The NBA’s Kia Rookie of the Year race has taken an unexpected turn with Philadelphia 76ers rookie Jared McCain sidelined due to a knee injury. This shakeup has created an opportunity for other rookies to shine, with San Antonio’s Stephon Castle emerging as the frontrunner. Let’s break down the latest updates on the top rookies and their impact this season.
Weekly Recap
Stephon Castle Steps Up
With McCain undergoing surgery for a lateral meniscus tear, the Rookie of the Year race is now Castle’s to lose. The San Antonio Spurs guard has been a key contributor to his team’s success, building on the momentum created by his teammate Victor Wembanyama, last season’s ROY. Castle’s defensive prowess and ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor have positioned him as a favorite for the award.
Historical Opportunity for the Spurs
If Castle secures the award, the Spurs would join an elite group of franchises with back-to-back Rookie of the Year winners. The last teams to achieve this were the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2015 and 2016 with Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Cody Williams’ Patience Pays Off
Utah Jazz rookie Cody Williams has struggled to find his footing, with limited playing time and inconsistent performances. However, his brother, OKC’s Jalen Williams, has been mentoring him on the importance of patience and long-term growth in the league.
Storyline to Watch
A highly anticipated head-to-head matchup between the top two rookies, Jared McCain and Stephon Castle, won’t happen due to McCain’s injury. Instead, fans can look forward to a battle between Castle and Atlanta’s No. 1 overall pick, Zaccharie Risacher, when the Hawks visit the Spurs on Dec. 23.
Rookie Ladder Rankings
1. Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs)
- Season Stats: 11.7 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 3.9 APG
- Draft Pick: No. 4
Castle has risen to the top with his solid defense and playmaking. Despite a quiet performance in his last game, his overall impact on the Spurs keeps him as the leader.
2. Jared McCain (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Season Stats: 15.3 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 2.6 APG
- Draft Pick: No. 16
Before his injury, McCain was a standout for the struggling Sixers. His energy and offensive contributions will be sorely missed.
3. Yves Missi (New Orleans Pelicans)
- Season Stats: 9.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.2 BPG
- Draft Pick: No. 21
Missi’s rebounding and defensive abilities have made him a key piece for the Pelicans, with impressive per-36 numbers highlighting his potential.
4. Jaylen Wells (Memphis Grizzlies)
- Season Stats: 11.4 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.7 APG
- Draft Pick: No. 39
Wells continues to guard top scorers and contribute to winning basketball, showing maturity beyond his years.
5. Alexandre Sarr (Washington Wizards)
- Season Stats: 10.9 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.8 BPG
- Draft Pick: No. 2
Despite the Wizards’ struggles, Sarr has been a bright spot with his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking.
The Next 5
6. Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks)
- Season Stats: 10.9 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.2 APG
- Draft Pick: No. 1
Risacher is still finding his rhythm but shows flashes of potential that could elevate his ranking.
7. Bub Carrington (Washington Wizards)
- Season Stats: 9.0 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.0 APG
- Draft Pick: No. 14
Carrington has shown promise despite limited efficiency, playing significant minutes for the Wizards.
8. Zach Edey (Memphis Grizzlies)
- Season Stats: 11.3 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.0 BPG
- Draft Pick: No. 9
Edey returned strong after a 12-game absence, contributing on both ends with his size and touch around the rim.
9. Dalton Knecht (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Season Stats: 10.6 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.1 APG
- Draft Pick: No. 17
A rough December has seen Knecht’s production dip, but he remains a key piece for the Lakers.
10. Donovan Clingan (Portland Trail Blazers)
- Season Stats: 6.1 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.1 BPG
- Draft Pick: No. 7
Leading rookies in blocks, Clingan is developing into a defensive force for the Trail Blazers.
The Kia Rookie Ladder continues to shift as the season progresses, with fresh faces stepping up and making their mark. Who will rise to the top by season’s end? Stay tuned as the race heats up!
