Midseason Evaluation of the 2024 NBA Rookie Class
For the 2024 NBA rookie class, the season has reached its halfway point, providing an opportunity to reevaluate the performance of each team's draft picks. Grades remain tentative, as fluctuations in performance are likely to occur, with some rookies encountering challenges while others thrive. This assessment serves as a progress report, with particular attention given to high draft picks and those who have played meaningful minutes in the NBA. The grading process considers performance relative to expectations, wherein higher picks who struggle may receive lower grades, while productive lower selections may achieve higher marks.
Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick, continues to demonstrate moments of promise and has the potential to develop into a valuable contributor on both ends of the court. However, his statistical output does not meet the modest expectations typically associated with a top selection. The best performance of his shooting from beyond the arc occurred in November, where he could only manage a 29.9 percent success rate. Additionally, Risacher's assist-to-turnover ratio hovers around 1-to-1, and the Atlanta Hawks achieve a low scoring rate when he is on the floor, particularly concerning given that he primarily plays with the starting unit. There remains hope for the 19-year-old to emerge as a quality three-and-D wing, yet his current level of production is disappointing. Grade: C.
Baylor Scheierman, the 30th selection in the draft, has shown enough in the G League to suggest that he could have made a significant impact on a struggling NBA team. Currently averaging 19.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while shooting 35.8 percent from three-point range with the Maine Celtics, Scheierman's skill set aligns with the Boston Celtics' need for outside shooting. Though his chances in Boston are limited due to their successful title defense, his high volume of three-point attempts indicates an understanding of the Celtics' offensive philosophy. If he receives extended minutes in the NBA, he could seamlessly integrate into the team's system. Grade: C+.
The Brooklyn Nets' rebuilding process reflects a lack of rookie production, highlighting that they have not yet reached the point of introducing promising first-year players into significant roles. One rookie, Cui Yongxi, suffered a torn ACL and was subsequently waived following a trade that involved Dennis Schröder moving to the Golden State Warriors. Another rookie, Jaylen Martin, has seen minimal playing time this season, logging only three minutes since December 23. However, Reece Beekman, acquired in the Schröder trade, has begun to make his presence known, averaging 18.7 points, 7.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds while also contributing defensively for the Santa Cruz Warriors. He has logged approximately 10 minutes per game since his debut with Brooklyn on December 19. Although Beekman is shooting under 40 percent from the field, he may receive more opportunities to play as the Nets embrace their rebuilding efforts. Given the circumstances, it is not surprising that neither he nor any other Nets rookie has made a notable impact thus far. Grade: C.
Tidjane Salaün, the No. 6 pick in the draft, finds himself in a fringe rotation role, having not scored double-digit points since December 3. The 6'9" forward is among the least efficient scorers in his position, ranked in the 2nd percentile for points per shot attempt among bigs, although he has shown some offensive utility with a 39.0 percent success rate on corner three-point attempts. The Charlotte Hornets appear to envision Salaün as a spacer, with a majority of his shot attempts coming from beyond the arc; however, he must improve his current 27.6 percent conversion rate on three-pointers for that vision to manifest. KJ Simpson, the 12th pick of the second round, has made a brief appearance on the court, accumulating nearly 53 minutes across three games from December 30 to January 5, highlighted by his nine-assist performance against the Philadelphia 76ers on December 3. Grade: C-.
Matas Buzelis' playing time increased in December, but he has not exceeded 16 minutes in any of his January games. This lack of floor time is disappointing for Chicago Bulls fans eager to see more of the 6'10" rookie's abilities. His shooting percentage remains low at 38.1 percent overall, yet he has demonstrated potential as a shooter, making 33.0 percent of his three-point attempts and 80.0 percent of his free throws. Buzelis features an intriguing off-the-dribble game, and though he is still developing physically, he shows skill and aggression. Head coach Billy Donovan has not yet granted Buzelis ample minutes, but he remains a promising prospect as the No. 11 pick and is expected to continue developing. Grade: A-.
Jaylon Tyson has struggled to find consistent playing time, having not exceeded 100 minutes until early December with the Cleveland Cavaliers. After being selected 20th overall, he has participated in very few games this season as the Cavaliers boast a deep roster, and he has recorded at least 14 minutes in a game only twice. His most notable performances came against the New Orleans Pelicans and the Philadelphia 76ers, where he racked up a combined 24 points in those two games, accounting for more than half of his total production for the season. Tyson's skill set could provide value elsewhere, but the Cavaliers remain a competitive team, limiting his opportunities to shine. Grade: C+.
