NBA Rookie of The Year (ROY) Rankings 2024-25: Top 5 candidates after Week 13 ft. Zach Edey

The top contenders for the NBA Rookie of the Year award now have even more motivation to excel. Next month, the Castrol Rising Stars game will feature the best first-year players alongside selected sophomores and G League stars.

Last week, several rookies who didn't make it into the top 5 rankings began to attract attention. Zaccharie Risacher, who was fifth last week, suffered an adductor injury, leading to changes in the list. Will Alex Sarr maintain his top position? Did a previously unranked rookie make a surprising leap in the latest rookie ladder?

Here is how the best rookies fared after Week 13.

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2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year Power Rankings

#5, Zach Edey

Zach Edey and Zaccharie Risacher have been battling for the No. 5 spot in the NBA Rookie of the Year race. With the No. 1 pick in this 2024 draft out due to an injury, the Memphis Grizzlies center grabbed the slot.

Edey’s playing time has notably dropped from 26.0 minutes per game in December to 17.7 mpg in January. Still, the 7-foot-4 rookie remains the starting center and a significant contributor to the Grizzlies’ success.

The former Purdue star helped his team to a 4-0 record last week. He is averaging 9.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.0 block per game this season.

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#4, Jaylen Wells

Jaylen Wells keeps the No. 4 slot in the latest NBA Rookie of the Year rankings. Wells, a second-rounder, has had more impact this season than Zach Edey. He remains the most consistent rookie since the start of the 2024-25 campaign.

During the Grizzlies’ 4-0 stretch last week, the small forward averaged 13.3 points on 45.9% shooting, including 46.2% from deep. Besides his solid defense, Wells also contributes with 2.3 rpg and 1.3 apg. This has earned him fourth place in the NBA Rookie of the Year race.

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#3, Stephon Castle

The San Antonio Spurs were winless last week, suffering back-to-back defeats at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies. Stephon Castle, though, was a bright spot during that stretch. Castle averaged 20.0 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 2.5 apg.

After a string of starts due to Jeremy Sochan’s injury, the former UConn star has regained his rhythm and assertiveness. The two-way impact Castle provided was undeniable. The combo guard deserves the No. 3 spot in the NBA Rookie of the Year ladder.

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#2, Yves Missi

Yves Missi’s steady climb in the NBA Rookie of the Year rankings has hit a snag due to a non-Covid-related illness. He only played two games last week, but the New Orleans Pelicans won both of them.

The No. 21 pick in the 2024 NBA draft out of Baylor is averaging 9.1 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 1.4 apg and 1.4 bpg. He seems to be the one of the biggest steals in the draft alongside Jaylen Wells.

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#1 Alex Sarr

Alex Sarr took over the No. 1 spot of the NBA Rookie of the Year race and continues to hold pole position. The Washington Wizards have lost their last 11 games, but the Frenchman has fast-tracked his development. Last week, he averaged 10.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg and 1.8 apg.

Washington’s decision to start him at center over Jonas Valanciunas has paid dividends. He is showing his defensive versatility while his offense continues to develop.

If Sarr maintains his current form and performance, it will be challenging to displace him from the top spot on the ROY ladder.