NBA Rookie of The Year (ROY) Rankings 2024-25: Top 5 candidates after Week 3 ft. Zach Edey

The NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY)) race has only gotten more exciting after three weeks. While a few have been consistently good every week, most have had up-and-down starts. Some lottery picks are still looking for fit and rhythm, while a handful of unheralded names have sprung surprises.

Jaylen Wells topped last week’s list due to his two-way impact on the Memphis Grizzlies. Will he be able to keep the same spot, or will somebody else take his place? It’s time to look at the best rookies in Week 3.

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2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year Power Rankings

#5 Alex Sarr

Alex Sarr, third in last week’s NBA’s Rookie of the Year power rankings, slides two spots back. Sarr had a solid week, averaging 9.6 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.0 blocks in three games. The reason he fell to No. 5 in the rankings was his shooting. He hit 29.1%, including 11.1% from long range.

Although his shooting has been atrocious, he has been impactful, particularly as a rim protector. Despite his slender frame, he hasn’t hesitated to battle some of the league’s biggest and bruising big men. Sarr has become an underrated passer as the season has progressed.

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#4 Zaccharie Risacher

Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 pick this year, returns to the NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings after missing out last week. Risacher continues to have so-so shooting but he has been a little better. He scored a career-high 33 points against the New York Knicks on Nov. 6. He hit 11-of-18 shots, including 6-of-10 from deep.

The Frenchman followed that impressive outing with a dud two nights later against the Detroit Pistons. He redeemed himself on Saturday with a 17-point, two-rebound and two-block display against the Chicago Bulls. The Atlanta Hawks hope to see him sustain his development.

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#3 Zach Edey

Zach Edey makes his debut in the NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings. The Memphis Grizzlies big man had the best game of his career on Nov. 4 against the Brooklyn Nets. Edey had 25 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks. He shot 11-for-12 and made the only 3-pointer he attempted. He became the first rookie in NBA history with 20+ points, 10+ rebounds and over 90% shooting.

Edey averaged 14.8 points and 8.2 rebounds in four games. He made 76.4% of his field goals, including 62.5% of his 3s.

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#2 Bub Carrington

Bub Carrington is the only freshman who has made it to the NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings every week. He has arguably been the most consistent among rookies.

Last week, Carrington averaged 10 points, 6.7 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.3 steals in three games. He shot 44.9%, including 17.8% from deep. The 6-foot-4 point guard has taken some flak with his 3-point shooting, but he has been a valuable contributor in multiple areas. The Washington Wizards have entrusted him with the key of the offense.

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#1 Jaylen Wells

Jaylen Wells retains the No. 1 spot in the NBA Rookie of the Year power rankings. Like Carrington, he has been consistent. Wells averaged 13.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. Despite injuries to key players, Memphis went 3-1 during that stretch.

Wells has steadily contributed with his two-way impact. He hasn’t been asked to do much on offense but has been reliable when asked to step up. Defensively, he is arguably behind only Marcus Smart as the Grizzlies’ best perimeter defender. When the rookie struggles with his shooting, Taylor Jenkins continues to rely on him because of his defense.