The tightest fight in a long time! Who will be on the All-Rookie Teams?

With the NBA in the final week of the regular season, the race for the MVP is very tight. The Rookie of the Year is practically decided. Lately, there has been discussion about the legitimate contenders for the DPOY. Soon, the focus will shift more towards player awards, with passionate fans and media members making their cases and voting.

Keeping this in mind, it's the perfect time to make predictions about who will be part of the league's teams (All-NBA, All-Rookie, All-Defensive). This article will focus on the young players.

First team of rookies

Jared McCain (PHI), Stephon Castle (SAS), Zaccharie Risacher (ATL), Jaylen Wells (MEM), Zach Edey (MEM)

Philadelphia 76ers' guard Jared McCain only played 23 games this season. However, when healthy, he was impressive and left a lasting impression. In fact, he ranks second in the 2024 NBA Draft class with eight games scoring over 20 points. On the other hand, San Antonio Spurs' point guard Stephon Castle currently leads this season's rookie ranking in games with over 20 points (24), despite being valued for his defensive skills.

Castle's main competition for the NBA Rookie of the Year award could be Atlanta Hawks' center Zaccharie Risacher, the number one draft pick. If so, it's due to Risacher's scoring peaks, the French-Spanish player who has overshadowed his Memphis Grizzlies teammates Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey since the All-Star break. Nonetheless, Wells' and Edey's two-way impact on a playoff team cannot and will not be ignored, especially with Edey now free from former Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins.

Second team of rookies

Yves Missi (NOP), Alex Sarr (WAS), Kel'el Ware (MIA), Isaiah Collier (UTA), Kyle Filipowski (UTA)

New Orleans Pelicans' center Yves Missi has possibly been the most consistent rookie in his position this season. That puts him and Washington Wizards' center Alex Sarr on the opposite side of the spectrum. Sarr hasn't been as consistent, but he oozes potential and has averaged 16.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game since the All-Star break. Similarly, Miami Heat's center Kel'el Ware has had ups and downs, partly due to Head Coach Erik Spoelstra constantly changing the rotation. However, he has averaged 10.1 points, 10 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game since the All-Star break.

It could be argued that neither Missi, Sarr, nor Ware have played as well as Kyle Filipowski, Utah Jazz's center; at least not since the All-Star break. Filipowski has averaged 13.6 points (37.1% on 3-pointers), 7.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game in his last 25 games. That being said, Filipowski has not outshone his teammate Isaiah Collier. Collier, one of the NBA's best young playmakers, recently broke the rookie record for assists held by Hall of Fame guard John Stockton.

Under the Radar

Bub Carrington (WAS)

If voters lean towards McCain, Wizards' guard Bub Carrington should benefit. He hasn't been as prolific a passer as Collier, as efficient as Missi, as versatile as Filipowski, or as impactful as Ware.

However, he has been relatively steady throughout his rookie season, showcasing his skills as a two-way player. Last week, this Baltimore native scored 32 points against the Orlando Magic. It was his second game with over 20 points, but the fifteenth where he scored more than 15 points.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, ¡La lucha más apretada en mucho tiempo! ¿Quiénes estarán en los All-Rookie Teams?