The 2024-25 NBA season is here, and the rookies are making their mark in the most unexpected ways. Some excel in shooting, while others are becoming adept in inside-scoring and rebounding. The sky is the limit for these young ballers.

Here's a breakdown of the top performers so far.

Zach Edey: A Towering Force for the Memphis Grizzlies

NBA Rookie Power Rankings 2024-25: Who's Making Waves and Who's NBA Rookie Power Rankings 2024-25: Who's Making Waves and Who's
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Stats: 11.1 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 0.9 BPG, 64% FG
Draft Pick: No. 9

Standing at 7-foot-4, Zach Edey is proving why he was a player to watch this season. Edey has become dominant inside with his two straight double-doubles and a 64% shooting percentage. The screening, rebounding, and scoring of Edey are qualities that resemble NBA legend Yao Ming.

Further, Edey is now showing the capability to knock three of six attempts from a distance. There's no questioning his place in the Memphis roster as he matures into being a balanced big man.

Bub Carrington: Hustler for the Washington Wizards

Stats: 10.3 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 5.3 APG
Draft Pick No. 14

Bub Carrington is maximizing his 30 minutes of play per game, the most among all rookies. Leading his class in assists (5.0) and steals (1.1), Carrington's basketball IQ and relentless hustle make him a standout. His near triple-double performance against Memphis—10 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals—showcased his all-around game.

With a focus on smart play and effort, Carrington is becoming a key contributor for the Wizards.

Alexandre Sarr: Excellent Defensive Anchor for the Washington Wizards

Statistics: 9.8 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.8 BPG, 64% FG
Draft: No. 2

Alexandre Sarr is already making his mark on the defensive end. Currently, Sarr leads all rookies in block percentage at 10.4%. The agile defender is effective in guarding both the rim and the perimeter.

Offensively, the Frenchman has been showing promise with 9.8 points per game. While his scoring is still a work in progress, his defensive versatility and ability to execute complex coverages make him a cornerstone player for Washington.

Jaylen Wells: The Memphis Grizzlies' Hidden Gem

Stats: 11.4 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.6 APG
Draft Pick: No. 39

Selected in the second round, Jaylen Wells is surprising. Given that Marcus Smart has been sitting out, Wells took his chance, scoring an average of 12.3 points and pulling down 5.7 rebounds in his last games. His fluid shooting and athleticism make him a threat to score from a variety of spots. Coaches adore his work ethic, and his steady play quickly cements his role within Memphis's rotation.

Zaccharie Risacher: Atlanta Hawks' Future Bright

Stats: 12.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.0 BPG
Draft Pick: No. 1

The top pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, Risacher is showing his offensive prospects. With 12 points on 11 shots in a game, the Hawks are making him a focal point despite having stars like Trae Young on the team. While Risacher still needs to improve his defense and rebounding, that fearless approach and growing confidence are going to make the future bright for him.

Although the 2024 rookie class may not be as flashy as its predecessor, the depth and diversity of talent in this group are undeniable. As the season goes on, expect these rookies to further shape their legacies. Still, it's not yet the end for other rookies and who knows, the Rookie of the Year might not be in this list.