2025 NBA Rookie Rankings: New No. 1 Emerges After Trade Deadline

As we head into the final stretch of the 2024-25 NBA season, the 2025 NBA Rookie Rankings are taking shape, rookies across the league are stepping up in big ways. With the trade deadline now behind us, some first-year players are seeing increased opportunities, while others are adjusting to new roles. Teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards, and Memphis Grizzlies are giving their young stars a chance to develop, and it’s paying off. Let’s take a closer look at which rookies are making the biggest impact right now.

Top 8 Rookies Making Noise This Season

1. Stephon Castle (G, San Antonio Spurs)

Drafted: No. 4, UConn
Stats: 12.9 PPG, 3.5 APG

Stephon Castle is playing his best basketball of the season at the perfect time. Even though the Spurs brought in De’Aaron Fox, which pushed Castle into a sixth-man role, he hasn’t missed a beat. He’s been a key scorer off the bench, putting up double figures in 14 of his last 15 games, including a monster 33-point performance against Charlotte. Castle’s athleticism and defense make him a perfect long-term partner for Fox and Victor Wembanyama. Plus, his MVP-winning performance at the Rising Stars game during All-Star Weekend only helped boost his stock.

2. Zaccharie Risacher (F, Atlanta Hawks)

Drafted: No. 1, France
Stats: 11.4 PPG, 3.3 RPG

Risacher took a little while to adjust to the NBA, but he’s found his groove in 2025. His breakout 30-point game against Cleveland in January reminded everyone why he was the No. 1 pick. He’s smart with the ball, plays solid defense, and is getting more comfortable taking on a bigger role in Atlanta’s offense. Expect his impact to keep growing as he gains confidence.

3. Zach Edey (C, Memphis Grizzlies)

Drafted: No. 9, Purdue
Stats: 9.5 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 62.3% FG

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Edey is learning how to adjust his game to the NBA’s faster pace, and he’s had some standout moments along the way. He started February with three straight double-doubles, proving he can be a force in the paint. While his minutes fluctuate, his size and rebounding ability make him a valuable asset for Memphis.

4. Jaylen Wells (SG/SF, Memphis Grizzlies)

Drafted: No. 39, Washington State
Stats: 11.2 PPG, 37.6% 3FG

Wells has been one of the biggest surprises of this rookie class. His shooting ability and defensive versatility have earned him a starting spot in Memphis, and he’s making the most of it. Though he hit a bit of a slump in February, his rise from a Division II player to a reliable NBA starter is nothing short of incredible.

5. Kel’el Ware (C, Miami Heat)

Drafted: No. 15, Indiana
Stats: 8.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 60.3% FG

After the Heat decided to shift their focus toward youth, Ware found himself in a much bigger role. He’s been starting since January and even won Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month. His athleticism and potential to stretch the floor make him an exciting long-term piece for Miami.

6. Alexandre Sarr (PF/C, Washington Wizards)

Drafted: No. 2, France
Stats: 11.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.6 BPG

Sarr was rolling before an ankle injury in late January sidelined him for a few weeks. Now that he’s back, he’s picking up right where he left off. His defensive instincts and mobility make him a key part of Washington’s rebuild, even though his finishing at the rim still needs some work.

7. Matas Buzelis (F, Chicago Bulls)

Drafted: No. 11, G League Ignite
Stats: 6.4 PPG, 59% FG (last 8 games)

With Zach LaVine gone, Buzelis has stepped up in a big way for Chicago. He’s been putting up solid numbers and showing off his athleticism. His game is still raw, but his recent play suggests the Bulls may have found a future building block.

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8. Yves Missi (C, New Orleans Pelicans)

Drafted: No. 21, Baylor
Stats: 8.5 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 1.4 BPG

Missi is proving to be a solid rim protector for New Orleans. He’s still developing offensively, but his ability to block shots and rebound makes him a key player in the Pelicans’ system.

Source: 2024-25 NBA rookie rankings: New No. 1 after trade deadline

How the Trade Deadline Opened Up Opportunities

The trade deadline changed the landscape for several rookies. Matas Buzelis saw his role expand after Zach LaVine was traded, and Dalton Knecht nearly ended up in Charlotte before his trade was rescinded. The Wizards, meanwhile, doubled down on their youth movement by acquiring AJ Johnson from Milwaukee, adding to their already young core.

2025 NBA Rookie Rankings: New No. 1 Emerges After Trade Deadline

The Wizards’ Rebuild: Following OKC’s Blueprint?

Washington is taking a similar approach to the Thunder and Rockets—building through the draft and giving their young guys as much playing time as possible. They’re starting multiple rookies and are set up for another top draft pick. If they land projected No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, they could accelerate their rebuild even faster.

The Rookie of the Year Race: Who’s Leading the Pack?

With less than two months to go, the Rookie of the Year race is heating up. Stephon Castle looks like the frontrunner, but Zaccharie Risacher, Zach Edey, and Jaylen Wells are all making strong cases. No matter who wins, one thing is clear: this rookie class is making a lasting impact on the NBA.