NBA All-Rookie Projections For The 2024-25 Season

These ten rookies are best equipped to earn All-Rookie honors at the conclusion of their first NBA season.

Jul 13, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) shoots against Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) during the first quarter at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images / Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Alas, the NBA returns this week. The lengthy off-season concluded with a blockbuster trade late last week between the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks. Minnesota sent out star big man Karl-Anthony Towns in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. This transaction served as a memorable introduction to the 2024-24 NBA season, which has finally dawned upon us.

In particular, the new NBA season means the 2024-25 rookie class will make their debuts. While a successful first season looks different for every draftee, each rookie will be gunning for one of the ten prestigious spots on an All-Rookie team. Across the first and second team, these rookies are in the best position to earn All-Rookie honors.

First Team:

Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies

Zach Edey, a first-round draft pick for the Grizzlies, smiles during a press conference to introduce the team’s 2024 NBA Draft picks at FedExForum on Friday, June 28, 2024. / Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Filling an important role for a playoff contender, Edey is in prime positon to make a big impact with his physical play on the interior. 

Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers

Jul 15, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) reacts to a play against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images / Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

The most dominant defender in his draft class, Clingan will make a sizeable impact right out of the gate with his incredible paint-protecting acumen.

Kel’el Ware, Miami Heat

Jul 10, 2024; San Francisco, CA, USA; Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware (7) on the bench during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images / Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

After a dominant summer league campaign, Ware brings his intriguing mix of athletic traits and impressive skills to a top-notch player development team in Miami.

Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls

Jul 14, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) awaits a free throw attempt against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images / Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

A well-rounded wing, Buzelis will positively contribute to Chicago in many facets of the game on both ends.

Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets

Jul 14, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) shoots against the Washington Wizards during the third quarter at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images / Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Sheppard will nail threes and rack up steals unlike any other rookie, adding notable impact through this productivity. 

Second Team: 

Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs

Jul 13, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) walks up court during the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images / Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Castle’s complementary offensive skills and NBA-ready perimeter defense will allow him to stand out in San Antonio.

Alexandre Sarr, Washington Wizards

Jun 26, 2024; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Alexandre Sarr arrives before the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

A versatile defender, Sarr’s best traits will allow him to find lanes to productivity for the Wizards.

Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks

Jul 12, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) competes during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images / Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

The first overall pick will bring impact through his off-ball play offensively and steady defensive contributions.

Terrence Shannon Jr., Minnesota Timberwolves

Mar 30, 2024; Boston, MA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) reacts against the Connecticut Huskies in the finals of the East Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images / Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

An older rookie, Shannon Jr.’s two-way skill-set will contribute to Minnesota’s rotation.

Dalton Knecht, Los Angeles Lakers

Jul 12, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Dalton Knecht (4) dribbles the ball against the Houston Rockets during the second half at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images / Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

Kencht’s three-point proficiency will fit well in a scaled-down role alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the Lakers.

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