The draft class of 2024 NBA may have a reputation for being one of the weaker ones in recent history with NBA experts. However, that doesn’t take away the fact that some of the best rookies in the NBA in 2024 could become a new face of the league, slowly, but definitely (in some way or another).
This review ranks the best rookies in the NBA in 2024, highlighting their exploits in professional basketball for their respective sides. As an NA fan, while following the exploits of these rookies, you could also score some cash by betting on their games. However, before you get started, we advise that you sign up with a trusted bookmaker to make the journey easier.
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Ranking the Best 2024 NBA Rookies to Watch in 2024-25 NBA Season
Only two new players – Zach Edey and Kyshawn George – have an average score of 10 points this season. Four averaged at least five rebounds and two dished more than three assists among the top picks in the 2024 NBA draft. However, what this new set of draft picks might lack in superstar appeal, they could make up for with team efforts and determination.
This post features the latest ladder-ranking rookies, biggest potentials for NBA fantasy leagues, and those who might soon begin registering more starting role allotments among all rookies. In short, here are the players at the top of 2024 NBA rookie of the year list.
Zach Edey, Center, Memphis Grizzlies
Edey opened the season starting at center for the Grizzlies, offering him a vast platform to perform and contribute to Memphis’ wins. The eventual impact of that workload will hinge on how he adjusts to the NBA defensively, as opposing sides try to pull him out of the paint and test him.
His first game was quiet, as he played 15 minutes before being fouled out. However, things improved as the Grizzlies gradually mastered how best to utilize the first-year player against various NBA teams. Fans and experts can safely expect his immense size (7-foot-4, 299 pounds) and striking finishing ability around the basket to help Memphis instantly, whether or not he’s playing more of a change-up role.
Edey had a second consecutive double-double only last week Monday, enshrining his prospects as a potential leader in his rookie class. He has undoubtedly fit into Memphis’ system under Taylor Jenkins, suggesting bigger things to come. There’s little wonder why hurried comparisons to Canada’s Yao Ming aren’t out of line.
Jared McCain, Guard, Philadelphia 76ers
When the Philadelphia 76ers drafted Jared McCain, they were certain they were getting a valuable addition to the team. Of course, it was clear their new pick would require time to grow into his game and new team, amidst veterans and established names.
McCain has talked about how being picked by the 76ers was the best moment of his life, and it seemed he is starting to give the team the best moments of his young career too. At the time, he said, ‘‘When I got the call and they tell me I was going to Philly, it was tears of joy. That was exactly what I felt. And being with my family on draft night and experiencing that was the best moment of my life.”
McCain has averaged 10.2 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per match since the regular season began.
Rob Dillingham, Guard, Minnesota Timberwolves
Rob Dillingham has averaged 0.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and an average of 2.8 points since fielding for the Minnesota Timberwolves this season. Although Dillingham has only featured in four games, he’s shown enough to stay ahead of his peers and earn a chance among the best rookies in the NBA this season.
Stephon Castle, Guard, San Antonio Spurs
Many experts agreed that Castle has a top two-way upside and Spurs look poised to benefit from his addition in the long-term if it grants Castle ample playing time. Castle was productive in the preseason, as he got a mix of playmaking reps and off-ball experience while offering versatile perimeter defense. Thankfully, Castle is already living up to – or at least close to – expectations.
Castle’s weakness has been shooting, as he hit only 36.7% of his 3-pointers during his lone collegiate season with UConn. With 15.6 minutes on average, 10.2 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, the stats all point to the same thing for the 6-foot-6 combo guard with a 6-foot-9 wingspan. Castle deserves his mention as one of the brightest draft picks in the NBA.
Bronny James, Guard, Los Angeles Lakers
There were legit concerns that James may not get meaningful minutes for the Lakers, due to his experience and the stakes at hand with his team. While there’s already ample unwarranted scrutiny from various quarters for being LeBron James’ son, Bronny looks poised to at least replicate the expected developments of the best second-round pick from his set.
His dad has already talked up his mental toughness and dedication. He said, ‘‘If Bronny wants to stop playing basketball or just wanted to be a chef, he could have done that.’’ The Lakers Legend added, ‘‘the kid, he’s special.’’ It appears he’s already living up to that hype.
His regular season stats average 0.8 points. 0.2 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game. His relatively high field-goal percentage and solid defensive numbers prove the moderate probability that he’d replace Victor Wembanyama, who won the Rookie of the Year award last season. However, while that remains only a possibility, Bronny James looks poised to perform at the traditional NBA level over the long haul.
Reed Sheppard, SG, Rockets
Reed’s size might threaten to be a limitation (6-3, 182), but not his talents and prospects. Sheppard had put on a shooting and playmaking display during the summer, stealing the show in Las Vegas, thumping anticipation about his immediate future in a crowded Rockets backcourt that included the rising Amen Thompson, Jalen Green, and veteran Fred VanVleet.
Sheppard has played an average of 11.5 minutes, 3.4 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists so far after playing 10 games in the regular season. Although he came off the bench to start the season, the youngster has gone to prove why Sheppard was hailed as one of the biggest inclusions at the Houston Rockets from college basketball after making a significant impression last season.
Alongside Dalton Knecht, Reed Sheppard was hailed as the best shooter in college basketball. He fills a similar role as what he played at Kentucky and remains one of the most gifted shooters and crafty playmakers fresh from college basketball after making topnotch impressions above his peers.
Matas Buzelis, SF, Bulls
Buzelis had played over 150 minutes with the Bulls, averaging 2.2 points. The forward has also registered 1.9 rebounds and 0.3 assists per match since the season began. Besides his in-game heroics, Buzelis has significantly proven that he can be an impact rookie for his side this season after emerging a vital top pick in the draft in the 2024 NBA season for the Bulls.
Zaccharie Risacher, SF, Hawks
Zaccharie Risacher season stats for the Atlanta Hawks include 9.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. The forward, who had been a number 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, may have not become the star fantasy basketball projected in his debut year yet. But there’s no ignoring his stats as a 6-foot-9- forward.
He’s second in usage, first in shots, and fourth in minutes per game among his colleagues. Risacher was the top pick this year in the NBA, and is arguably the best in his position. He has also displayed a natural ability as a floor leader on the court at the same time, especially on the defensive end with the Hawks.
Conclusion: The Best NBA Starlets to Watch This Season
Zach Edey, Jared McCainRob Dillingham, Stephen Castle, Bronny James, Reed Sheppard, Matas Buzelis, and Zacharie Risacher are some of the best NBA rookies to keep an eye on this season. While new entries are expected over the next weeks in the 2024-25 season, some entries here could readily become some of the biggest names of the league over the long haul.
Who knows, someone on this list could emerge an NBA Player of the Year in the nearest future? That future is certainly one that the rest of the basketball world is willing to wait for.
