After Victor Wembanyama’s dominant rookie campaign, the 2024-25 season is set to introduce a new wave of fresh talent aiming for the Rookie of the Year (ROY) honors. With a class packed with high-upside prospects, the competition is as high as ever with big names such as Zaccharie Risacher and Reed Sheppard looking to make a difference. We will explore who has the best shot to follow in Wembanyama’s footsteps and who might emerge as a sleeper pick in the race for Rookie of the Year.
True Candidates
Zaccharie Risacher, Alexandre Sarr, Reed Sheppard
Zaccharie Risacher enters the league as one of the most versatile wings in recent memory, and his combination of size, length, and offensive skill makes him a top candidate for Rookie of the Year as the No. 1 overall pick. Already polished on both ends of the floor, Risacher’s ability to score from all three levels while defending multiple positions gives him a significant edge over other rookies. He has the tools to be an instant impact player for the Atlanta Hawks if he can blossom next to Trae Young.
Alexandre Sarr’s two-way potential puts him squarely in the ROY conversation. With his 7’1″ frame and unique ability to block shots, rebound, and stretch the floor, Sarr is poised to make a big splash in his first year. He has a chance to impress with the Washington Wizards but has to prove he can be the man to do so, otherwise, Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole will be happy to carry the offense.
Reed Sheppard is not the most physically imposing rookie, but his basketball IQ and all-around game make him a serious contender for Rookie of the Year. Sheppard can facilitate the offense by knocking down shots quickly as a skilled playmaker and shooter. Sheppard might be in a position to take over the starting point guard spot in case Fred VanVleet begins to decline, something the Houston Rockets won’t mind happening.
Big Threats
Matas Buzelis, Zach Edey, Stephon Castle
Matas Buzelis is one of the more intriguing prospects in this class, with his mix of size, ball-handling, and shooting. Standing at 6’10” and a key part of the Chicago Bulls’ rebuilding core, Buzelis has the versatility to play multiple positions, and his offensive game is already well-rounded. However, his consistency will be key—if he can put it all together and become a more aggressive scorer, Buzelis could easily challenge for ROY.
Zach Edey, the towering 7’4″ center, is an old-school big man in a league moving toward pace and space. But don’t count him out of the Rookie of the Year race just yet. Edey’s sheer size and dominance in the paint will make him an immediate force as a rebounder and rim protector. He’ll need to adjust to the NBA’s faster pace, but if he can find a rhythm offensively with the Grizzlies and impose his will down low, Edey could carve out a dominant role with Ja Morant feeding him inside.
Stephon Castle is a dynamic guard with a solid all-around game that could elevate him to ROY contention. He plays with a chip on his shoulder, which should translate well to the NBA. Castle is a strong defender and a capable scorer, but what sets him apart is his ability to play both on and off the ball. If he can assert himself early and carve out a consistent role on offense, Castle has the potential to surprise in the Rookie of the Year race for the San Antonio Spurs.
Dark Horses
Donovan Clingan, Ron Holland, Rob Dillingham
Donovan Clingan is a massive presence at 7’2″, and while he’s not as polished as some of the top-tier candidates, his potential as a shot-blocker and interior defender makes him a dark horse for ROY. Clingan’s offensive game is still developing, but if he can dominate the paint defensively and add a reliable post-game, he could quickly rise in the ranks. He’ll need to prove he can keep up with the pace of the NBA, but his size alone makes him a sleeper pick.
Ron Holland is an explosive athlete with a high motor, and his energy on both ends of the floor could make him a surprise contender for Rookie of the Year. Holland thrives in transition and is an excellent slasher, but his jumper will need work if he wants to stay on the floor in key moments. That said, his defensive potential and the fact that he has a chance to crack the rotation on a poor Pistons team mean he can be a dark horse.
Rob Dillingham is a bit undersized, but his confidence and knack for creating shots could allow him to put up impressive numbers as a rookie. If Dillingham can improve his decision-making and show more consistency in his playmaking, he could become one of the most fun rookies to watch—and a dark horse for the ROY award if the Minnesota Timberwolves trust him over Mike Conley down the line.
Highly Unlikely
Jared McCain, Bronny James, Dalton Knecht
Jared McCain has solid fundamentals, but he lacks the star upside that many of the other rookies possess at this moment. He’s a reliable shooter and can run an offense effectively, but his limited physical tools may prevent him from making a significant impact in his first season. However, don’t count out what McCain will do off the bench on a title-contending 76ers roster.
Bronny James will undoubtedly garner a lot of attention as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, but his journey to Rookie of the Year is an uphill battle. Bronny definitely needs more time to adjust to the NBA level, and though his name carries weight, it’s highly unlikely he’ll be a serious contender for ROY in 2024-25. His debut also wasn’t the most groundbreaking although he was only on the court for three minutes alongside his father, LeBron James.
Dalton Knecht is a skilled shooter, but his path to Rookie of the Year is quite narrow. While he has the potential to be a great floor spacer, his overall game doesn’t yet project to have the immediate impact that would warrant consideration for this award. Lakers fans are high on Knecht, as they should be, but there won’t be a ROY award coming to the Crypto.com Arena.
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