NBA Rookie of The Year (ROY) Rankings 2024-25: Top 5 candidates after Week 7 ft. Stephon Castle
The 2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) race continues to sizzle every week. Jared McCain, who has sat on top of the list since the 4th week, had another solid run for the Philadelphia 76ers. The former Duke star looks to retain his pole position in the latest rankings.
Matas Buzelis of the Chicago Bulls and Yves Missi of the New Orleans Pelicans had a string of games that earned the attention of basketball analysts and fans. The two did not make it to the top 5, but they are worth keeping an eye on. They are deserving of a mention in the weekly rankings.
2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year Power Rankings
#5 Bub Carrington
After falling out of the top 5 in the past three weeks, Bub Carrington is back in the NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings. The Washington Wizards guard played four games and averaged 11.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.8 steals. Carrington’s shooting still needs work, but his playmaking and versatility on both ends give him coach Brian Keefe’s trust.
Washington went 1-3 next week but Carrington was a bright spot for the Wizards.
#4 Jaylen Wells
Jaylen Wells continues to be a fixture in the NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings. The Memphis Grizzlies guard arguably had his worst game of the season on Sunday. He had four points, two rebounds and two assists in the Grizzlies’ 140-112 win against the Washington Wizards.
Wells’ numbers look underwhelming but he was important in the game because of his defense, hustle and energy. Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard are back Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins continues to trust the rookie.
#3 Zaccharie Risacher
Zaccharie Risacher had a solid four-game stretch in Week 7, giving him the No. 3 spot of the NBA Rookie of the Year rankings. He was a key reason the Atlanta Hawks finished 3-1 during that span. The Frenchman averaged 12.0 points and 3.0 rebounds. He shot 45.5%, including 33.3% from deep.
The No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA draft is steadily gaining the trust of the Hawks veterans on both ends of the floor. Risacher’s improving defense is a big reason he continues to get playing time even when he struggles with his scoring efficiency.
Dyson Daniels is Atlanta’s best defender but Hawks coach Quin Snyder has not hesitated to give Risacher tough defensive assignments.
#2 Stephon Castle
Speaking of defense, Stephon Castle might be the best defender in this year’s draft class. The San Antonio Spurs rookie deserves the No. 2 spot in the NBA Rookie of the Year rankings with his Week 7 performances.
Castle averaged 16.3 PPG, 4.5 APG and 2.8 RPG. The former UConn star is getting more comfortable running the offense and is unquestionably the Spurs' best perimeter defender. San Antonio went 1-3 last week, but Castle’s two-way display stood out.
#1 Jared McCain
Jared McCain averaged 16.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG and 2.3 APG in four games for the Philadelphia 76ers. He was a solid contributor to the 76ers’ 3-1 record in Week 7. Unlike the previous week, where he struggled to make shots, McCain was sizzling hot. He shot 57.1%, including 50.0% from deep.
More importantly, the rookie is always ready to step up when one of the 76ers’ biggest stars is injured or held out. He sits atop the NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings for another week.