Alex Sarr Tops NBA Rookie Rankings as New Names Emerge

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Alex Sarr, the Washington Wizards‘ standout rookie, has maintained his position as the top rookie for the third consecutive week, while new names like Kel'el Ware and Kyshawn George have entered the Top 10 rankings. The 2024-25 NBA season has seen a mix of raw talent and late bloomers, with several rookies 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. Averaging 11.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, Sarr has been a bright spot for the struggling Wizards, who hold a 6-36 record. His recent performance against the Los Angeles Lakers, where he recorded five blocks, highlighted his defensive impact.

Meanwhile, Kel’el Ware of the Miami Heat has surged into the rankings after a breakout stretch. The 7-foot center from North Little Rock, Arkansas, averaged 15.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks over the past week, earning praise from Heat coach Erik Spoelstra. “Let us do our job. Let him do what he has been doing,” Spoelstra cautioned amid growing excitement around Ware’s development.

Kyshawn George, another Wizards rookie, also made his debut in 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, gives Washington a promising young core to build around.

Elsewhere, Utah Jazz rookies Isaiah Collier and Kyle Filipowski have shown steady improvement, while No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks has slipped out of the rankings due to injury. Memphis Grizzlies rookie Jaylen Wells has emerged as a defensive standout, often tasked with guarding opposing stars like Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle.

As the NBA season approaches its midpoint, the Rookie of the Year race remains wide open. With no clear frontrunner, players like Sarr, Ware, and Wells are making their cases through impactful performances on both ends of the court.