Two-way rookie Jazian Gortman has received limited playing time with the Dallas Mavericks but is showing promise. Gortman saw a few moments of action on December 19 and had four appearances totaling more minutes in subsequent games. Despite being the only rookie to see action for the Mavericks this season, he has not established a consistent role despite opportunities created by injuries to star players Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić. Gortman is averaging 17.4 points and 6.1 assists for the Texas Legends, yet he struggles from three-point range, shooting only 22.2 percent in ten G League games. Melvin Ajinca, the 51st pick in the draft, continues to play in France. Grade: C-.
The Denver Nuggets have received minimal contributions from their rookies this season. The No. 22 selection, DaRon Holmes, suffered an Achilles injury shortly after the draft, limiting his potential impact. Holmes was viewed as a promising addition to the team, particularly given Aaron Gordon's multiple absences due to calf strains. His absence has left a noticeable gap in depth for the Nuggets at the center position. The lack of significant rookie contributions is not a reflection of the team itself; the selection of Holmes remains a sound decision despite the injury setback. Grade: Incomplete.
The Detroit Pistons have experienced success in the win column, with rookie Ron Holland playing a role in several of their victories. He contributed positively in close wins against the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves, demonstrating a high-motor approach and competitiveness on the court. Despite this, Holland's overall impact is limited, as the Pistons perform better without him on the floor at times. He is struggling with his three-point shooting but continues to showcase promising mid-range accuracy. Holland’s defensive metrics suggest he may evolve into a dependable starter over time. Grade: B.
Quinten Post has received a few minutes on the court for the Golden State Warriors, signaling a potential improvement in their lack of a spacing big man. Although he has mostly recorded limited statistics—which include just eight points in total—Post is making a significant impact in the G League, averaging 19.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 52.0 percent overall. With the trade deadline approaching, Post's G League performance could earn him more opportunities in the NBA, particularly as the Warriors consider trades that could reshape their roster. Grade: C+.
Reed Sheppard’s pre-draft hype has been overshadowed by his limited role on the Houston Rockets, as he has spent most of the season on the bench. However, on January 7, he made headlines in the G League by scoring 49 points. Although he continues to face challenges in the NBA and has played less than five total minutes since the year turned to 2025, his G League scoring average exceeds 30 points per game. This output suggests that Sheppard's underwhelming NBA performance is more reflective of a crowded roster rather than any failure on his part. Consequently, the rookie grade for the Rockets is improved from the previous assessment. Grade: C-.
For Johnny Furphy of the Indiana Pacers, recent months have been challenging. Though he participated in many games that contributed to the team’s success, his individual performance has faltered, with one notable game seeing him unable to make a shot. His G League performances have shown promise, evidenced by averaging 11.3 rebounds per game. While he demonstrates a few NBA-level skills, contributing in rebounds and defensive versatility, his efficiency and scoring struggles make it difficult to evaluate his immediate impact on the Pacers. Still, Furphy’s potential remains evident. Grade: C.
Cam Christie has made limited appearances with the LA Clippers, posting five points in one game, while performing well in the G League, with averages of 16.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. His placement on the Clippers' roster, with significant depth, means he may not receive many more opportunities at the NBA level, especially given the performance of undrafted player Trentyn Flowers, who averages 14.5 points and plays an important role on the team. Grade: C+.
Dalton Knecht's season began strongly but has recently seen a noticeable decline following a breakout performance. After an impressive game where he scored 37 points, his shooting has faltered, particularly from long-range in December. While still maintaining some value as a low-turnover player, his inability to sustain the earlier success impacts his overall impressions as a rookie. His shooting proficiency needs to improve to continue being perceived as a credible perimeter threat moving forward. Yet Knecht remains among the productive first-year players in this draft class despite the struggles. Grade: B.
Jaylen Wells has proven to be impactful for the Memphis Grizzlies, averaging 11.7 points and 3.4 rebounds while defending against the opposing team’s best wing players. His contributions come as a key factor on a top-performing team, showcasing solid shooting percentages, and a consistent effort level. Should the season end today, Wells would be a contender for the Rookie of the Year award, providing incredible value from the 39th pick overall. His teammate, Zach Edey, also stands out, averaging 16.6 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks while demonstrating a capacity to stretch the floor from three-point range. Grade: A+.
Kel'el Ware has begun receiving consistent playing time, and his impact has been notable as a reliable contributor for the Miami Heat. His performance supports the team's depth despite ongoing challenges, while rookie Pelle Larsson's involvement has diminished due to injuries. Nonetheless, Larsson still shows attributes of a skilled cutter and on-ball defender, indicating potential for further development. Grade: B.
