The NBA trade deadline didn’t just reshape the league’s balance of power – it swung open doors of opportunity for some of the most intriguing rookies in this year’s class. With rosters remodeled and rotations reset, a fresh crop of first-year phenoms are seizing their moment to shine.
Risers Emerge as Roles Expand
In the aftermath of a dizzying trade deadline, a handful of rookies find themselves with enhanced roles and increased minutes on rebuilding teams – and they’re making the most of it. The Miami Heat‘s Kel’el Ware and Chicago Bulls‘ Matas Buzelis headline the group of post-deadline risers capitalizing on their opportunities.
Ware, the fluid and springy center out of Oregon, has flourished since moving into Miami’s starting lineup in late January. Over his last 12 starts, the 19-year-old is putting up 11.5 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, notching five double-doubles along the way. With the Heat shifting into a youth movement, Ware’s defensive mobility and budding offensive game point to an enticing modern big man.
Buzelis, meanwhile, has injected a shot of athleticism into Chicago’s frontcourt since the All-Star break. The lanky forward, who spent much of the early season in the G League, has scored in double figures in eight straight games with an efficient 59% shooting. His activity and energy have earned him an increased role as the Bulls look to the future.
Castle’s All-Star Breakout
No rookie made a bigger splash over All-Star weekend than the San Antonio Spurs‘ Stephon Castle. The springy guard claimed Rising Stars MVP honors and finished second in the dunk contest with an array of acrobatic slams.
Castle’s star turn was no fluke. Since sliding into a sixth man role after the Spurs acquired De’Aaron Fox, he’s averaged 12.9 points and 3.5 assists to boost San Antonio’s playoff push. His on-ball defense and downhill attacking have the Spurs envisioning a dynamic long-term backcourt with Fox.
Unexpected Jazz Standout
While the spotlight shines on Utah’s trio of lottery picks, it’s 29th overall pick Isaiah Collier generating the most rookie buzz in Salt Lake City. Since becoming the starting point guard in late January, the USC product is posting 12.1 points and 9.0 assists per game on 50.8% shooting.
Sources said the Jazz are excited about his growth internally as the team works through a long rebuild.
Collier’s ball-screen playmaking and downhill burst give him intriguing upside if his jumper (25% from three) comes around. Landing in Utah’s development program could prove an ideal fit to unlock his potential.
Deadline Domino Effect
While Ware and Buzelis are thriving with enhanced opportunity post-deadline, others felt the ripple effects in unexpected ways:
- AJ Johnson was dealt from the contending Bucks to the rebuilding Wizards, opening the door for a larger role
- Dalton Knecht‘s future with the Lakers is TBD after a rescinded trade to the Hornets fell through
With a third of the season still to play, the landscape is ripe for the next rookie riser to leave their mark. In a league reshaped by a transformational trade deadline, unheralded first-year talents are ready to step into the spotlight.
