NBA Rookie Power Rankings: A Late-Season Shakeup
The NBA rookie class of 2024-25 has proven to be a collection of promising talent, with several players exceeding expectations and making significant contributions to their respective teams. While this wasn’t considered a star-studded rookie pool, a handful of players have demonstrated the ability to be valuable assets, showcasing their potential for growth and development. This edition of the USA TODAY Sports NBA rookie power rankings examines the top performers, their recent performances, and their odds of winning the coveted Rookie of the Year award.
A notable trend among the top five rookies is their ability to score at a high level, with each player having recorded at least one 30-point game this season. Dalton Knecht of the Los Angeles Lakers, Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks, and Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs have each accomplished this feat twice, highlighting their offensive capabilities and potential to be primary scoring options in the future.
It’s worth noting that Philadelphia’s Jared McCain, who was initially considered a frontrunner in the Rookie of the Year race, is absent from the top five due to a season-ending knee injury suffered in December. McCain had shown considerable promise, recording games of 30 and 34 points in the first month of the season. His absence underscores the impact of injuries on rookie campaigns and the unpredictable nature of the NBA season.
Dalton Knecht has emerged as a key contributor for the Los Angeles Lakers, especially as injuries have hampered the team’s veteran players. Knecht is averaging 14.5 points over his past eight games, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on increased playing time and provide a scoring boost to a playoff-contending team. His season has been eventful, marked by a record-tying performance of nine made 3-pointers in a game and a trade to the Hornets that was ultimately rescinded. Despite these challenges, Knecht has persevered and proven his value to the Lakers.
Alexandre Sarr has also made a strong impression, displaying his potential as a versatile player with scoring, rebounding, and defensive capabilities. In his last 10 games, Sarr averaged 15.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.5 blocks. He has showcased his offensive prowess with a career-high 34-point performance against the Denver Nuggets on March 15. While his shooting efficiency needs improvement, Sarr’s all-around game and potential for growth make him a promising prospect.
Zaccharie Risacher, despite being just 19 years old, has steadily improved throughout the season, demonstrating his ability to knock down jumpers with range and attack the rim with solid footwork. Since January 30, Risacher has averaged 14 points per game. While he is still prone to fluctuations in performance, his potential is evident, and with further refinement of his game and increased physical strength, he could develop into a formidable player.
Jaylen Wells of the Memphis Grizzlies has experienced a recent dip in production, averaging just 5.3 points on 25.5% shooting in his past seven games. This late-season slump has negatively impacted his Rookie of the Year chances, as his scoring output has diminished at a crucial juncture. Wells has demonstrated his potential throughout the season, but the timing of this slump has hindered his momentum.
Stephon Castle has emerged as a leading candidate for the Rookie of the Year award. With Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox sidelined, Castle has capitalized on increased opportunities, showcasing his scoring, rebounding, and passing versatility. In his past 21 games, Castle has averaged 17.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, demonstrating improved scoring efficiency. He had a standout performance with 32 points and eight rebounds against Oklahoma City on March 2. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game makes him a valuable asset for the San Antonio Spurs.
Rookie of the Year Odds and Analysis
According to BetMGM, Stephon Castle is the clear frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award, with odds of -900. His consistent performance, increased opportunities, and well-rounded game have made him the favorite to win the award.
Alexandre Sarr has the second-best odds at +5000. His versatile skillset and recent strong performances have boosted his chances, but he faces an uphill battle to overcome Castle’s significant lead.
Zaccharie Risacher and Jaylen Wells are tied with odds of +1600. While both players have shown flashes of potential, their consistency has been a concern, and they need to elevate their performances to contend for the award.
Dalton Knecht’s odds were not listed, suggesting that he is not considered a serious contender for the Rookie of the Year award. Despite his recent scoring surge, Knecht’s overall body of work may not be enough to surpass the other top rookies.
Conclusion
The 2024-25 NBA rookie class has been a mix of surprises and disappointments, with several players exceeding expectations and others struggling to find their footing. Stephon Castle has emerged as the leading candidate for the Rookie of the Year award, showcasing his all-around game and capitalizing on increased opportunities. Alexandre Sarr, Zaccharie Risacher, and Jaylen Wells have also demonstrated potential, but they face challenges in their pursuit of the award. Dalton Knecht has been a valuable contributor to the Lakers, but his Rookie of the Year odds are slim. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these rookies continue to develop and contribute to their respective teams.
