The 2025 Rookie of the Year (ROY) race is one of the closest award competitions thus far.
Fans have been spoiled by highly touted prospects like Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren, and LaMelo Ball in past years and they’re just the tip of the iceberg. Before them it was Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, and Zion Williamson. Though there are usually misses at the top of the draft, a lot of teams have hit on their lottery pick.
This year, the most hyped prospects entering the draft were No. 2 pick Alex Sarr, No. 3 pick Reed Sheppard, and No. 7 pick Donovan Clingan. Selected by the Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets, and Portland Trail Blazers respectively, each have shown promising flashes early in their career. However, none of them are sitting atop the ROY ladder. In fact, if the race ended today, they wouldn’t even be finalists.
The most impressive rookies so far have been No. 9 pick Zach Edey (Memphis Grizzlies), No. 14 pick Bub Carrington (Washington Wizards), and No. 39 pick Jaylen Wells (Memphis Grizzlies).
NBA ROY Race: Zach Edey, Jaylen Wells, or Bub Carrington?
No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher leads all rookie scorers with 11.7 points per game and has himself to be a versatile, high IQ player who makes a consistent defensive impact. He also has had the highest-scoring game among his class, tallying 33 points against the New York Knicks. However, he’s been streaky, shooting just 37.2 percent from the field and 24.6 percent from three.
No. 16 pick Jared McCain isn’t far behind him, averaging 11.5 points per game on .456-.359-.1000 splits. With rising star Tyrese Maxey out, he could overtake Risacher soon. That being said, he’s just getting warmed up, making him a name to watch but not a top-three candidate just yet.
Coming in at third, fourth, and fifth on the rookie scoring ladder respectively are Wells, Edey, and Carrington. Wells and Edey join Risacher and McCain as the only rookies with a double-digit scoring average. Carrington (9.6 points per game) is just below, tied with teammate Kyshawn George. Still, he leads the rookie class with 5.1 assists per game.
So, without any further ado, let’s rank the current frontrunners for the Rookie of the Year Award.
1. Zach Edey
Edey is the rookie leader with 6.6 rebounds per game, just ahead of Sarr (6.2) and is third in three-point percentage (.571). Per 36 minutes, the two-time National Player of the Year is averaging 20.3 points, 12.1 points, and 1.7 blocks per game. The problem is that he plays 19.8 minutes per game due to the Grizzlies’ big man depth, foul trouble, and conditioning.
Even still, Edey has done a tremendous job holding down the paint when he’s on the court. His 7-foot-4, 290-pound frame does its job instilling fear in opponents who would rather not try to shoot over him. He’s even showing off a mean streak that inspires memories of Steven Adams.
Offensively, Edey has to adjust to not being the go-to guy like he was at Purdue. However, the Grizzlies can definitely go to him. It’s child’s play when he’s catching a lob or dump-off at the dunker’s spot. When he gets to post-up, his hook shot is back like it never left. The touch he’s showing on his three-ball makes him even easier to play with.
2. Bub Carrington
The Wizards should be spellbound by Carrington, who was a rapid riser on draft boards. Before getting into the numbers, here’s what he brings to the table as Washington’s starting point guard.
At 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds, Carrington is an advanced shot-maker who can score from every on the floor. However, rather than being a black hole with the ball in his hands, he makes quick decisions. They’re usually the right ones. It’s not just his mind at work as a processor though, as delivers the ball with great touch. At the other end, Carrington is a heads-up player, helping him get his hands on the ball.
On the season, he’s averaging 9.6 points, 5.1 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 30.1 minutes per game. He’s shooting 42.9 percent from the field, 35.7 percent from three, and 88.9 percent from the free-throw line. Carrington could stand to be more productive and efficient, but he’s been steady.
3. Jaylen Wells
If Wells made more contributions as a facilitator he might be even higher on this list, but unfortunately that’s not his bread-and-butter. What Wells is instead is a 3-and-D wing. He’s also a player who was obviously drafted too low, much like Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (No. 38 overall), Utah Jazz big man Kyle Filipowski (No. 32 overall) and Toronto Raptors playmaker Jonathan Mogbo, (No. 31 overall).
Unlike them though, Wells has already taken over as a starter. Though he may have only had the opportunity due to Marcus Smart’s ankle injury, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins will be hard-pressed to bring him off the bench when he returns. Memphis has long been looking for a player with his length and skillset.
On the season, Wells has averaged 11.4 points on 39.2 percent shooting from three, playing stout defense all the while. It’s early, but he looks like a keeper.
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