NBA fans have finally reached the second half of the 2024-25 season, but we do not have a consensus on the top two or three candidates for the Rookie of the Year award. With a draft class that analysts expected to have more role players than stars, the discourse over the award has brought new names to the forefront each week. Here are six candidates that could win the wild Rookie of the Year race, after almost 50 games.
Stephon Castle: San Antonio Spurs
The 2024 National Champion and fourth-overall pick has had a stellar rookie campaign playing alongside Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul. Castle is averaging 11.7 points a game on 40% shooting. The former UConn alum is also averaging 3.6 assists per game and almost one steal a game. As everyone who watched him in a Connecticut uniform last season knows, his impact goes beyond the stat sheet. His defense and athleticism have helped the Spurs nearly eclipse their 2024-win total before the month of February. If San Antonio can earn a play-in berth this year, Castle has a very good case to be the second-straight Spur to hoist the award.
Alexander Sarr: Washington Wizards
In the Wizards rebuilding era post-Bradley Beal, there have been some mistakes by the front office when it comes to drafting. After 41 games this season however, it seems like they may have nailed the second-overall pick. Sarr really burst onto the scene, winning Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for December. The Frenchman is averaging 11.5 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. If Sarr can get his shooting splits up a bit and continue to protect the paint, it would be hard for voters to bat an eye at the seven-footer.
Jaylen Wells: Memphis Grizzlies
Despite another year of unfortunate injuries for the Grizzlies, they are currently third in the Western Conference, thanks in part to the excellent rookie play. The 39th pick out of Washington State has stepped up in place of GG Jackson and Marcus Smart throughout the season. Wells is shooting 38.8% from beyond the arc and averages 11.7 points per game. The November Rookie of the Month is a plus 3.5 when he is on the court this season. This impact can be shown by his shooting splits in Memphis’ wins and losses. Wells shoots 43% from behind the arc when they win and less than 30% when they lose. The California native could be the first rookie since Malcom Brogdon in 2017 to win Rookie of the Year after being drafted in the second round.
Zach Edey: Memphis Grizzlies
The other rookie stepping up massively for Memphis is the back-to-back Naismith College Player of the Year. In 33 games, the big man has filled the stat sheet with almost 10 points per game on 58% shooting and 7.5 rebounds per game. The Canadian has also tallied 1.2 blocks per game, using his 7-foot 4-inch frame to protect the paint. Edey has seen his minutes dip with Brandon Clarke and Jaren Jackson Jr. returning to the lineup. His per-36-minutes numbers are an eye popping 16.2 points and 12.7 rebounds. Even if he does not hear his name called for Rookie of the Year, the former Purdue Boilermaker will be pivotal down the stretch for the Grizzlies.
Yves Missi: New Orleans Pelicans
Missi has been a diamond in the rough for head coach Willie Green in a disappointing season for New Orleans. The 20-year-old is averaging nearly a double-double with nine points on 56.6% shooting and eight rebounds a game. Missi is also averaging 1.5 blocks per game in nearly 27 minutes of action each night. The Cameroon native earned Western Conference Rookie of the Month honors in December, averaging a double-double in 13 games played during the month. The big man out of Baylor has a bright future and a few massive games can propel him up on the Rookie of the Year ladder.
Dalton Knecht: Los Angeles Lakers
When Lebron James, one of the greatest players of all time, is excited about who his team drafted at the 17th pick, you knew the Lakers got the steal of the 2024 draft class. General managers passed on Knecht simply because of his age. The guard will be turning 24 in April and has made an instant impact for a team in the playoff race. Knecht is averaging 9.1 points per game and averages 1.5 three pointers made a game on 35.1% shooting. The sharpshooter has also got in done from inside the three-point line, shooting 45.8% from the field and 80.8% from the free throw line. If the Tennessee alum can keep his shooting splits up and continue to be a valuable contributor for the Lakers, there is no reason why he should not be considered for Rookie of the Year.