NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) Rankings 2024-25: Top 5 candidates after Week 11 ft. Alex Sarr

The last week of 2024 made the NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) race even more interesting. Before Week 11, Jaylen Wells regained the top spot, overtaking San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle. Wells had another solid stretch, but was it enough to keep him atop the rankings?

Yves Missi continued his strong showing after a week where he nearly barged into the top two of the list. The New Orleans Pelicans big man hasn’t slowed down a bit and looks poised for another step up the ladder.

The NBA Rookie of the Year race will only get more competitive as there is no clear leader. Zach Edey, Alex Sarr and others in the top 10 can still push for a case to win the ROY. Here’s how the top rookies fared last week.

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2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year Rankings

#5, Zaccharie Risacher

NBA Rookie of the Year Rankings - Zaccharie Risacher (Source: Imagn)

Zaccharie Risacher gets into the top five again, replacing Zach Edey, who played just one game last week. With Edey sitting out two games due to concussion, the Frenchman moved a rung up in the rankings.

Risacher averaged 11.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists in four games. The No. 1 pick of the 2024 draft had his best game last week against the Toronto Raptors, registering 14 points, seven rebounds, two steals, two assists and one block. Risacher could hold on to this spot if Edey sits out more games or struggles on his return.

#4, Alex Sarr

Alex Sarr played three games last week and averaged 15.0 PPG, 8.5 RPG and 5.0 APG. Sarr’s versatility continues to be a bright spot for the struggling Washington Wizards.

Washington has decided to start him on most games to fast-track his development. He can make the ROY battle even more entertaining if he can sustain this level of performance.

#3, Stephon Castle

The NBA Rookie of the Year race looked like it was Stephon Castle’s to lose following Jared McCain’s injury. But, the San Antonio Spurs rookie struggled following a shoulder injury and role off the bench. Castle, ranked second last week, drops a slot down in the list.

Last week, he averaged 9.0 PPG and 3.5 APG. Castle remains a hit-and-miss shooter, hitting 38.9% of his shots, including 25.0% 3-pointers.

#2, Yves Missi

NBA Rookie of the Year Rankings - Yves Missi (Source: Getty)

The Yves Missi train keeps rolling after Week 11. Missi takes over the No. 2 spot in the list, the highest he has ever reached in the race. Last week, the No. 21st pick of the 2024 NBA draft averaged 9.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.5 APG and 1.0 BPG.

More importantly, Missi outplayed Alex Sarr in back-to-back games, helping the Pelicans snap an 11-game losing streak with consecutive wins.

#1, Jaylen Wells

Jaylen Wells keeps putting up one solid display after another on both ends of the floor. Last week, he averaged 13.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG and 2.3 APG. As the Memphis Grizzlies continue to struggle with injuries to Ja Morant, Marcus Smart and Desmond Bane, Wells has been a bright spot for them.

Wells keeps the No. 1 spot in the NBA Rookie of the Year rankings for the second straight week.