2024-25 NBA Rookie Rankings: Fresh Faces and Rising Talent
The 2024-25 NBA season has hit its midpoint, and the NBA Rookie Rankings are showcasing the league’s rising stars. While this rookie class doesn’t feature a surefire superstar like Victor Wembanyama or Paolo Banchero, it’s filled with players stepping up, carving out roles, and learning on the fly. Some are thriving, some are struggling, and others are surprising everyone.
The headline this time around? A new No. 1 rookie has emerged. Washington Wizards forward Alexandre Sarr has taken the top spot after being unranked in the last update. His rise symbolizes what this list is about: recognizing which first-year players are having the biggest impact right now. This isn’t about future potential or trade value—just a snapshot of who’s making waves at the halfway mark of the season.
Let’s break down the rankings and highlight the standouts.
1. Alexandre Sarr, PF/C, Washington Wizards
- Drafted: No. 2, France
- Stats: 11.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.5 blocks per game
- Previous Ranking: Unranked
Alexandre Sarr has made a huge leap over the past six weeks. Early in the season, he was inconsistent and struggling to find his footing. Now? He’s the Wizards’ most exciting rookie, earning December’s Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month.
At just 19, Sarr is still raw, but his improvement has been noticeable. He’s rebounding better, shooting more consistently from three, and leading all rookies in blocks per game. Washington is giving him the freedom to grow, running plays through him and even leaning on his passing. While his finishing at the rim still needs work (he’s only hitting 52% of his shots there), his defensive impact is undeniable. For a player labeled a “project” during the draft, his progress has been a major win for the Wizards.
2. Jaylen Wells, SG/SF, Memphis Grizzlies
- Drafted: No. 39, Washington State
- Stats: 11.8 points, 38.6% from three
- Previous Ranking: 4
Jaylen Wells is easily the feel-good story of this rookie class. As a second-round pick, no one expected much from him. But injuries gave him an early shot, and he hasn’t looked back. He’s now a starter for the Grizzlies, delivering steady shooting and defense.
Wells isn’t flashy. He doesn’t need the ball much, but when he gets it, he makes things happen. He dropped a career-high 30 points earlier this month, hitting eight three-pointers against the Kings. While he may not have the upside of some other rookies, his ability to contribute to a winning team (the Grizzlies are third in the West) has been impressive. He’s in the Rookie of the Year race and proving that sometimes, all you need is a chance.
3. Yves Missi, C, New Orleans Pelicans
- Drafted: No. 21, Baylor
- Stats: 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.4 blocks per game
- Previous Ranking: 7
The Pelicans have had a rough season, but Yves Missi has been a bright spot. He’s stepped into the starting center role and hasn’t looked out of place, winning December’s Western Conference Rookie of the Month.
Missi plays a simple but effective game. He’s great at running to the rim, finishing at a solid 56% from the field, and pulling down offensive boards (3.6 per game, among the league’s best). He’s also leading all rookies in rebounds. For a late first-round pick, the Pelicans have to be thrilled with what they’ve gotten. He’s not just filling a spot—he’s solving a long-term need for New Orleans.
4. Zach Edey, C, Memphis Grizzlies
- Drafted: No. 9, Purdue
- Stats: 9.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 58.3% shooting
- Previous Ranking: 6
Zach Edey has been solid and steady for Memphis. While his minutes have been inconsistent lately (partly due to concussion protocol), he’s contributing in a rotation that balances his strengths with other players’ skills.
Memphis is even letting Edey experiment with his game—he’s taken 28 three-point attempts and made 11, which is promising for a 7’4” center. The Grizzlies knew his limitations when they drafted him, but they’ve done a great job putting him in situations where he can succeed. He’s not just a role player; he’s a key part of their bounce-back season.
5. Stephon Castle, G, San Antonio Spurs
- Drafted: No. 4, UConn
- Stats: 11.6 points, 3.6 assists per game
- Previous Ranking: 2
Stephon Castle is going through typical rookie growing pains. On one hand, he’s shown flashes of brilliance, including a career-high 26 points against Memphis. On the other hand, his shooting has been inconsistent, and he’s still figuring out how to be a consistent scorer.
The Spurs are being patient. Castle’s size (6’6”) and athleticism make him a tantalizing prospect, and his playmaking and defense hint at a bright future. For now, he’s learning, and the Spurs are fine with that.
6. Zaccharie Risacher, SF, Atlanta Hawks
- Drafted: No. 1, France
- Stats: 10.5 points, 3.5 rebounds per game
- Previous Ranking: 5
Zaccharie Risacher’s stats don’t jump off the page, but he’s been quietly effective. Atlanta has used him in a supporting role, taking advantage of his length and defensive versatility. While he hasn’t been aggressive as a scorer, his maturity and feel for the game have stood out.
There’s still a lot of untapped potential here. The Hawks don’t need Risacher to do too much yet, but at some point, they’ll want to see him stretch his limits.
Source: 2024-25 NBA midseason rookie rankings: New star grabs No. 1
7. Tristan da Silva, SF/PF, Orlando Magic
- Drafted: No. 18, Colorado
- Stats: 8.6 points, 4.1 rebounds per game
- Previous Ranking: Unranked
With injuries sidelining Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, Tristan da Silva has stepped up for Orlando. He’s played 33 games and filled in admirably at both forward spots. While his three-point shooting (31%) is streaky, he’s been reliable in other areas, helping the Magic stay competitive.
8. Ryan Dunn, SF, Phoenix Suns
- Drafted: No. 18, Virginia
- Stats: 7.5 points, 3.5 rebounds per game
- Previous Ranking: Unranked
Ryan Dunn has been a pleasant surprise for Phoenix. He recently replaced Bradley Beal in the starting lineup, adding much-needed defense. His offensive game is still developing, but he’s scoring enough to stay on the floor and contribute.
What About the Others?
Not every rookie has had an easy path. Philadelphia’s Jared McCain, who was the No. 1 rookie in December, is out for the season with a torn meniscus. Meanwhile, Houston’s Reed Sheppard has struggled to crack the rotation and recently spent time in the G League, where he scored an eye-popping 49 points in one game. Sacramento’s Devin Carter is just getting started after recovering from an injury but has already helped the Kings win six of their last seven games.
Even players like Milwaukee’s AJ Johnson, developing in the G League, are showing flashes of promise. While some rookies are still finding their way, the potential is clear across the board.
The Bigger Picture
This rookie class may not have a single dominant star, but its depth is impressive. From top picks like Alexandre Sarr to late-round gems like Jaylen Wells, these young players are showing that they belong. The second half of the season will be a chance for them to keep growing, learning, and proving themselves.
One thing is certain: the future of the NBA looks bright.
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