The 2024-25 NBA season has reached its midway point, and a fresh crop of rookies are leaving their mark on the league. While pre-draft hype doesn’t always translate to immediate success, this year’s class is defying expectations, with surprise standouts and lottery picks alike showing flashes of superstar potential. As the All-Star break approaches, it’s time to take stock of the most impressive first-year performers in our definitive rookie power rankings.
A New Name at the Top
In a stunning turn of events, an unheralded second-round pick has surged to the head of the rookie class. Alexandre Sarr, the 19-year-old French forward drafted 32nd overall by the Washington Wizards, has emerged as a two-way force. Sarr’s rebounding prowess, shot-blocking instincts, and rapidly developing offensive game have propelled him to the top spot in our rankings, supplanting early favorite Jared McCain of the 76ers.
Sarr’s impact on both ends of the floor has been a revelation. He’s a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate.
– Anonymous NBA Scout
Dark Horse Riser: Jaylen Wells
The Memphis Grizzlies appear to have struck gold with the 39th pick, Washington State’s Jaylen Wells. The sharpshooting wing has been a seamless fit alongside Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., providing spacing and perimeter defense. Wells, an unheralded second-round selection, has shown he belongs.
- 11.8 PPG on 38.6% 3PT shooting
- Trusted starter on a playoff contender
Big Man on Campus: Zach Edey
When the Grizzlies took Purdue center Zach Edey with the 9th pick, questions swirled about his fit in the modern NBA. But the 7’4″ behemoth has proven the doubters wrong, forming a supersized frontcourt duo with Jackson. Edey’s soft touch, rebounding, and surprising mobility have made him an impact starter as a rookie.
Zach Edey Monthly Splits
- October: 8.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 54.9 FG%
- November: 9.7 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 61.2 FG%
- December: 10.8 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 59.4 FG%
Other Notable Rookies
- Stephon Castle, Spurs: The 4th pick is finding his footing as a lead guard
- Zaccharie Risacher, Hawks: Two-way wing has been a steady starter
- Tristan da Silva, Magic: Versatile forward stepping up amid injuries
With half a season to go, the 2024-25 rookie class has already left an indelible mark on the NBA landscape. As the wheat separates from the chaff, these first-year phenoms are showing that the future of the league is in good hands. From surprise second-rounders to high-upside lottery tickets, the race for Rookie of the Year is only heating up. Buckle up for an exhilarating second half as the NBA’s brightest young stars take flight.
