Top 10 Best NBA Rookies 2024-2025 Rankings

By Sunday Umoh | January 30, 2025

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The 2024-2025 NBA season has seen an influx of extraordinary young talent, with rookies stepping up and significantly making their mark. These players have shown poise, adaptability, and immense skill, proving that the future of the league is bright. Below are the Top 10 NBA Rookies of the 2024-2025 season, ranked based on their performance, impact, and potential, along with an honorable mention.

Here is a look at the Top 10 Best NBA Rookies 2024-2025 Rankings:

Honorable Mention

Jared McCain

Team: Philadelphia 76ers

Position: Guard

Previous Ranking: Unranked

Selected 16th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Jared McCain quickly became a fan favorite in Philadelphia. Known for his sharpshooting and charismatic presence, McCain averaged 15.3 points per game before a season-ending knee injury.

He set records for the most three-pointers in a rookie’s first five career starts and the highest number in the first 15 games of a 76er’s career. His confidence and flair drew comparisons to Stephen Curry, and despite the injury, McCain’s early-season heroics have left a lasting impression.

Top 10 Best NBA Rookies

10. Kyshawn George

Team: Washington Wizards

Position: Small Forward

Previous Ranking: Unranked

Kyshawn George has been a bright spot for the Washington Wizards in his rookie season. Averaging 7.6 points, 2.3 assists, and 0.9 steals per game, George has demonstrated impressive playmaking ability and defensive tenacity.

Known for his versatility, he has contributed both as a scorer and a facilitator, showing flashes of brilliance in transition and in pick-and-roll situations.

His defensive awareness and quick hands have made him a disruptive presence on the perimeter, helping the Wizards improve their defensive schemes. As George continues to develop, he looks set to become a crucial piece of Washington’s backcourt for years to come.

9. Bub Carrington

Team: Washington Wizards

Position: Point Guard

Previous Ranking: Unranked

Bub Carrington has brought an electrifying presence to the Washington Wizard’s backcourt in his rookie season. Known for his crafty ball-handling and ability to create scoring opportunities, Carrington has averaged 8.9 points, 4.0 assists, and 0.8 steals per game.

His quick first step allows him to penetrate defenses, while his court vision has elevated the play of his teammates. Defensively, Carrington has shown a knack for disrupting passing lanes and creating turnovers, adding to his value as a two-way player. With his energy and playmaking ability, Carrington has solidified himself as a key piece of Washington’s young core.

8. Tristan da Silva

Team: Orlando Magic

Position: Small Forward

Previous Ranking: Unranked

Tristan da Silva has been a pleasant surprise for the Orlando Magic, stepping into a significant role off the bench. Averaging 8.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 0.5 steals per game, da Silva has impressed with his versatility and ability to impact the game on both ends.

His shooting from beyond the arc has added an extra dimension to Orlando’s offense, while his defensive IQ and positioning have helped him hold his own against tougher matchups.

7. Kel’el Ware

Team: Miami Heat

Position: Center

Previous Ranking: Unranked

Kel’el Ware has quickly become a cornerstone for the Miami Heat. Averaging 9.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game, Ware’s combination of size and athleticism has made him a dominant force in the paint.

His ability to protect the rim and score efficiently around the basket has given Miami a reliable interior presence. As Ware continues to develop his mid-range game, he has the potential to be one of the league’s top centers.

6. Ryan Dunn

Team: Phoenix Suns

Position: Forward

Previous Ranking: Unranked

Ryan Dunn has been a versatile and reliable contributor for the Phoenix Suns in his rookie campaign. Averaging 7.5 points, 3.5 assists, and 0.5 steals per game, Dunn’s ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor has been impressive.

Known for his defensive intensity, he’s often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s top perimeter players, and his quick hands have led to several transition opportunities for Phoenix.

Offensively, Dunn’s court vision and ability to score in transition have given the Suns a much-needed boost. Dunn is carving out a significant role in Phoenix’s backcourt with his poise and hustle.

5. Zach Edey

Team: Memphis Grizzlies

Position: Center

Previous Ranking: Unranked

Rounding out the Top 5 on the Top 10 Best NBA Rookies 2024-2025 Rankings list is the Memphis Grizzlies newcomer center Zach Edey.

At 7’4, Zach Edey immediately became a force in the paint for the Memphis Grizzlies. The towering rookie averages 9.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.0 block per game, providing a strong defensive presence.

His ability to dominate the boards and protect the rim has been critical for Memphis, especially against teams with smaller frontlines. Offensively, Edey continues to refine his post moves, and his sheer size makes him nearly unstoppable around the basket.

4. Jaylen Wells

Team: Memphis Grizzlies

Position: SMall Forward

Previous Ranking: Unranked

Jaylen Wells has emerged as a consistent scorer for the Memphis Grizzlies, averaging 11.9 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. His polished offensive game, including a reliable mid-range jumper and excellent footwork, has made him a key contributor.

Wells’ ability to play multiple positions and defend at a high level has provided the Grizzlies with much-needed versatility. With continued development, Wells has the potential to become a star in Memphis.

3. Yves Missi

Team: New Orleans Pelicans

Position: Center

Previous Ranking: Unranked

Yves Missi has been a game-changer for the New Orleans Pelicans, averaging 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game.

His defensive instincts and shot-blocking ability have anchored the Pelicans’ interior defense, while his energy on the boards has created second-chance opportunities for his team.

Offensively, Missi’s post moves and growing confidence have made him a reliable option in the paint. His impact on both ends of the floor has been instrumental in New Orleans’ success this season.

2. Stephon Castle

Team: San Antonio Spurs

Position: Guard

Previous Ranking: Unranked

Stephon Castle has lived up to expectations as a top draft pick, averaging 11.6 points, 3.6 assists, and 0.9 steals per game for the San Antonio Spurs.

Castle’s ability to control the game as a floor general and make plays for his teammates has been a revelation. His scoring ability, particularly in pick-and-roll situations, has made him a dangerous offensive weapon.

Defensively, Castle’s length and anticipation have allowed him to disrupt opposing guards effectively. He has quickly become a cornerstone of San Antonio’s young core.

1. Alex Sarr

Team: Washington Wizards

Position: Center

Previous Ranking: Unranked

In at number one on the Top 10 Best NBA Rookies 2024-2025 Rankings list is the Washington Wizards center Alex Sarr.

Alex Sarr has been the most impactful rookie of the 2024-2025 season, averaging 11.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. His ability to dominate on both ends of the court has made him a force to be reckoned with. Sarr’s size, skill, and mobility combination have allowed him to excel as a scorer, rebounder, and rim protector.

His footwork and touch around the basket have drawn comparisons to some of the league’s top big men, while his defensive presence has transformed the Wizards’ interior defense. As the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, Sarr has set the standard for his draft class.

How would you rank the best NBA rookies so far into the 2024-2025 NBA Season? Rank below to be added in the NBA Rookie Rankings.

Sunday Umoh

Sunday Umoh is the visionary founder and CEO of Fan Rankings LLC, a platform that merges sports passion with technology to create an engaging and interactive space for fans worldwide. With a background in Information Science and Systems and experience as a Software Engineer, Umoh has built a brand that blends analytical insights with emotional connection, offering unique coverage of Football, Basketball, MMA, and Boxing. A graduate of Morgan State University and a former collegiate Track and Field athlete, Umoh previously gained attention for his impactful Washington Wizards blog, fireerniegrunfeld.com. His journey exemplifies how technology can amplify sports fandom, with Fan Rankings setting a new standard in sports media, providing a community for fans to connect, debate, and celebrate their favorite teams and athletes.

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