NBA Rookie of The Year (ROY) Rankings 2024-25: Top 5 candidates after Week 12 ft. Zaccharie Risacher

Two weeks into 2025, the NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) race has only gotten closer and more unpredictable. Jaylen Wells sat atop the list over the previous two weeks, but strong responses from the other top freshmen could see changes in the top five. As the league reaches the halfway point, the battle for the ROY will only get more interesting.

Last season, Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren quickly made it into a two-way horse race. This season has proven to be quite the opposite as three players have already reached the No. 1 spot. A new name could be added to the list of players to hold pole position after Week 12.

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2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year Power Rankings

#5, Zaccharie Risacher

NBA Rookie of the Year Power Rankings: Zaccharie Risacher (image credit: IMAGN)

Zaccharie Risacher retained his spot in the top five of the NBA Rookie of the Year rankings. Last week, the Frenchman averaged 8.5 points and 4.3 rebounds. Injuries to Jalen Johnson and De’Andre Hunter forced Atlanta Hawks coach Quin Snyder to feature the rookie more on both ends of the floor.

Risacher’s numbers don’t jump out, but he was quietly effective when he was on the floor, while his versatility is a welcome asset for Atlanta. Zach Edey is nipping at his heels, but for now, it’s the No. 1 pick holding the No. 5 spot.

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#4, Jaylen Wells

Jaylen Wells had another strong week, averaging 10.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game last week. He helped the Memphis Grizzlies to a 3-2 record during that stretch.

Wells’ highlight last week was a 17-point and 11-rebound night against the Dallas Mavericks. The second-rounder is very much in the running for the ROY, but he will have to play better to regain the top spot.

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#,3 Yves Missi

NBA Rookie of the Year Power Rankings: Yves Missi (image credit: IMAGN)

Yves Missi takes a step back this week. The New Orleans Pelicans center is averaging 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 assists per game. Despite the return of Zion Williamson to the roster, the big man continues to have an impact on both ends of the floor.

Last week, he averaged 6.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG and 1.5 BPG, helping his team to a 3-2 record.

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#2, Stephon Castle

Stephon Castle rebounded from his struggles with a string of impressive games to move up the NBA Rookie of the Year rankings. Over his last five games, he is averaging 14.8 PPG, 3.8 APG and 1.8 RPG.

Castle’s shooting continues to be an issue. He is shooting 41.8%, including 21.1% from deep in January. However, his value as a playmaker and a defensive menace is undeniable.

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#1, Alex Sarr

Alex Sarr has surged to the top of the NBA Rookie of the Year rankings. The No. 2 pick in this year’s draft is averaging 12.0 PPG, 8.1 RPG and 2.9 APG in January. In back-to-back games against Yves Missi, he averaged 18.5 PPG and 9.0 RPG.

The Washington Wizards continue to dwell at the bottom of the standings, but Sarr has been one of the team’s brightest spots.