Alex Sarr Tops NBA Rookie Rankings as New Names Emerge

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Alex Sarr, the Washington Wizards‘ standout rookie, has maintained his position atop the NBA Rookie Ladder for the third consecutive week, while newcomers Kel’el Ware and Kyshawn George have surged into the Top 10. The 2024-25 rookie class, though lacking a dominant star, has shown flashes of potential, with several players making significant strides in recent weeks.

Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, continues to impress with his defensive prowess and improving offensive game. The 7-foot-1 center is averaging 11.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. Despite shooting struggles early in the season, Sarr has found his rhythm from beyond the arc, hitting 38.4% of his 3-point attempts since December. “The shots are just falling now,” Sarr said. “I didn’t stop taking them even when they weren’t going in.”

Meanwhile, Kel’el Ware of the Miami Heat has made a dramatic entrance into the rookie rankings. After limited playing time in the first 25 games, the 7-foot center from North Little Rock, Arkansas, has emerged as a key contributor, averaging 15.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks over the past week. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra cautioned against overhyping Ware’s rapid rise, saying, “Let us do our job. Let him do what he has been doing.”

Kyshawn George, another Wizards rookie, has also broken into the Top 10 after a 24-point performance against the Phoenix Suns, including six 3-pointers. George, along with Sarr and fellow rookie Bub Carrington, has given Washington fans hope for the future despite the team’s 6-36 record.

Other notable rookies include Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs, who has shown improvement as a scorer and defender, and Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies, whose rebounding and emerging 3-point shot have made him a vital piece for a playoff-contending team. Jaylen Wells, also of the Grizzlies, has been a defensive standout, often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best player.

As the season reaches its midpoint, the Rookie of the Year race remains wide open, with no clear frontrunner. While Sarr leads the pack, the emergence of players like Ware and George adds intrigue to a class that continues to develop at its own pace.