With only two weeks remaining in the NBA regular season, we`re seeing unusual stats, teams focused on draft picks, and varied rookie performances. Some first-year players are declining, while others are improving, setting up potential growth in their second year.
On teams not expected to make the playoffs, young players are getting more opportunities and freedom in offense. Rookies are also gaining important roles on teams aiming for the playoffs or play-in tournament. Matas Buzelis is a prime example. Starting the season moving between the Bulls and the G League, he found a starting role after a trade.
In the 22 games he`s started since early February, Buzelis is averaging 12 points and four rebounds, including a career-high 31 points against the Lakers. He`s earned praise from Kevin Durant and shown promising highlights. Buzelis`s presence has also coincided with the Bulls` improved performance, winning nine of their last 11 games, possibly indicating a positive direction for Chicago.
With just two weeks left in the regular season, let`s examine the NBA Rookie of the Year competition.
5. Kel`el Ware, Miami Heat
Ware has been performing exceptionally in his last six games, averaging nearly 15 points and 10 rebounds with 65.6% shooting. He`s been a standout player for the Heat during a period where they`ve gone 6-13 since the All-Star break.
Ware excelled against Golden State due to their lack of size, even though Jimmy Butler`s return was expected to be the main focus. The Heat effectively used him in pick-and-rolls, often getting him the ball near the rim for dunks.
Ware has demonstrated potential beyond just being a dunk specialist. He`s shown a broader offensive skillset with floaters in the paint and occasional 3-pointers. His size is a significant defensive asset, making him a valuable rim protector alongside Bam Adebayo, potentially forming a strong defensive frontcourt.
4. Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards
Sarr has improved significantly since his Summer League performance, which raised questions about his development timeline. Since late February, after missing three games, he`s been averaging 15 points and nearly seven rebounds. His season highlight was a 34-point game in a win against the Denver Nuggets.
In that game, Sarr demonstrated his shooting range, making 5 of 9 three-pointers, and capitalized on Denver`s defensive miscommunications, finding easy shots near the basket.
Sarr`s defense was initially stronger than his offense, so his offensive growth as the season ends is encouraging for the Wizards, who are heading to the lottery and hoping to draft Cooper Flagg. Pairing Flagg with Sarr could give Washington significant size and length, potentially changing the franchise`s trajectory given Sarr`s development this season.
3. Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks
A game in early March against the Grizzlies highlighted why Risacher was a top pick in the 2024 draft. He scored 27 points on 11 of 13 shooting, including 5 of 7 from three-point range, showcasing his scoring ability.
While many of his points come from three-pointers, benefiting from passes from Trae Young or Dyson Daniels, Risacher also moves effectively without the ball to create his own opportunities. He transitions well, cuts effectively, spaces the floor, and positions himself for scoring chances.
Despite early season shooting struggles, Risacher`s confidence remained high. He continued to shoot without hesitation. Now, with improved shooting percentages, he`s making a greater impact on both ends of the court, showing he`s more than just a spot-up shooter.
1b. Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies
Wells has been a leading contender for Rookie of the Year for much of the season, significantly impacting winning. He`s expected to lead the Grizzlies in minutes played, unusual for a rookie on a playoff-contending team currently ranked between No. 4 and No. 6 in the West.
Despite dealing with injuries, the Grizzlies have relied on Wells. He`s not just a fill-in player; he takes on tough defensive assignments effectively. While rookie development on defense usually takes time, Wells quickly defied this expectation.
His stats may not be outstanding, but this rookie class is unique. While others took time to adjust, Wells became a starter early in the season. Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins recognized Wells`s value: a strong defender and efficient scorer within his role.
These qualities are sought after by all teams, and the Grizzlies found them early in Wells. Defending against Wells is likened to being pursued relentlessly. He`s consistently present and makes it hard to escape his defense.
Wells can guard multiple positions, handling both smaller and larger players, from Jalen Brunson to Kawhi Leonard. Memphis trusts him nightly against top league players, accepting occasional rookie mistakes for his overall defensive contributions.
His defensive skill is evident in this video. Wells pressures opponents full court, making it very challenging for them.
Beyond defense, Wells contributes as a 3-point shooter and can attack off the dribble. His slight drop in these rankings is due to recent efficiency decline, shooting 31.6% from the field and 26.3% from three in March, down from 45/38 splits earlier. Despite reduced offensive output, his defensive impact remains, placing him closely with the next player.
1a. Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
Castle is having an exceptional month, his best of the season, averaging 20.1 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.6 rebounds on 47% shooting. His recent performance highlights why he`s seen as a great backcourt partner for De`Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama long-term.
Improved 3-point shooting is a significant factor in his scoring increase, but it`s just part of Castle`s offensive capabilities. His strength is attacking the basket, using his size and strength to finish through contact. He`s effective at offensive rebounding and, when playing off-ball with Fox, cuts and creates scoring opportunities well.
This was evident in his 32-point game against the Thunder in early March, where he also grabbed eight rebounds, four offensively.
Castle`s offensive versatility will make the Spurs a tougher team to defend when Wembanyama returns next season. He can be a secondary playmaker, an off-ball threat, and a strong defender, already showing he can compete against top players like Stephen Curry.
While Castle started his rookie year slowly and needs more consistent efficiency, he has significantly improved in the second half of the season. Since January 1st, he leads all rookies in scoring, ranks fifth in assists, fourth in steals, and has a similar true shooting percentage to Wells.
Although Wells has team success, Castle`s individual performance and upward trend give him a slight edge in the Rookie of the Year race, especially considering his recent high-scoring games against playoff teams.
Castle`s strong finish to the season, contrasting with Wells`s recent dip, has moved him slightly ahead. However, Wells`s overall consistency until recently keeps them very close, with a minimal advantage for Castle.
