RADIO
10. Dalton Knecht, Los Angeles Lakers
Dalton Knecht has established himself as a key contributor for the Lakers, averaging 9.8 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 46.6 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from three-point range. His ability to space the floor is crucial for a team with high aspirations.
The 17th pick in the draft has showcased his potential, highlighted by a stunning 37-point performance against the Utah Jazz in November. Knecht arrived in the NBA ready to make an impact, and if the Lakers are to make a deep run this season, he’ll be an important piece of their puzzle with his scoring and floor-spacing ability.
9. Tristan Da Silva, Orlando Magic
With the Orlando Magic dealing with several key injuries, Tristan Da Silva has stepped into an important role. He’s averaging 8.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game this season, and his recent 25-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in early January turned some heads.
As Da Silva continues to find his footing, he’s becoming a more consistent contributor. It will be interesting to see how his role evolves once the Magic are fully healthy, but for now, his emergence has been a welcome development for the team.
8. Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks
Despite the pressure of being the top pick in the NBA draft, Ricasher has had a solid season, averaging 10.9 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. He’s part of a talented young core in Atlanta, playing 24.0 minutes per game, though his performance has been a bit inconsistent at times.
Ricasher continues to contribute steadily in the starting lineup for Atlanta. At just 19 years old, he has the potential to develop into a star as he gains more experience.
7. Jared McCain, Philadelphia 76ers
Jared McCain had been having a strong season for the 76ers, averaging 15.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 25.8 minutes per game. Unfortunately, a left meniscus tear will sideline him for the season, and he would likely have ranked higher if he had played more games this season.
At just 20 years old and the 16th pick in the 2024 draft, McCain was a bright spot for Philadelphia, especially during their early-season injury struggles. Once he returns to full health, he’ll look to pick up where he left off.
6. Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies
There were questions about whether Zach Edey’s dominant college play would translate to the NBA, but he’s silenced those doubts. Averaging 10.6 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, Edey has been a valuable contributor to one of the best teams in the Western Conference. Injuries have limited his impact this season, but had he stayed healthy, he’d likely be higher on this list.
Edey is shooting an impressive 59.4% from the field this season, and as the ninth pick in the 2024 draft, he’s providing the Grizzlies with a lot of size, rebounding and rim protection.
5. Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies
Jaylen Wells has been a mainstay in the Grizzlies starting lineup, making 32 starts this season. Averaging 11.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and shooting 37.8% from three, Wells has settled into an important role on a contending team.
Drafted 39th overall last year, Wells has quickly become one of the biggest surprises of the 2024 draft. At just 21 years old, he’s proven to be a steady presence on both ends of the court, providing scoring and defense when the team has needed it most.
4. Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
Stephon Castle got off to a strong start in his rookie season, quickly showing why he was selected 4th overall in the 2024 draft. However, a shoulder injury has slowed him down a bit, limiting his ability to maintain that early momentum.
Despite the setback, Castle has still managed to average 10.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 24.5 minutes per game. His potential as a future star player is clear, and the Spurs seem to have another building block with phenom Victor Wembanyama.
3. Carlton Carrington, Washington Wizards
As the 14th pick in the 2024 draft, Carlton Carrington has been showing why he was highly valued by the Washington Wizards. His aggressive approach on offense and ability to create plays for others has made him a consistent presence in the lineup, and he’s been one of the more exciting rookies to watch this season.
Averaging 9.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 30.2 minutes per game, Carrington’s game is well-rounded. At just 19 years old, he’s continuing to improve, and his future with the Wizards looks promising as they give him the space to grow.
2. Yves Missi, New Orleans Pelicans
Yves Missi has been a standout for the Pelicans, recently earning Western Conference Rookie of the Month honors for December after averaging a double-double with 11.2 points and 10 rebounds. He leads all rookies in rebounding and has been a consistent bright spot for a New Orleans team that hasn’t had much to celebrate this season.
The 21st pick from the 2024 draft has made the most of his increased role, putting up 9.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game on an efficient 55.4% shooting. Missi’s steady growth has solidified his place as a key piece of the Pelicans’ future.
1. Alexandre Sarr, Washington Wizards
Alexandre Sarr has been finding his stride offensively. While he’s shooting 40.8% from the field on the season, his performance in December was a big step forward, earning him Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month honors. During that stretch, he shot 45.5% from three and 46.1% overall, showing real progress in his game.
The second pick from the 2024 draft is averaging 11.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks, with four double-doubles already under his belt. If he keeps this up, he’ll be right in the mix for Rookie of the Year by the end of the season.
