While the NBA prepares for its 2025 season, much attention is being paid to new players, some of whom are already changing the way rookies are seen. Now that Rookie Minicamps are over and the All-Rookie teams have been chosen, it’s becoming easier to see who’s leading the race for NBA Rookie of the Year. Explosive guards and tall big men make up this year’s freshman class, shaping the future of basketball.
Let’s take a closer look at who’s competing for Rookie of the Year and the standout talents elevating the league.
Stephon Castle – San Antonio Spurs
The 2025 NBA Rookie of the Year | Chosen at No. 4
The San Antonio Spurs have done it again. Following Victor Wembanyama’s Rookie of the Year win last year, Stephon Castle brought the honour home in 2025, making the Spurs the first team in NBA history to win back-to-back Rookie of the Year awards without consecutive No. 1 picks.
- 14.7 PPG, 4.1 APG, 3.7 RPG over 81 games
- 1,190 points and 74 steals in the regular season
- 22.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.3 assists per 36 minutes in the last 30 games
Beyond the numbers, Castle’s poise, defence, and court vision have transformed the Spurs’ gameplay. Seamlessly aligning with Wembanyama, Castle appears ready to lead San Antonio back to title contention.
Zaccharie Risacher – Atlanta Hawks
All-Rookie First Team | Pick No. 1 Overall
The Atlanta Hawks made a calculated gamble with French prospect Zaccharie Risacher, and it’s paying off. A disciplined scorer with high basketball IQ, Risacher finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting.
His consistency, adaptability across positions, and impact as a transition threat and lockdown defender made him a core piece in Atlanta’s rebuild. Risacher’s game is quiet but deeply influential—an essential foundation for the Hawks’ future.
Zach Edey – Memphis Grizzlies
All-Rookie First Team | Pick No. 9 Overall
Standing tall at 7’4”, Zach Edey is reshaping modern centre play with his classic paint dominance. Now a major presence for the Memphis Grizzlies, Edey is securing rebounds and clogging lanes with a veteran-level presence.
- 9.2 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.3 BPG over 66 games
- 58% FG, 71% FT — elite efficiency for a rookie big
Edey’s physicality and basketball awareness offer Memphis a stability it lacked last year. He’s not just tall—he’s smart, and that makes him special.
Jaylen Wells – Memphis Grizzlies
All-Rookie First Team | Steal of the Draft
Another success story for Memphis, Jaylen Wells brought a dynamic skillset that made an immediate impact. Despite not being a top-eight pick, his versatility, energy, and defensive mindset landed him on the All-Rookie First Team.
Wells excels in motion offence, reads plays intuitively, and consistently delivers clutch moments—qualities that endear him to coaches and fans alike.
Alex Sarr – Washington Wizards
All-Rookie First Team | Defensive Dynamo
Rounding out the top rookies is Washington’s Alex Sarr, who emerged as a key defensive player. His rim protection and ability to switch assignments allowed him to anchor the Wizards’ evolving defence.
Sarr may not be a volume scorer, but his presence is felt. His length, agility, and awareness disrupt offensive schemes—an ideal prototype for modern defensive centres.
Who Else Is in the Mix?
While the spotlight shines on these five, other rookies are climbing quickly. Bronny James (Los Angeles Lakers), Reed Sheppard (Charlotte Hornets), and Ron Holland (Detroit Pistons) are all exceeding early expectations and helping their franchises with solid performances.
With Summer League and training camp on the horizon, there’s still time for new narratives to emerge as these young stars develop.
A Historic Rookie Class?
The 2025 rookie class is shaping up to be one of the most impactful in recent NBA memory. With Castle’s scoring, Edey’s dominance in the paint, and Sarr’s elite defence, this group reflects exactly what modern teams look for.
Whether you’re a fantasy manager, a casual fan, or a student of the game, keep your eyes on these rising stars. The Rookie of the Year race isn’t over yet, but the future of the NBA is already here.
Also Read: Top NBA Scorers in the 2024-25 Season list
About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I'm Akanksha Sinha, an expert in writing sports blogs, news, and various articles for entertainment and more. I bring a unique flair to my work, providing insightful perspectives on the world of sports.
My articles aim to inform and entertain, making me a go-to source for sports enthusiasts seeking a blend of information and enjoyment. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, I consistently deliver compelling narratives that resonate with a diverse audience.
