失望的赛季中，早期就成为替补席上的固定球员，但他相对于预期而言，个人赛季是成功的。他是一名多才多艺的防守球员，可以在整个球场上进行防守，这为他提供了通往稳定角色的长期途径。
他在进攻端仍然很挣扎，作为一个不情愿的射手，对手并不总是需要考虑到他，但是他投出的三分球中有 30% 命中（场均 3 次尝试）是比他在大学时的进步。继续改善这个领域对于邓恩的长期成功至关重要。
20. 阿杰·米切尔(Ajay Mitchell)，得分后卫，雷霆
选秀顺位： 第 38 顺位，加州大学圣巴巴拉分校
主要数据： 场均 6.4 分，真实命中率 59.5%（35 场比赛）
米切尔正在逐渐从一月份开始就一直困扰他的脚趾伤势中恢复。他已经成为主教练马克·戴格诺特(Mark Daigneault)麾下的替补球员，在联盟最好的球队之一中扮演了如此有用的角色，以至于尽管受伤，他的双向合同仍然被转换为标准合同。
米切尔的沉着冷静以及他能够胜任两个后卫位置的能力帮助他提前获得了这个位置，并且使他成为一个不错的选择。他所做出的贡献，尽管时间很短，但为他赢得了这份名单上的最后一个位置。
点击查看原文：2024-25 NBA rookie rankings: Who is our rookie of the year?
2024-25 NBA rookie rankings: Who is our rookie of the year?
The 2024 NBA rookie class was perhaps the most maligned of the past decade, lamented by league executives for its dearth of top-end talent in that draft. As we check in for this season’s final rookie rankings, there is good news: This group has settled in nicely relative to those expectations.
Granted, the bar was low, and the jury is still out on how the 2024 class will hold up over time. But with the regular season wrapping up Sunday, this is shaping up as a class that will produce plenty of longtime NBA players with plenty of long-term upside.
The top two rookies on my list are Atlanta’s Zaccharie Risacher, last year’s No. 1 overall pick, and San Antonio’s Stephon Castle, picked No. 4 and currently the betting favorite for NBA Rookie of the Year.
As always, this rookie ranking is not representative of long-term potential. It is meant as a snapshot of how the class is faring overall. Players such as Reed Sheppard, whose role has been inconsistent with the Houston Rockets, and Devin Carter, who has played a limited role for the Sacramento Kings since returning to the court after a shoulder injury, were left off as a result, despite the fact that I’m still bullish on their outlooks.
This final edition was geared toward recognizing players who played regular roles for solid stretches of the season, although those who were injured for periods of time still received consideration.
So, who’s the No. 1 rookie of the 2024-25 season?
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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 as one of the least-touted No. 1 overall picks ever in what was considered a down draft by league executives.
All things considered, his adjustment to the league has gone smoothly. He earned a full-time starting role two games into the season, Atlanta is back in the play-in tournament and, despite challenges, the positive takeaways included a season-high 36 points March 30 against the Milwaukee Bucks.
He has shot 47.9% from the field and 39.2% from 3 since February’s All-Star break and has settled in offensively, while also playing reliable defense. He has work to do creating his own shot, but has benefited from playing off of Trae Young and Dyson Daniels, and he doesn’t force many mistakes.
After much debate last June over which player should be drafted No. 1 – and perhaps not enough fanfare – Risacher is delivering on his top-pick status, and the Hawks should feel good about their decision (then and now).
2. Stephon Castle, G, Spurs
Drafted: No. 4, UConn\
Key stats: 14.5 PPG, 3.9 assists per game, 51.7% TS
Castle has been asked to wear a number of different hats during a season in which coach Gregg Popovich was away from the team recovering from a stroke and Victor Wembanyama was sidelined because of a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.
Castle has proved as versatile as once billed as a prospect, stepping into more of a focal offensive role with De’Aaron Fox missing the rest of the season with a pinkie injury. He is averaging 17.6 points since the All-Star break, leads all qualifying rookies in scoring and has built a strong case for NBA Rookie of the Year from a production standpoint.
I debated making him No. 1 on this list, but Castle’s struggles with efficiency and turnovers (2.1 turnovers per game) gave Risacher a tiny edge. However, Castle certainly has the talent to end up the best player in this class over time, particularly if he polishes those areas of his game.
He has looked like the right pick, and an interesting long-term running mate for Wembanyama upon his return.
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 has fallen in line with my expectations: He is highly efficient and productive on a per-minute basis, but has averaged 20 minutes per game because of his defensive limitations, keeping him in more of a platoon role.
