For over a year, basketball experts, analysts, fans, and even self-proclaimed “couch coaches” have largely agreed on one thing: the 2024 NBA Draft class is not the strongest in league history. In fact, it’s widely considered one of the weaker classes in recent memory. Now, about 55 games into the careers of these rookies, that assessment has mostly held true. However, there have been a few standouts who are beginning to exceed the low expectations set for this class. While some players are still finding their footing in the league, others have already shown promising signs of growth. In this piece, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most notable players from this year’s rookie class and explore how they’re shaping the future of their respective teams.
Zaccharie Risacher, the first overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, has been a breath of fresh air for the Atlanta Hawks. The 19-year-old French forward was selected amidst a draft without a clear top prospect, and there were questions about whether he was worth the gamble. Risacher, who stands at 6-foot-9 with a developing 3-point shot and on-ball skills, has silenced some of those doubts. Averaging 11.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, he’s been steady, though not spectacular. But with the Hawks trading De’Andre Hunter to Cleveland and star forward Jalen Johnson sidelined for the season, Risacher is set to take on a more prominent role in the second half of the season. The team’s inability to tank due to their pick being owned by the San Antonio Spurs has added pressure, but Risacher’s development remains a priority. With more opportunities on the horizon, Hawks fans can be optimistic about his growth.
On the other hand, Alexandre Sarr, the second overall pick, has been a polarizing figure for the Washington Wizards. The 7-foot-1 center has shown flashes of elite defensive potential, using his size and athleticism to disrupt opponents. He’s already making a name for himself as a rim protector and has even been tested against smaller guards, where he’s held his own. However, Sarr’s offensive game has been a work in progress. He’s averaging 11.4 points per game but is taking over 11 shots a night, with his average shot distance exceeding 14 feet. This is problematic given his current skill level, particularly since he thrives near the rim, converting an impressive 72% of his attempts. While some of his struggles can be attributed to the playmaking of Washington’s guards, who haven’t consistently found him for easy baskets, Sarr’s offensive efficiency remains a concern. The Wizards’ coaching staff will need to streamline his responsibilities in the second half of the season, focusing on interior scoring, rebounding, and rim defense. If they can do that, Sarr could still become a cornerstone for the franchise.
One player who has exceeded expectations is Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs. The fourth overall pick has emerged as a strong contender for Rookie of the Year, with odds currently favoring him at +130 on BetMGM. Castle, a 6-foot-6, 220-pound wing, has already shown an NBA-ready body and a relentless attacking style. He’s repeatedly drawn fouls and finished at the rim, showcasing a level of physicality that’s rare for a rookie. Defensively, Castle has been a revelation. His ability to read angles and disrupt pick-and-rolls has been particularly impressive, and his high level of discipline has allowed him to excel in multiple lineups. The only major question mark is his 3-point shooting, which currently sits at 28.9%. However, he’s shown improvement since the start of the new year, hitting 33.3% of his long-range attempts. If Castle can develop a dependable 3-point shot, he has the potential to become the best player in this draft class. His performance has been so impressive that the Spurs refused to trade him in a deal for De’Aaron Fox, a testament to how highly he’s regarded within the organization.
The Philadelphia 76ers struck gold with Jared McCain, their 16th overall pick. Though his season was cut short after just 23 games due to a meniscus injury, McCain made a significant impact during his time on the court. Averaging 15.3 points in 25.7 minutes per game, he proved to be an efficient scorer, knocking down 38.3% of his 3-point attempts and 87.5% of his free throws. His ability to understand what constitutes a good shot was evident, and he quickly established himself as a reliable offensive weapon. At 6-foot-2, concerns about his size and role in the long term persist, particularly given that he’d likely play alongside the equally undersized Tyrese Maxey. However, the offensive chemistry between the two could eventually outweigh any defensive limitations. For now, the 76ers can’t complain about what they got from McCain, especially given his draft position. He’ll enter his second season with plenty of room to grow, and the organization will hope to see him build on his promising start.
One of the biggest surprises of the draft has been Jaylen Wells, a second-round pick (39th overall) of the Memphis Grizzlies. Wells has always been known for his intelligence and role acceptance, which have allowed him to excel as a glue guy for the Grizzlies. Averaging 11.2 points and 3.2 rebounds in just under 26 minutes per game, he’s been far more productive than anyone could have reasonably expected from a second-round selection. Wells’ ability to play mistake-free basketball and compete defensively has been a key factor in his success. While he may not have the same upside as some of the higher-ranked rookies, Wells has already proven to be a valuable asset to the Grizzlies. His patience and understanding of the game will likely earn him more minutes and a larger role as he continues to develop. Physically, he may not be as gifted as some of his peers, but his work ethic and basketball IQ could help him carve out a successful career in the league.
In conclusion, while the 2024 NBA Draft class may not be the strongest in recent memory, there are still plenty of players who are beginning to make waves. Zaccharie Risacher has been a steady presence for the Hawks, Alexandre Sarr is showing defensive promise but needs to refine his offensive game, and Stephon Castle is making a strong case for Rookie of the Year. Jared McCain’s injury was a setback, but his early-season performance was a bright spot for the 76ers. Jaylen Wells, meanwhile, has been one of the biggest steals of the draft. These players, along with others, are proving that even in a weaker draft class, there’s always talent to be found. As the season progresses and these rookies continue to develop, it will be exciting to see how they contribute to their teams’ futures. For now, the early returns are a reminder that potential can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places.