AJ Johnson, after being drafted 23rd overall, is currently producing well for the Wisconsin Herd, averaging 14.3 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.2 rebounds. While these numbers indicate potential for an impact player, they do not necessarily translate to immediate contributions for the Milwaukee Bucks. Rookies Tyler Smith and Liam Robbins have combined for minimal playing time, reflecting the luxury of depth for the Bucks as they seek to maintain a strong record after overcoming an early season slump. Grade: C-.
Since his December injury, Rob Dillingham has been sidelined but was recently cleared for contact practice. Though he deals with consistency issues, he has the potential to contribute significantly for the Minnesota Timberwolves, particularly given the team's ongoing need for shot creation. His G League statistics remain impressive, suggesting he merits further exploration at the NBA level. Meanwhile, Terrence Shannon Jr. has faced injuries that look to affect his contributions. Grade: B-.
Yves Missi has stood out as one of the more productive 2024-25 rookies, earning the Rookie of the Month award after averaging 11.2 points and 10.0 rebounds in December. Even in the absence of team success, his performance has garnered attention, with statistics that suggest he has overperformed based on his No. 21 draft selection, positioning him well for All-Rookie recognition. Grade: A-.
Tyler Kolek had an impressive doubleheader, showcasing his skills in the G League before contributing to the Knicks in an NBA game. He leads the Knicks' rookies in appearances while demonstrating strong offensive output; however, 19-year-old wing Pacome Dadiet remains an intriguing prospect given his potential and size. Overall, the Knicks' rookie class, while not containing a standout, is notable for depth. Grade: B.
Ajay Mitchell is sidelined following surgery and will face an extended recovery period, which impacts his contributions to the Oklahoma City Thunder significantly. Prior to his injury, he was making strides that positioned him as one of the more promising second-round selections in recent history, hinting at a bright future despite the setback. Grade: A-.
Tristan da Silva has faced challenges with his shooting efficiency but continues to be a pivotal presence for the Orlando Magic as they navigate injuries to their roster. His ability to contribute intelligently on both ends of the floor showcases the skill set required to excel at the NBA level, though improvement in his shooting touch is necessary for achieving greater impact. Grade: B+.
Jared McCain's season was abruptly interrupted by injury, halting a promising trajectory that had him among the top producers of his draft class. While he may not make the All-Rookie team due to limited games played, his early-season efforts proved impactful as he helped the 76ers succeed during this time. Grade: A.
Ryan Dunn has returned to the starting lineup, capitalizing on recent opportunities to shine as a versatile defender with heightened offensive performance. Meanwhile, Oso Ighodaro remains an intriguing prospect, having carved out a role that highlights his ability to finish well and defend against diverse opponents. Grade: A-.
Donovan Clingan’s limited minutes do not accurately reflect his potential, particularly regarding his elite block rate relative to other rookies. As Portland navigates its roster dynamics, his importance could increase significantly, making him a candidate for future prominence within the team. Grade: A-.
Devin Carter has made his mark on the Sacramento Kings after his return from injury, showcasing strong defensive capabilities and rebounding skills. His growth as part of the team represents a positive development for both him and the organization. Grade: B+.
Stephon Castle continues to improve despite inconsistent efficiency, demonstrating his potential when playing decisively. His impressive performances highlight his ability to impact the game significantly, leaving room for growth as he continues to settle into the league. Grade: A-.
Ja'Kobe Walter has secured a place in the Toronto Raptors' rotation, but he is facing difficulty with shooting efficiency, while Jonathan Mogbo’s playing time has diminished despite his earlier contributions. Jamison Battle and Jamal Shead have produced well in their roles with the Raptors' G League affiliate, showcasing their capabilities. Grade: B+.
Cody Williams, despite challenges, has shown glimpses of potential but has struggled to make an impact consistently on the floor for the Utah Jazz. Comparatively, Kyle Filipowski has stepped up, reflecting a disparity in contributions among Jazz rookies. Grade: D+.
Alexandre Sarr has displayed significant improvement in offense, earning him Rookie of the Month honors for December, while continuing development on defense. His trajectory appears promising if he can solidify his offensive contributions going forward. Grade: B-.
Bub Carrington, despite leading all rookies in minutes, faces challenges scoring effectively, although his performance in distributing the ball has solidified his role on the team. Sarr's growth continues to be under scrutiny as he undergoes further assessment of his capabilities.