He snagged a season-high 21 rebounds against the Detroit Pistons on April 5 and has moved back into the starting lineup since Memphis changed coaches as the Grizzlies experiment heading into the postseason. Edey’s interior scoring and work on the glass, coupled with his unusual mix of size and strength, will make his development fascinating to track. His plus-4.6 net rating is tops among rookies logging more than 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 per game and has shown plenty of positive flashes, moving into the Trail Blazers’ starting lineup Feb. 12 and adjusting to extended minutes for the first time in his career. He had plenty of success in a platoon situation at UConn, but the next step will be consistently shouldering more playing time in the NBA.
He is already an impactful defensive center and has been consistent on that end, stepping in amid injuries to Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III and proving effective in drop coverage and on the glass. Improving his frame and conditioning might help limit foul trouble and make finishing in the paint easier moving forward.
Clingan looks like a legitimate defensive centerpiece for Portland, particularly if he can stay on the floor for longer 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 played his best basketball of the season since becoming a full-time starter Feb. 5, making a difference for a Bulls team that has clinched a play-in berth. His positional size, athleticism and improving ball skills, coupled with nice shot-blocking instincts (2.1 per-40), give him a solid base to build on.
Improved consistency and confidence have made him more impactful all-around than some scouts had expected. The next step will be expanding his offense and creating his own shot more effectively.
Buzelis was at one point last year considered a No. 1 pick candidate, and he certainly looks like a nice addition for Chicago thus far, if not a finished product.
6. Alex Sarr, PF/C, Wizards
Drafted: No. 2, France\
Key stats: 13.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.5 BPG
Sarr’s pro career has been off to a solid start. The Wizards aren’t very good, but he’s logging major developmental minutes as his offensive skills catch up to his impressive physical talent. Few 7-footers can run the floor, protect the basket and function fluidly on the perimeter the way Sarr does, and while there are warts in his statistical profile (45% on 2-point attempts and 6.5 rebounds per game are both subpar), the flashes of talent illustrate his long-term upside.
He’s close to joining Wembanyama and Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren as the only rookies in NBA history to make 100 3-pointers and block 100 shots, pointing to the inside-out versatility that could separate him over time. Washington is banking on him becoming a cornerstone player.
7. Jaylen Wells, SG/SF, Grizzlies
Drafted: No. 39, Washington State\
Key stats: 10.4 PPG, 56% TS
Not even the Grizzlies could have anticipated Wells being this quick of a study, becoming a starter five games into the season, holding onto the job from there and performing as one of the best value picks in the class.
His floor-spacing ability was one of his selling points as a prospect, but Wells has really surprised on the defensive end, where he has regularly tackled tough assignments.
Wells has been indispensable for a team that spent much of the season near the top of the West before its recent backslide, and one of the better rookie stories of the season, his +4.2 net rating placing him second behind Edey among rookies playing 20 minutes per game.
Wells’ season looks to be over, after breaking his wrist during a hard fall and being taken off the court on a stretcher in Tuesday’s win in Charlotte. It’s another big setback for the reeling Grizzlies as the playoffs near.
8. Kel’el Ware, C, Heat
Drafted: No. 15, Indiana\
Key stats: 9.2 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 60.7% TS
Ware was one of the more intriguing selections in the 2024 draft, with the Heat investing in his lottery-level talent despite the reputation for inconsistent effort that made him divisive to scouts as a prospect in high school and college.
Ware has started 34 games and shown an improved motor since breaking through in January, leading Miami in blocks and stringing together solid showings, including 14 double-doubles, tied with Yves Missi for the most among rookies.
He is also one of three rookies averaging 20-plus minutes to hold a positive net rating on the season. If Miami can continue to get the most out of him, he could be a long-term fixture alongside Bam Adebayo.
9. Yves Missi, C, Pelicans
Drafted: No. 21, Baylor\
Key stats: 9.1 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.3 BPG
Missi’s quick emergence was a bright spot in an injury-filled Pelicans season. New Orleans badly needed to address the center spot, and Missi stepped in earlier than expected, giving the Pels useful minutes and valuable stability.
He leads all rookies in rebounding, is tied with Ware for the most double-doubles and has started the most games on the Pelicans, offering a glimmer of consistency and proving a quick study in his role. While it’s unclear how much he’ll add from a skill perspective in the long run, his rim-running and interior defense have made him a nice find for New Orleans moving forward.
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 nicely to the NBA game, albeit in the context of a lot of losing in Utah. He has averaged 13.6 points on 49% shooting since the All-Star break and has shown more mettle defensively than what was expected of him this season.
His fall into the draft’s second round worked out nicely for the Jazz, as Filipowski has been more than passable on the offensive end and benefited from the opportunity to play immediately. He looks like one of the better value picks in the class at the moment.
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 dwindled of late, da Silva made 36 starts for the Magic and has averaged 21.8 minutes per game, proving a useful fill-in with Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero each missing significant time this season because of injuries.
