As we approach the midway point of the 2024-25 season, a few rookies have emerged from the woodwork, proving themselves to be a legitimate ball player with the ability to consistently succeed in starting lineups for years to come.
But not many, in fact, barely any.
Historically Bad Rookies
This draft class overall has statistically been the weakest one since the year 2000! No newcomer averages more than 15.3 points(Jared McCain) which is the lowest since rookie Emeka Okafor in 2005. Historically there is at least one player, if not multiple, averaging 20+ points or 10+ boards or 6+ assists per game. No player has come close to reaching this threshold this year.
Additionally, only five players average double digit scoring per game which is the lowest since 2014. So not only do the top players underperform but 2024 draft class as a whole has been struggling.
So what could explain these rookie mistakes? With the average minutes per game being only a couple fewer, there’s not much that could validate their inefficiencies besides injuries. Four of the top ten draft picks have sustained mid-to-long term injuries starting even before the draft. These rookies include Jared McCain, Alexandre Sarr, Nikola Topic and Isaiah Collier.
But although they have suffered from injuries, most of these players have been able to play a good amount of games. So maybe their skill is just not up to snuff, a bad anomaly of talent.
It seems every year we have some freakshow kid coveted as a monumental pick for one lucky franchise now. Whether its last year’s Victor Wembanyama, 2021’s Anthony Edwards or even going back to Luka Doncic, these guys merited a swarm of media coverage following the draft and into the season.
This year’s top rookie performer, Jared McCain, has had little impact on the NBA landscape. Unfortunately he has been injured for the past month but he was mid slump before his injury- someone else will need to step up for the 2024 rookie class.
Notable Rookie Players
Jared McCain
Although he was slumping pre-injury, Jared McCain has had some great games for the Philadelphia 76ers this season. He averages 15.3 PPG on 46% shooting this season as well as two boards and assists per game. The 16th overall pick has had two games with 30+ points and some clutch moments for the 76ers.
Unfortunately he is out for the season so his time as a rookie has expired.
Zach Edey
Coming into the 2024-25 season Zach Edey was slept on- a lot of sports analysts, like Oddball podcast host Amin Elhassan, were bashing him before he got a second on a NBA court.
“I staunchly believe that Zach Edey is not going to work,” Elhassan said on Oct. 3rd, 2024. “I don’t think his build, his athleticism and his game fit with the NBA game right now.”
What a bad take; Edey has proved to be a very useful player for the Memphis Grizzlies this season. He averages ten points on almost 60% shooting as well as 7.5 boards and one block per game. The rookie has been the Grizzlies leading rebounder so his impact on the glass has been apparent.
The Grizzlies are having somewhat of a comeback year, fueled by the addition of rookies like Edey and also the return of Ja Morant. They are currently 25-15 sitting third in the Western Conference.
Jaylen Wells & Alexandre Sarr
Edey’s teammate and 39th overall pick, Jaylen Wells has had a surprisingly good rookie year. He averages 11.7 points per game and has provided some fuel off the bench for the Grizzlies.
It’s worth mentioning that Wizard’s rookie Alexandre Sarr has been averaging 11.7 points as well. His ceiling coming into this season was much higher than his current playing level so overall it has been a disappointing outing for Sarr.
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