NBA Rookie Showdown 2024-25: Ranking the Top 20 Rising Stars

The 2024-25 NBA season showcased an unexpectedly talented rookie class that defied preseason skepticism. While initially criticized for lacking top-tier talent, these first-year players demonstrated remarkable growth and competitiveness throughout the campaign.

The ROY Frontrunners

1. Zaccharie Risacher, PF, Atlanta Hawks

   • Drafted: No. 1, France
   • Key stats: 12.4 PPG, 39.2% 3PT (post-All-Star)
     The French phenom silenced doubters by earning a starting role immediately and delivering efficient two-way play. His 36-point outburst against Milwaukee highlighted his scoring potential.

2. Stephon Castle, SG, San Antonio Spurs

   • Drafted: No. 4, UConn
   • Key stats: 17.6 PPG post-All-Star
     Castle thrived amid San Antonio's injury chaos, showcasing elite versatility and clutch performances that made him a ROY favorite.

The Impact Big Men

3. Zach Edey, C, Memphis Grizzlies
   The 7'4" Purdue product dominated the glass (21 rebounds vs. Detroit) while leading all rookies in net rating (+4.6).

4. Donovan Clingan, C, Portland Trail Blazers
   The UConn alum anchored Portland's defense with a rookie-best 1.6 blocks per game, showing promise as a future defensive anchor.

Late-Round Steals

• Jaylen Wells (No. 39 pick): Became Memphis' unexpected starter and defensive stopper
• Quinten Post (No. 52 pick): Led all rookies in net rating (+9.1) for Golden State
• Ajay Mitchell (No. 38 pick): Earned a standard contract from OKC despite injury

Key Takeaways:

• International Flavor: 40% of top 10 picks came from overseas (France, Australia, Lithuania)
• Second-Half Surges: Several players (Risacher, Castle, Filipowski) significantly improved post-All-Star break
• Defensive Impact: 6 of top 20 rookies averaged >1 block per game
• Shooting Development: 11 players shot >35% from three (minimum 100 attempts)

The full 20-player ranking reveals depth beyond the ROY race, with multiple future All-Stars likely emerging from this group. Their development will be crucial as teams like Washington, Chicago and Utah build around these young cornerstones.