While not flashy, da Silva’s ability to blend lineups offensively and defend multiple positions makes him a versatile depth player, adding value that doesn’t always show up in his counting stats. He turns 24 on May 15, so the upside might not be immense, but the Magic found immediate utility with 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
The 19-year-old Carrington leads all rookies in minutes per game, with Washington fully committed to its youth movement. The Wizards haven’t won much as a by-product, but Carrington has flashed his talent (he scored 32 points against the Magic on April 3). He has done a good job limiting turnovers and has above-average size for his position and sharp feel for his age.
He appears to be in a good place developmentally, with room for growth, positioning him as a fixture in the backcourt as Washington continues its rebuild.
13. Ron Holland II, SF, Pistons
Drafted: No. 5, G League Ignite\
Key stats: 6.5 PPG, 62% 2FG
Holland didn’t have a big season statistically speaking, but he has filled in a useful role for a surprisingly good Pistons team that is back in the playoffs, supplying energy and solid perimeter defense off the bench. He has started to figure things out down the stretch, with a +6.1 net rating and 64% True Shooting percentage since the All-Star break.
Holland’s 3-point shooting (23%) remains a work in progress, but landing in Detroit, where he has played a far lower-pressure offensive role than he had 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 handed Collier the point guard reins in January, and while Utah sits at the bottom of the Western Conference, he has gained valuable experience. He broke franchise legend John Stockton’s team record for rookie assists (416) and now leads all rookies in assists (and turnovers) per game. Collier struggles with his jumper and is mistake-prone, but his aggressiveness and playmaking chops running the offense have been a bright spot.
Once viewed as one of the top overall prospects in the 2024 class, the Jazz took a low-risk swing on Collier after he fell in the draft. Utah might reap some value out of that decision in the long run if he becomes a better shooter and sharpens his decision-making.
15. Jared McCain, SG, 76ers
Drafted: No. 16, Duke\
Key stats: 15.3 PPG, 38% 3FG (23 games)
McCain put together an impressive stretch for the undermanned Sixers before a torn meniscus ended his season Dec. 16. Much of it came in the context of losing basketball, but his string of seven straight 20-point games in November was noteworthy.
While he doesn’t have an advantage in the physical tools department, McCain’s above-average shooting ability and basketball IQ will give him an opportunity to build on that in his sophomore season. It was hard to rank him much higher than this due to playing just 23 games this season, but he was deserving of mention at this spot.
16. Quinten Post, C, Warriors
Drafted: No. 52, Boston College\
Key stats: 8.5 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 59.6% TS
Post leads all rookies in net rating (+9.1) while playing 18 minutes per game since the All-Star break – a by-product of playing on a good Warriors team – and has filled in nicely and earned a standard contract in February.
Perhaps underrated as a draft prospect after starring on some underwhelming Boston College teams, his ability to space the floor (41% from 3 on more than four attempts per game) has been valuable off the Warriors’ bench since coming up from the G League full time in January.
17. Dalton Knecht, SF, Lakers
Drafted: No. 17, Tennessee\
Key stats: 9.9 PPG, 37.2% 3FG
Much was made of Knecht falling in the draft, and while he has seen his minutes dry up off the bench for a much improved Lakers team, his 3-point clip is still tops among rookie wings.
His defensive struggles are a limiting factor, but he has the ability to be a useful specialist and had some nice moments when plugged into the lineup. The Lakers might call upon him in the playoffs if they need offense off the bench.
18. Adem Bona, C, 76ers
Drafted: No. 41, UCLA\
Key stats: 5.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 71% TS
Although the Sixers have won twice since the start of February, Bona’s productivity has been noteworthy. The second-round pick looks like he might be ready for a consistent role next season. He has averaged 9.8 points and 6.5 rebounds and leads rookies with 1.9 blocks per game since the break, while shooting 69% from the field.
Known for his motor coming out of college, Bona has appeared as advertised in what has mostly been a lost 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 bench fixture early on in what has been a disappointing season in Phoenix, but he has had a successful individual season relative to expectations. He’s a versatile defender who can guard all over the floor, giving him a long-term pathway to a steady role.
He still struggles on the offensive end, as a reluctant shooter opponents don’t always have to account for, but making 30% of his 3s on three attempts per game was a step forward from where he was in college. Continuing to improve in that area will be critical to Dunn’s 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 drawing closer to a return from a toe injury that has sidelined him since the start of January. He had become a fixture off the bench for coach Mark Daigneault, playing such a useful role on one of the league’s best teams that his two-way contract was still converted into a standard deal despite the injury.
Mitchell’s poise and ability to handle both backcourt positions helped him earn that spot ahead of schedule, and has made him a nice value pick. His winning contributions, albeit over a short span, earn him the last spot on this list.
By Jeremy Woo | ESPN, via ESPN