NBA 2024-25 season: Decoding Rookie of the Year ranking
What's the story
The NBA Rookie of the Year race for 2024-25 has been unpredictable, with six players holding the top spot on the Rookie Ladder.
Washington's Alexandre Sarr has now claimed No. 1, thanks to a stellar December that earned him Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month.
With no dominant standout like last year, let's look at the latest Rookie of the Year ladder.
#1
Alexandre Sarr - Washington Wizards
Rookies adjust to the league, but teams also adapt to them.
Wizards coach Brian Keefe highlighted this dynamic with Alexandre Sarr: "We play through him a lot. He makes good decisions, passes well, shoots better, and attacks the rim."
Meanwhile, Sarr's impact shows in his averages: 11.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.6 blocks in 27.1 minutes, with defensive versatility being tested.
#2
Yves Missi - New Orleans Pelicans
"Steel sharpens steel," says Pelicans rookie Yves Missi on competing with the league's best centers.
The December West Rookie of the Month leads all rookies with 8.3 rebounds, including 3.7 offensive boards, and boasts a 55.3 FG%, just shy of Zach Edey's 59.4 among rotation rookies.
Additionally, Missi averages 9.1 points, 1.5 assists, and 1.5 blocks in 27.3 minutes across 33 games.
#3
Jaylen Wells - Memphis Grizzlies
Sacramento native Jaylen Wells shined against the Sacramento Kings, thrilling family and friends with season highs of 30 points, eight 3-pointers, and 11-of-16 shooting.
Meanwhile, Wells has started 32 games this season—14 more than the rest of the 2024 rookie class combined.
Across 34 games, he's averaging 11.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and shooting 43.4% overall, 37.1% from deep.
#4
Zach Edey - Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies limited the No. 9 pick to just 13 minutes against the Dallas Mavericks, but two nights earlier, he was drawn into Golden State Warriors usual drama with Draymond Green.
Despite the ups and downs, his consistent play and solid stats have secured him a top-five spot on the ladder.
In 18 games, he's averaging 10.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and shooting 59.0% overall.
#5
Stephon Castle - San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs rookie, who recently held the top spot on the ladder, now finds himself in fifth place.
Castle averaged 25.1 minutes per game through December, ranking seventh among rookies, but that has dipped slightly to 24.9 in January.
Still a volume shooter, he ranks second in attempts per 36 minutes (15.9), trailing only Zaccharie Risacher (16.2).
Meanwhile, Castle averages 11.0 points, 3.6 assists.