NBA Rookie of The Year (ROY) Rankings 2024-25: Top 5 candidates after Week 9 ft. Jaylen Wells
After four weeks, a new No. 1 takes over the NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) race lead. Jared McCain, sidelined indefinitely due to a lateral meniscus tear, conceded his chances of winning the award. The Philadelphia 76ers first-year pro said on his YouTube channel that it “su**s to be out,” as the ROY was “the one thing he wanted.”
With McCain out, the contest has become more interesting than ever because there's no clear-cut favorite. Stephon Castle, who has been trailing the former Duke star for weeks, finally holds the pole position. With Castle perched at the top, who among the other rookies made their moves in the top 5?
Here's how the top rookies fared in the latest edition of the ROY ladder.
2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year Power Rankings
#5 Zaccharie Risacher
Risacher fell out of the top 5 after Week 8 but returns in the latest edition of the NBA Rookie of the Year rankings. The No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA draft averaged 9.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals last week.
Risacher’s numbers didn't tell the full tale of his impact on the Hawks. He has been solid on the defensive end, and his versatility remains an asset for coach Quin Snyder.
#4 Alex Sarr
Sarr has reached the top 5 twice in the NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings. The Washington Wizards forward/center returns to the list after an impressive Week 9 display. He averaged 14.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.7 blocks in his last three games. Sarr shot 42.1%, including 44.4% from deep.
The Frenchman held up well against the Twin Tower combo of Giannis Antetokounmpo on Saturday. Washington lost 112-101, but Sarr had 11 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. The No. 2 pick in this year’s draft could move up the rankings if he can sustain his performances.
#3 Yves Missi
Missi broke through after Week 8 of the NBA Rookie of the Year rankings. The New Orleans Pelicans big man looks ready to stay in the top 5 of the list. He played four games last week, the most among rookies, and averaged 12.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists.
The Pelicans are mired in a seven-game losing streak, but the former Baylor star has been a bright spot. Missi arguably had his best game of the season on Sunday against the Denver Nuggets. Playing against three-time and reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, the rookie tallied 21 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and two steals.
#2 Jaylen Wells
Wells, a staple in the NBA Rookie of the Year rankings, takes a step closer to the top. The Memphis Grizzlies forward played three games last week and averaged 11.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.0 assists. Wells shot 53.8%, including 50.0% from behind the arc.
Wells and the Grizzlies visited Zaccharie Risacher and the Hawks on Saturday. The second-rounder, who seems to be the biggest steal in the draft, arguably outdueled the top pick. He will likely push for the No. 1 spot if he stays healthy.
#1 Stephon Castle
Stephon Castle takes over pole position in the NBA Rookie of the Year race. With McCain out of the picture, the San Antonio Spurs combo guard looks like the favorite going forward.
The Spurs moved the former UConn star to a reserved role following a shoulder contusion and Devin Vassell’s resurgence. Castle has delivered as part of the bench mob, averaging 5.7 points, 4.3 assists and 2.3 rebounds in three games.
Castle continues to struggle with shotmaking efficiency, but his stellar defense makes him valuable. Wells and Missi are gaining in the NBA Rookie of the Year race, so Castle must step up.