After a frigid start that reminded many of why people were down on the 2024 NBA Draft class, the 2025 Rookie of the Year (ROY) race is finally starting to heat up.
NBA ROY Race: Jared McCain, Dalton Knecht State Their Case
Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain and Los Angeles Lakers wing Dalton Knecht, selected back-to-back in the draft, have been playing so well they might be finalists if the season ended today. Utah Jazz big man Kyle Filipowski, whose slide down draft boards became a contentious topic, has stepped up as well. Meanwhile, last week’s early frontrunners have essentially held steady.
With so many rookies beginning to catch their stride, here are the current favorites for Rookie of the Year.
1. Jared McCain
Everybody seemed to know thatm McCain was a lottery talent before the 2024 NBA Draft. Yet, he landed right outside of it, with the Sixers selecting him 16th overall. Perhaps the Californians sunny personality threw teams off. They didn’t know he was a stone cold killer.
McCain is averaging 15.2 points per game, the highest in his class, and converting 40.8 percent of his threes. Over his last six contests, he’s averaging 24.2 points (on 44.1 percent shooting from three) and 4.0 assists per game.
McCain’s numbers have come while stepping in for an injured player who will definitely get his starting job back, no matter how good he looks. However, Philadelphia could start McCain alongside Tyrese Maxey when he returns, which would likely take pressure off of him in the backcourt. Furthermore, because of the Sixers’ plan to rest Joel Embiid and Paul George on back-to-backs, he’ll have plenty of opportunities to shine.
With his shooting stroke, feel, and ability to create space, he’s been the best rookie so far.
2. Zach Edey
Because of his hot start, it’s difficult to move Memphis Grizzlies mountain Zach Edey out of the top-three. He does have competition though.
His teammate, Jaylen Wells, hasn’t had pristine efficiency lately. However, he’s been playing more consequential minutes than Edey, who Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins has moved to the bench to better execute his preferred scheme. Washington Wizards point guard Bub Carrington, who appears to be a draft steal, hasn’t slowed down. San Antonio Spurs swiss army knife Stephon Castle has been much improved over the last week. The same holds true for Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan, the player Memphis was expected to draft.
None of that changes the fact that Edey is a game-changer when he’s out on the floor. The intimidation factor, which prevents opponents from even attempting shots at the rim, might not show up on the stat sheet. However, his all-around game does. Over the past five games, Edey is averaging 11.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 66.7 percent from three.
He’s the only rookie ranking in the top-five in points (156), rebounds (97), blocks (14), and steals (12).
3. Dalton Knecht
Though seen as a lottery talent, Knecht fell to 17th because of his age.
At 23 years old, he’s more experienced than the typical rookie. Yet, franchises are often more concerned about how long they can keep a player under contract. In theory, Knecht’s career could last five fewer years than the youngest player in his class (18-year-old Ulrich Chomche). That being said, teams may want to reevaluate that model.
Knecht’s NBA-readiness has him looking like he’ll be sticking around longer than many of his classmates.
Over his last four games, Knecht is averaging 24.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.0 steal per contest, all while hitting 67.7 percent of his threes. He obviously will cool down eventually. However, there’s nothing that says he won’t get the same opportunities. Because he primarily plays as an off-ball shooter, his shots come within the flow of the offense. He also plays for a coach who was once one of the best shooting specialists in the NBA.
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