The 2024 NBA rookie class underwhelmed for fantasy, with not one player finishing inside the top 120 in 9-cat leagues. Still, several first-year players became fantasy-relevant by season’s end, with potential heading into next season. Many probably forgot that Jared McCain emerged as the top rookie, leading the class in scoring with 15.3 points per game and demonstrating poise beyond his years. An untimely injury ended McCain’s season prematurely, leaving Stephon Castle to ascend the rookie ladder to potentially become Rookie of the Year.
Here’s a closer look at what we learned from this season’s rookies and where the future might be heading.
Frontrunning frontcourt
The big men of this rookie class held the line for fantasy production, capturing five of the top-six spots. Kel’el Ware was my fantasy Rookie of the Year after finishing 127th in 9-cat leagues, the best of all first-year players. Ware showed serious upside, posting 15 double-doubles (most in the class) while generating blocks and low-end 3s.
Zach Edey was the only other player who finished in the top 150. He was an impactful rebounder in the fantasy playoffs, but sporadic playing time hurt his season-long value. Donovan Clingan was the leading shot blocker at 1.6 per game, but similar to Edey, the playing time wasn’t consistent enough for him to be a must-roster player for most of the season.
The No. 2 overall pick, Alex Sarr, was one of the most hyped prospects this season. He flashed at times and remained an asset in most leagues because of his defense. He also had the second-highest usage rate at 24.3% among qualifying rookies, but his fantasy ranking suffered due to his low-efficiency rates. He was like Jabari Smith Jr. in 2022-23.
Adding to this group, Yves Missi proved himself as another interior force, pulling down 8.2 rebounds and chipping in 1.3 blocks per game. Let’s see what happens with Zion Williamson in the offseason because his exit could present an opportunity for Missi. I’d also keep an eye out for Karlo Matković in dynasty and deeper leagues.
Gifted guards lack efficiency
This rookie class saw a defining moment for its guards when Stephon Castle seized the spotlight. With Victor Wembanyama sidelined, Castle became the centerpiece of rookie attention, showing why he’s now the odds-on favorite to win Rookie of the Year. Castle posted impressive numbers, averaging 17.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game after the All-Star break. If Chris Paul hands over the keys, Castle could see a nice boost in counting stats next season.
Joining Castle is Isaiah Collier, whose 6.3 assists led all rookies, displaying his playmaking potential. He was one of my biggest surprises because his only season at USC was a letdown. However, he showed promise for the Jazz as their primary facilitator, with a ton of turnovers and inconsistency along the way. Collier finished near the top 250 after becoming a starter in January.
Carlton “Bub“ Carrington had moments, too. He didn’t chart in the top 250, but he’s the lone rookie to play in all 82 games and average at least four assists and four rebounds per game.
Wait a second … round?
Each of the following players was drafted in the second round in 2024: Jaylen Wells, Kyle Filipowksi, Adem Bona, Quinten Post and Jonathan Mogbo. While Wells had some shine mid-season, the rest of the group were valuable late-season assets.
Wells is a finalist for Rookie of the Year, though he was more impactful in real life than fantasy. Filipowski benefited from Lauri Markkanen and John Collins’ extensive rest schedules. However, his 13 double-doubles ranked third among rookies, proving he can be a productive fantasy player for points, rebounds and FG%.
Bona became a forceful option off the bench for the Sixers and will likely crack the rotation as Joel Embiid recovers from offseason knee surgery heading into next season. I suspect the Warriors will look to add another asset to their frontcourt after the season, but it was surprising to see Post establish himself as a Brook Lopez-light, stretch-five big for the Warriors.
The rookie who led us astray
The third overall pick of the 2024 class, Reed Sheppard, never found his rhythm. The Rockets had too much depth in the backcourt for Sheppard to find his footing. However, I’d still hold some stock as Fred Van Vleet and Aaron Holiday’s contracts are team options following the conclusion of this season. Sheppard could be the Rockets’ backup combo guard and he tracks as an efficient guard who can generate stocks.
Names to watch ahead of next season
Here’s a list of rookies who have flashed potential and are poised for more in 2025-26:
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Matas Buzelis displayed versatility but struggled with consistency. With time, his offensive game (8.6 PPG, 45.4% FG) could develop into a genuine weapon. He also blocks shots at a high rate.
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Ryan Dunn, with strong defensive instincts, has the tools to become a reliable wing defender and 3-point threat — especially when Kevin Durant leaves.
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Zaccharie Risacher flexed intriguing two-way potential and was the most unheralded No. 1 pick we’ve had in years.
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Kyshawn George’s defensive effort and 3s stood out, and he showed more than enough to get minutes on a rebuilding team.
The final word
The 2024 rookie class lacked star power but came away littered with solid role players. Is this class polished? Not yet. But the raw tools and flashes of upside point to a group that could be late-round fantasy picks as early as next season. The incoming 2025 class, however, is a different story. June can’t come fast enough!
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