Table of Contents
- Introduction: A Class Once Doubted, Now Delivering
- A Look Back: The Initial Rookie Ladder
- Comparing to Past Classes: Star Power vs Steady Growth
- Top 3 Rookies of 2024-25: The Cream of the Crop
- Rookie Stats Snapshot: How the Class of 2024 Stacked Up
Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs takes the crown in the final edition of the Kia Rookie Ladder, rising above a class that steadily earned its respect over the course of the season.
Coming into the league, the Class of 2024 wasn’t exactly met with high praise. In fact, plenty of critics were quick to write them off—mock drafts lived up to the name, with skepticism running high. But instead of dwelling on the doubts, these rookies rolled up their sleeves and got to work.
They didn’t just play—they adapted, they improved, and they made an impact.
While this group may not have had the same flash as draft classes that produced Luka Dončić, Trae Young, Ja Morant, Zion Williamson, LaMelo Ball, or Anthony Edwards, it would be unfair to dismiss their steady climb. And although it might still be premature to stack them up against the loaded 2021 class—featuring stars like Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, and Franz Wagner—there’s hope that time will do them justice.
One thing’s for sure: several lottery teams walked away with quality talent. Some even uncovered gems deeper in the draft.
The top three rookies from the 2024-25 season? All top-four picks, and all deserving:
- Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
- Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks
- Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards
To appreciate how far they’ve come, it helps to rewind to the very first Rookie Ladder of the season, published on November 6, 2024.
The previous rookie class gave us a fierce race between Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren—a season-long duel that captured headlines. Wembanyama has already been penciled into the league’s future elite, while Holmgren, Brandon Miller, and others have positioned themselves for All-Star and possibly Hall of Fame careers.
By contrast, early returns from the 2024 rookies were more modest. Just two were averaging double-digit points out the gate. A few more pulled down five rebounds or dished out three assists per game.
But not every impactful player is a star. Sixth men and dependable starters count too. What this rookie group may have lacked in explosive highlights, they made up for with balance, hustle, and competition. The ROY race stayed wide open all season, with the Top 5 constantly shifting.
By the final weekend of the season, four rookies were averaging over 10 points a game (five, if you include Jared McCain of the 76ers, whose season ended in December due to injury). That may not match the eight from last year’s class
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This article highlights the rise of San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle, who secured the No. 1 spot on the final Kia Rookie Ladder for the 2024-25 season. Despite early skepticism surrounding the rookie class, Castle led a group of dependable newcomers who contributed meaningfully across the league. The analysis showcases Castle’s all-around performance, the emergence of top picks Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr, and the solid depth of the class. While lacking superstar flash, the 2024 rookies proved their value with growth, resilience, and a tightly contested Rookie of the Year race.
