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First-Team
Risacher may not receive the same fanfare as No. 1 picks of the past. He hasn’t ran away with the Rookie of the Year, but he’s certainly one of the top candidates and easily deserving of a spot on the All-Rookie First-team. There’s no guarantee he ever blossoms into an All-Star. However, Risacher has done well in his role. He’s already a better shooter than many expected (35.5 3PT%), and ranks third in scoring among rookies (12.7 PPG).
The No. 2 pick in last year’s draft hasn’t had the most efficient season. Sarr is shooting under 40-percent from the field, a rough mark for a 7-footer. While he’s struggled to score efficiently, Sarr has managed solid counting stats for a rebuilding Wizards team. He ranks 2nd in blocks (1.5) and fifth in rebounds (6.5). A pleasant surprise has been his playmaking. Sarr is averaging 2.4 APG, good for 7th among rookies.
Wells’ season was unfortunately cut short after taking a nasty fall last week. The rookie suffered a broken wrist and a concussion, and will likely miss the postseason. His play prior to the injury should be enough to earn him a spot on the All-Rookie First-team. Most rookies can afford to pad their stats on lottery-bound teams. Wells started 74 games for a team that is going to win nearly 50 games. A reliable shooter (led all rookies in 3PT makes) and defender, losing Wells for the playoffs is a massive blow to the Grizzlies.
Memphis got two starters from the 2024 NBA Draft. The former Purdue standout made 54 starts as a rookie. Edey’s playing time was sporadic throughout the year, but he managed solid counting stats — 9.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.3 BPG — while showing impressive efficiency — 57.8 FG%, 34.6 3PT%, 71.5 FT%. He’s solidified his spot on the First-team with a massive April in which he’s averaging a ridiculous 15.6 RPG.
Second-Team
Kel’El Ware, C, Heat
Miami’s Ware was the closest to cracking the First-team. He likely makes the team if the Heat gave him minutes earlier in the year. Since February, Ware is averaging a double-double (10.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG) with 1.2 BPG. The Heat have been looking for a big man to play alongside Bam Adebayo. Ware’s ability to protect the paint and stretch the floor has made him an ideal frontcourt partner. He’s somebody to watch out for in 2026.
Buzelis was another late-bloomer. His season-long stats aren’t overly impressive, but he’s made the most of his increased playing time recently. Since joining the starting lineup on Feb. 5, Buzelis is averaging 13.0 PPG and 4.6 RPG. His recent surge is enough to earn Second-team honors. Buzelis projects to be a vital role player for the Bulls over the next few years. He’s already shown to be a good shooter who can defend and run the floor.
The Wizards have four promising rookies in their rotation. Sarr is likely a First-team selection, Kyshawn George could potentially sneak into the Second-team, and AJ Johnson has flashed immense potential since being acquired by the Bucks. Carrington earns the nod over George, as the former is the most impressive playmaker and shotmaker. Mid-range scoring is regarded as a lost art in the NBA, but not for Carrington. He’s most comfortable in that area, shooting a blistering 56.9-percent between 10-16 feet away from the basket.
New Orleans’ front office has always excelled in the draft, and 2024 was no different. Getting Missi with the 21st pick was a home run selection. The Baylor product led all rookies in rebounding, and showed great instincts as a rim protector. It’s a shame the team wasn’t able to stay healthy. With the Pelicans’ at full health, Missi would have fit perfectly as the team’s starting center next to Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, and Dejounte Murray.
Rookie point guards tend to struggle more than other positions. Collier earned a bigger role due to injuries, but has improved as the season has wore on. Leading all rookies with 6.3 APG, Collier ranks 16th league-wide in assists ahead of All-Stars like Stephen Curry, Jayson Tatum, Tyler Herro, and Jalen Williams. He’s dished double-digit assists 13 times.
