Rising Stars: Ranking the Best Rookies in the NBA
Basketball fans and experts are often keen to see rookies introduced to the sport. Not simply due to the fact that they like only how fresh the players are, but because there’s something uniquely exciting about witnessing the moments of discovery that happened in the first season of a basketball player. So we will rank some of the best new players in the NBA in the 2024 season
Victor Wembanyama: San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama is one of the star figures in the game who is quickly gaining support among fans. He was one of the best NBA rookies so far and he has lived up to the hype. After all, this 7 ’4″ French phenom has an interesting game style that fans of the sport can't just ignore.
Most fans of the sport are often off their seat whenever they watch Wembanyama display his remarkable playing style. You can't argue with his numbers: 10.5 rebounds, 21.2 points, and 3.6 assists in every game he plays. But then his defensive play makes him even a greater player where he leads with 3.5 blocks in each game he plays.
Stats:
- Pts: 21.4
- 3 Pts%: 32.5%
- Reb: 10.6
- Ast: 3.9
- Blk: 3.6
Chet Holmgren: Oklahoma City Thunder
Many fans draw a lot of similarities between Wemby and Chet due to their style of game, but then we can't ignore the difference in their playing environment. Holmgren also has good numbers to back his defensive performance for his team.
As his fanbase keeps growing, the player has often displayed just why he has been considered to be quite brilliant by experts and his colleagues.
“I think it’s been fun so far. It’ll continue to be. He is a really good player, he brings a different dynamic to this team than we’ve had in the past. It’s really fun to play with somebody with that style of play because it’s so different from what we’ve done" Holmgren said "it allows us to do different things on the floor, especially myself personally…I am extremely excited, he is excited, we are both here to do whatever we are asked to do to try to win.”
Stats:
- Pts: 16.5
- 3 Pts%: 37%
- Reb: 7.9
- Ast: 2.4
- Blk: 2.3
Brandon Miller: Charlotte Hornets
Even though Holmgren and Wembanyama are often the star rookies, Brandon Miller of the Charlotte Hornets has also shown that he can perform for his team at the highest level of the game. The Sharpshooting Sensation has been on a good run of form, as he keeps displaying his elite shooting ability and scoring prowess.
A lot of pundits have taken a shine to Miller's impressive numbers. He is a player who creates his own shot and can score from anywhere on the basketball court. This is why he has been compared by many pundits so many times with Kevin Durant as one of the NBA top rookies 2024.
The Hornets regard the 6 ’9″ forward as a top player and he looks set to be awarded the Rookie of the year and grow as a seasoned player.
Stats:
- Pts: 17.3
- 3 Pts%: 37.3%
- Reb: 4.3
- Ast: 2
- Blk: 0.6
Scoot Henderson: Portland Trail Blazers
Scoot Henderson of the Portland Trail Blazers is another rookie that has been turning heads due to how dynamic he is, as well as his proficiency. The 6’2″ electric point guard uses his speed and handle to get to the rim at will.
Henderson’s athleticism is off the charts, as evidenced by his highlight-reel dunks and acrobatic finishes. But he’s more than just a human highlight reel; Henderson is also an excellent passer and defender, averaging 5.3 assists and 1.5 steals in his last 10 games.
Stats:
- Pts: 14
- 3 Pts%: 32.5%
- Reb: 3.1
- Ast: 5.4
- Stl: 0.8
Dereck Lively II: Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks have Dereck Lively II as a top defensive anchor, and he has quickly become a fan favorite due to his rim protection, as well as his efficient play close to the basket. His 7’1″ frame makes him a big man who is great as a shooter, and because of this, he is shooting an impressive 74.7% from the field, which is the highest mark among rookies.
Besides this, he has an ability to finish lobs and put-backs. But then Lively II truly shines for his defensive work. After all, he averages 1.4 blocks per game, and makes use of his length and timing to change his shots while he stops would-be scorers. He has helped the Mavericks maintain a top-10 defensive rating even though the longtime anchor Dwight Powell left the club.
As Luka Doncic leads the offense, the development of Lively II’s as a defensive player could be quite important to the Mavericks’ long-term success. He may not be a stat padder like a lot of his fellow NBA rookies, but his impact is undeniable.
Stats:
- Pts: 8.8
- FG%: 74.7%
- Reb: 6.9
- Blk: 1.4
- Stl: 0.7
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Conclusion
The NBA has seen so many young talents entertain fans, and this has contributed to its popularity all over the world. Rookies like Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren, Brandon Miller, Scoot Henderson, and Dereck Lively II are becoming some of the top-rated players in the NBA. Their stats and performance show how well they have performed during the season.
