NBA rookie stock report: Grizzlies and Wizards duos are shining; No. 1 pick has struggled

The 2024-25 rookie class hasn’t made much of an impact through their first couple of weeks in the NBA, with no player scoring at least 20 points in a single game yet. 

While disappointing, it’s not particularly surprising, seeing as though this was considered the weakest draft class in recent memory. Even so, a few players have emerged as quality contributors in limited action for their respective teams.

With that in mind, here’s a stock report highlighting several of the most notable rookies in the Association.  

STOCK UP | Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies | After becoming the first player since the NBA-ABA merger to start and foul out in his NBA debut despite less than 15 minutes, Edey has shown promise for the Grizzlies. In addition to averaging the fourth-most points (9.1) and third-most rebounds (5.7) among his draft classmates, Edey became the first rookie to post a double-double this season during this past Saturday’s 124-107 win over Philadelphia. If the 7-foot-4, 305-pounder can continue making strides and keep Memphis in playoff contention, he’ll be firmly in the mix for Rookie of the Year honors throughout the season. 

STOCK DOWN | Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks | It’s never encouraging to hear a No. 1 overall draft pick say they’re “just a regular dude,” as Risacher told reporters during training camp, which could be a bad omen for Atlanta. Although the 6-foot-8 wing has impressed on the defensive end, Risacher hasn’t lived up to expectations shooting the ball, the supposed strength of his game entering the draft. Through seven games, Risacher is only averaging 8.6 points while shooting a troubling 31.4% from the floor and 21.9% (7-of-32) from beyond the arc. 

STOCK UP | Ryan Dunn, Phoenix Suns | Coming out of Virginia, Dunn was viewed as the best perimeter defender in the draft but couldn’t shoot, as evidenced by last season’s horrific three-point (20%) and free-throw percentages (53.2%). Nevertheless, while Dunn’s stifling defense has translated to the NBA, he has surprisingly been a terrific shooter, hitting 39.3% of his three-point attempts. If his shooting ability doesn’t prove to be an outlier, Phoenix may have landed the perfect role player to compliment its star-studded core.

STOCK DOWN | Cody Williams, Utah Jazz | Williams, the younger brother of Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams, was recently elevated to Utah’s starting lineup after the team lost forward Taylor Hendricks to a season-ending leg injury. However, Williams has been inefficient, posting five points, two rebounds and 1.3 assists over his last three games while shooting a dismal 20.8% from the field as well as 18.8% from three-point range. Williams’ jump-shooting ability was seen as a concern in the pre-draft process, and so far, it appears that those fears were justified. 

STOCK UP | Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards | Considered by many to be the top player in the 2024 draft, Sarr is finding his footing offensively while showcasing the defensive versatility that made him such a fascinating prospect. During Washington’s 118-98 loss to Miami in the NBA Mexico City Game, Sarr was dominant on both ends of the floor, scoring 17 points with six rebounds, three assists and four blocks. Overall, Sarr is averaging 2.8 blocks, the fourth-most in the NBA and more than a full block per game than the next closest rookie. 

STOCK UP | Carlton “Bub” Carrington, Washington Wizards | Sarr isn’t the only Wizards rookie turning heads, as Carrington — the second youngest player in the 2024 draft — has shined in five games, including four starts. Among rookies, Carrington averages the second-most assists (4.4) and steals (one), ninth-most rebounds (3.6) and third-most points (9.2). As long as Sarr and Carrington continue on their current trajectory, Washington may only be a season or two away from being a contender for the play-in tournament. 

STOCK DOWN | Tidjane Salaun, Charlotte Hornets | Charlotte shockingly selected Salaun sixth overall in this past June’s draft, and while the Frenchman fared well in the preseason, the regular season has been a different story. Salaun has averaged three points in four games on 33.3% field goal shooting and 30% from long range, along with 2.8 rebounds. His offensive game is still a major work in progress, though perhaps he can use his 6-foot-9 frame to become an instant impact defender. 

STOCK UP | Yves Missi, New Orleans Pelicans | One of the most impactful rookies in this year’s class, the 21st overall pick Missi is making a compelling way-too-early case for the ROTY Award. While he’s only averaging six points and rebounds, Missi has been a defensive anchor for New Orleans, posting 0.6 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. Now that he has assumed a starting role in the Pelicans starting lineup, Missi can strengthen his ROTY bid if he keeps his injury-riddled team afloat in the playoff picture.

STOCK DOWN | Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls | Entering the draft, Buzelis was seen as a player with an intriguing offensive skill set but needed to become a more consistent shooter to be truly effective. The 20-year-old has struggled to take that next step in his 5.6 minutes per game, as he’s averaging one point, 0.6 rebounds and 0.6 assists on 18.2% shooting. It’s possible Buzelis will bounce back and forth between the NBA and the G League, considering Chicago already assigned him to the Windy City Bulls on Saturday before recalling him on Sunday.

STOCK UP | Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies | Wells, the 39th overall pick, has taken advantage of the opportunity a slew of injuries to his teammates gave him and is arguably the Rookie of the Year front-runner. The Washington State product leads rookies in scoring (10.3 ppg) and three-pointers made (12) while ranking fifth in assists (12) and sixth in rebounds (25). Even though Wells will lose minutes once Memphis gets healthier, he’s proving to be one of the biggest steals of the 2024 draft and should still have a sizeable role. 

STOCK DOWN | Ron Holland II, Detroit Pistons | Holland, who was considered a raw prospect with one of the highest ceilings in his draft, hasn’t flashed much upside through seven games. Aside from being tied for the lowest plus/minus on the lowly Pistons (-45) despite playing 14.1 minutes per game, Holland is averaging 5.1 points and 2.6 rebounds on 48.5% shooting. Still, Holland’s only 19 with a solid frame for a wing that he needs to fill out, so it’ll likely take several seasons before he scratches the surface of his potential. 

STOCK UP | Dalton Knecht, Los Angeles Lakers |  The former Tennessee star fell in the draft partly due to his age (23) and defensive limitations, but he landed in an ideal situation with the Lakers. Knecht is quickly establishing himself as a valuable piece of Los Angeles’ rotation thanks to his shooting ability. In six games, Knecht ranks sixth on the team in scoring (7.7 ppg) and fourth in three-point percentage (34.8). 

STOCK DOWN | Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets | The No. 3 overall pick has played sparingly to begin his career, not because of a lack of talent but instead due to Houston’s deep backcourt rotation. Sheppard is averaging just 8.3 minutes across his first six games, though he has shot the ball well, making 3-of-7 three-pointers and six of his 15 field goals overall. Barring an injury or trade, which could happen midseason, it’s unlikely Sheppard will see a significant uptick in playing time anytime soon.