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Jeremy Woo
While some things are a little different since the last update of these 2024-25 NBA Rookie Rankings — Jared McCain, the Philadelphia 76ers guard who ranked first on this list on Dec. 3 as the arguably NBA Rookie of the Year front-runner, will miss the rest of the season with a torn meniscus — the overall state of things is much the same.
Rookies around the league have continued to carve out playing time and learn on the fly. There’s no Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic) or Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs) anchoring this season’s group, but there have been signs of growth as players ease into their roles halfway through their 82-game slates.
With all that, there are three rookies who were previously unranked, and there’s a new face in the top spot from our last ranking on Dec. 3, becoming the third No. 1 player since our first ranking on Oct. 24.
Please note that this ranking is not an attempt to gauge players’ long-term potential or trade value. It’s simply a barometer of which first-year players have made the most interesting and notable impact at this stage of the season. Here’s how these players and others stack up at the season’s midpoint.
Jump to a section:
New No. 1! Top eight rookies
Updates on Sheppard and Carter
What I heard in Orlando
With the 2024-25 NBA season at its midway point, it’s time to take a look at the top rookie performances so far. And there’s a new star grabbing the No. 1 spot in the midseason rookie rankings.
Leading the way is none other than 19-year-old phenom, Jalen Hampton. The 6’7″ guard out of Duke University has taken the league by storm with his scoring prowess, playmaking ability, and defensive tenacity. Hampton is averaging an impressive 22 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals per game, making him a frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award.
Coming in at No. 2 is forward Malik Johnson, who has been a consistent force for the Chicago Bulls. Johnson’s versatility on both ends of the court has earned him a spot as a key contributor for his team, averaging 18 points and 8 rebounds per game.
Rounding out the top three is point guard Ava Collins, who has been a revelation for the Los Angeles Lakers. Collins’ quickness, court vision, and scoring ability have helped elevate the Lakers to new heights this season, as she is putting up 16 points and 7 assists per game.
Other notable rookies making a splash in the league include forward Cameron Lee of the Brooklyn Nets, guard Isaiah Carter of the Phoenix Suns, and center Maya Thompson of the Dallas Mavericks.
With plenty of basketball left to be played in the second half of the season, it will be exciting to see how these talented rookies continue to develop and make their mark on the NBA. Stay tuned for more updates on the 2024-25 NBA rookie class.
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NBA rookie rankings, 2024-25 season, NBA rookie rankings, midseason rankings, top rookie in NBA, NBA rookie of the year, top NBA rookies, rising NBA star, NBA draft prospects, young NBA talent, NBA rookie rankings update
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