Rookie Class of 2024 Silences Doubters with Steady Growth, Surprise Impact

When the 2024 NBA Draft class first entered the league, expectations were low and criticism was loud. Many draft analysts threw shade, dismissing the group as underwhelming and lacking star power. But instead of sulking, the rookies rolled up their sleeves, got to work—and proved a lot of people wrong.

This year’s rookies didn’t have the same immediate star appeal as previous classes that included names like Luka Dončić, Ja Morant, or Paolo Banchero. And sure, expecting the same top-to-bottom impact as the legendary 2021 class—which featured Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, Evan Mobley, Franz Wagner, and Alperen Sengun—might’ve been a stretch. But that’s the thing about rookies: you can’t judge them too quickly. A few months later, the Class of 2024 is showing real promise, especially among the top selections.

At the top of this season’s final Kia Rookie Ladder are three players who were all drafted within the first four picks:

1. Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs)

2. Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks)

3. Alex Sarr (Washington Wizards)

Castle’s Case for Rookie of the Year

Stephon Castle, the No. 4 overall pick out of UConn, has emerged as the clear frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. The 6-foot-6 guard has led all rookies in total points, steals, and free throws, while ranking second in minutes played and fourth in assists per game. Castle has scored 20+ points in 24 games, topping 30 twice, and recorded five double-doubles. His usage rate jumped to 28.6 after injuries sidelined Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox, forcing Castle to take the reins in San Antonio.

If Castle wins ROY, he’ll join Wembanyama as back-to-back winners from the Spurs—something only two other franchises have achieved in the past 50 years.

Risacher Rises

Selected first overall, Zaccharie Risacher has had a strong season for the Hawks. The 20-year-old forward, who was raised in France, gained momentum as the year progressed, earning Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month honors in both February and March. Since the start of 2025, Risacher is the only rookie averaging at least 13 points per game while shooting 45% from the field, 35% from three, and 75% from the free-throw line.

Sarr’s Two-Way Potential

Washington’s Alex Sarr, taken with the No. 2 pick, has had an up-and-down rookie campaign, but the flashes of brilliance are undeniable. The 7-footer’s blend of size and mobility allowed him to knock down threes and block shots with rare frequency. In fact, Sarr joined an elite group of only five rookies in NBA history to have 15 or more games with multiple blocks and multiple made threes.

Beyond the Top 3: Quiet Contributors and Hidden Gems

While the 2024 class doesn’t have the offensive firepower of some previous groups—only four players are averaging double figures (five if you count Jared McCain, who went down with a season-ending knee injury in December)—it’s been solid across the board. Here's a quick statistical breakdown of how this rookie class compares to recent years (minimum 50 games played):

• 2024-25: 4 rookies with 10+ PPG | 5 with 6+ RPG | 4 with 4+ APG

• 2023-24: 6 | 5 | 3

• 2022-23: 8 | 5 | 2

• 2021-22: 10 | 3 | 3

• 2020-21: 7 | 1 | 2

Several players, including Miami’s Kel’el Ware, Memphis’ Jaylen Wells, and Portland’s Donovan Clingan, have made their mark defensively and on the glass. Ware, in particular, has been a revelation for the Heat after barely playing early in the season, piling up 14 double-doubles in 61 appearances.

Wells, a consistent starter for Memphis, led all rookies in total wins and plus/minus (+185) before suffering a wrist injury this week. Other notable defenders include Washington’s Kyshawn George, Phoenix’s Ryan Dunn, and New Orleans’ Yves Missi.

Projected All-Rookie Teams (in Kia Rookie Ladder order)

First Team:

• Stephon Castle, Spurs

• Zaccharie Risacher, Hawks

• Alex Sarr, Wizards

• Kel’el Ware, Heat

• Jaylen Wells, Grizzlies

Second Team:

• Yves Missi, Pelicans

• Zach Edey, Grizzlies

• Isaiah Collier, Jazz

• Bub Carrington, Wizards

• Donovan Clingan, Trail Blazers

Honorable Mentions:

• Kyle Filipowski (Jazz)

• Kyshawn George (Wizards)

• Matas Buzelis (Bulls)

• Dalton Knecht (Lakers)

• Jared McCain (76ers)

Final Word

The 2024 class may not have dominated headlines early on, but it’s finishing strong. With standout individual performances, unexpected role players, and some future All-Star potential in the mix, this group is setting the stage for long, productive careers.

As for the critics? They might want to hold off on judging future draft classes too soon. This year’s rookies didn’t need flash—they just needed time.