2024-25 NBA rookie rankings: Jared McCain, Dalton Knecht, more - ESPN

Now that we're six weeks into the 2024-25 NBA season, we can take a broader look at the rookie class as a whole.

In keeping with the expectations that were set heading into the 2024 draft, the results this season haven't been spectacular. Nonetheless, plenty of players are carving out roles, making developmental strides, and in some cases, having a meaningful impact for their teams.

Jared McCain broke out for the Philadelphia 76ers in November, Dalton Knecht has stepped up for the Los Angeles Lakers, Stephon Castle has gotten more comfortable for the San Antonio Spurs, and the Memphis Grizzlies have relied on Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells during a strong start. But it's been a bit of a slower roll for the top picks in the draft — including Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr and Reed Sheppard — only one of whom cracks this month's list.

With all that, there's a new rookie who takes over the No. 1 spot from our last ranking on Oct. 24.

Please note this ranking of the top eight rookies is not an attempt to gauge players' long-term potential or trade value. It's simply a barometer of which first-year players have made the most interesting and notable impact at this stage of the season.

Here's how these players and others stack up so far.

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Top eight rookies
Yet another OKC youngster?
Fit vs. upside debate

Drafted: No. 16, Duke
Key stats: 16 PPG, 44.8% FG, 36.4 3P%
Previous ranking: NR

McCain's emergence has been one of the few bright spots in Philadelphia's tumultuous season, positioning him as an early leader in NBA Rookie of the Year conversations.

After a streak of seven 20-point games in November, he leads all rookies in scoring, living up to his billing as an excellent shooter coming out of Duke, where he made 41%