5 rookies who are going to kill it in the 2024/25 NBA season

We take a look at some players who are not in the main spotlight but could do well in their NBA debut

Juan López | 30 Sep 2024 | 12:51
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Dalton Knecht, the most interesting rookie of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Dalton Knecht, the most interesting rookie of the Los Angeles Lakers.

We know that the NBA Draft 2024 hasn't been the brightest, especially coming from Victor Wembanyama to Cooper Flagg, but we believe that beyond the top 10, there are some talented players who can excel. In this article, we highlight 5 players that we think can make a splash: Bub Carrington, Kel'el Ware, Dalton Knecht, AJ Johnson, and Terrence Shannon Jr.

Bub Carrington, Washington Wizards

Pick: No. 14

Carrington joins a team in full reconstruction like the Washington Wizards, where he will have plenty of opportunities to develop without the immediate pressure to win. At just 19 years old, his versatility was evident in the Summer League, averaging 15.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, nearly flirting with a triple-double in some games. In a young team that will likely be competing for the future Cooper Flagg, Carrington will have ample minutes to grow. Although not the favorite for Rookie of the Year, he could surprise due to the role he will play in Washington.

Kel'el Ware, Miami Heat

Pick: No. 15

The Miami Heat have a special knack for finding players who fit perfectly into their system, and Kel'el Ware is a prime example. Compared to the young Mavericks center, Dereck Lively II, Ware stood out in the Summer League as a threat in the pick-and-roll. Playing alongside stars like Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo will allow him to showcase his shot-blocking ability and prowess in the paint. Although other centers were taken before him, Ware has the potential to be the most productive of this class due to how his game suits the current NBA style.

Dalton Knecht, Los Angeles Lakers

Pick: No. 17

The Lakers found great value in selecting Dalton Knecht with the 17th pick. This forward, who led the SEC in scoring during his final college year, can be an important piece from the start thanks to his three-point shooting accuracy. While fans' focus will be on the debut of Bronny James alongside his father, LeBron, Knecht will be a key factor as a reliable shooter off the bench. His experience and ability to adapt to the speed and physicality of the NBA will allow him to contribute immediately.

AJ Johnson, Milwaukee Bucks

Pick: No. 23

The selection of AJ Johnson by the Bucks at pick 23 was surprising to some, considering his modest stats in the Australian league (2.9 points in 8.3 minutes per game). However, this 6'5'' point guard has a high ceiling and showed significant improvements during the Summer League, averaging 11.2 points in five games. In a team led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, Johnson will have room to develop without the pressure of carrying the team. His work with elite coaches and players like Paul George could be crucial to his growth.

Terrence Shannon Jr., Minnesota Timberwolves

Pick: No. 27

At 24 years old, Terrence Shannon Jr. is one of the most experienced rookies in this class. In the Summer League, his ability to create his own shot and generate opportunities for his teammates stood out immediately. The chemistry with his teammate, Rob Dillingham, was evident from the first game. Shannon, a shooting guard who shined in Illinois, could quickly become a key player off the bench for the Timberwolves, thanks to his experience and his ability to adapt swiftly to the NBA dynamics.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, 5 rookies que van a petarlo en la temporada 2024/25 en la NBA