James Wilson 
Philadelphia’s Jared McCain and Memphis’ Jaylen Wells expressed excitement and validation upon being named the NBA’s top rookies for October and November. However, this recognition also presents a new challenge, as recent history shows that none of the last six players to earn this honor maintained their momentum to ultimately secure the Kia Rookie of the Year award.
The last player to win the October/November Rookie of the Month and later clinch the annual award was Ja Morant during the 2019-20 season. While Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball won the East’s top rookie honor in January 2021 and went on to be named Rookie of the Year, the landscape remains competitive, with plenty of season left for McCain, Wells, and other contenders.
Weekly Recap
Matas Buzelis of Chicago, the No. 11 overall pick, has seen limited playing time (11.6 minutes per game) but made a significant impact against Brooklyn, scoring 20 points, grabbing five rebounds, and hitting 4-of-5 from three-point range off the bench.
The Rookie Ladder experienced minimal movement this week, with only Dalton Knecht and Zaccharie Risacher swapping positions. No new players entered the rankings, nor did any drop off.
Stat highlights include seven rookies averaging over 10 points per game, ten pulling down more than four rebounds, and nine dishing out over two assists per night. Notably, McCain, Stephon Castle, and Risacher have usage rates above 20.0. Additionally, four rookies are averaging double-doubles in points and rebounds on a per-36-minute basis: Donovan Clingan, Zach Edey, Yves Missi, and Jonathan Mogbo.
Storyline to Watch
As the Emirates NBA Cup progresses to the Knockout Rounds, several first-year players will face heightened pressure and visibility. Among those on the Rookie Ladder, Atlanta’s Risacher and Orlando’s Tristan Da Silva are just one win away from reaching the semifinals in Las Vegas. Other top rookies set to compete in the quarterfinals include OKC’s Ajay Mitchell, Atlanta’s Keaton Wallace, and Houston’s Reed Sheppard.
Latest Rankings (Stats through Dec. 3)
Jared McCain, Philadelphia 76ers
- Season Stats: 16.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.5 apg
- Last Ladder: No. 1
- Draft Pick: No. 16
McCain’s strong performance has sparked debate among Sixers fans, particularly regarding his minutes since the return of Paul George. Despite scoring seven consecutive points in the first quarter, he played only three minutes in the fourth quarter of a recent game.
Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
- Season Stats: 11.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.7 apg
- Last Ladder: No. 2
- Draft Pick: No. 4
Castle led the Spurs with 16 points in a recent loss to Phoenix, though his shooting struggled this week at 31.4%. His defensive skills continue to earn praise from coaches.
Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies
- Season Stats: 12.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.9 apg
- Last Ladder: No. 3
- Draft Pick: No. 39
Wells is the first Memphis rookie to earn this honor since Morant. He remains a starter and has received mentorship from veteran Marcus Smart.
Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks
- Season Stats: 11.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.4 apg
- Last Ladder: No. 5
- Draft Pick: No. 1
Risacher has scored at least 11 points in eight of his last ten games and ranks third in the NBA with a 98.5 defensive rating since November 12.
Dalton Knecht, L.A. Lakers
- Season Stats: 11.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.1 apg
- Last Ladder: No. 4
- Draft Pick: No. 17
Despite a challenging shooting week, Lakers VP Rob Pelinka praised Knecht’s potential as a movement shooter combined with athleticism.
The Next Five:
Yves Missi, New Orleans Pelicans
- Season Stats: 9.0 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.2 bpg
- Last Ladder: No. 6
- Draft Pick: No. 21
Missi has more offensive rebounds than several top NBA players.
Alexandre Sarr, Washington Wizards
- Season Stats: 10.5 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.8 bpg
- Last Ladder: No. 7
- Draft Pick: No. 2
Sarr ranks among the league leaders in total blocks.
Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies
- Season Stats: 11.1 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.0 bpg
- Last Ladder: No. 8
- Draft Pick: No. 9
Edey’s status remains uncertain as several top rookie rebounders are sidelined.
Bub Carrington, Washington Wizards
- Season Stats: 9.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 4.3 apg
- Last Ladder: No. 9
- Draft Pick: No. 14
Carrington and his fellow rookies are feeling the pressure of the Wizards’ struggling season.
Tristan Da Silva, Orlando Magic
- Season Stats: 7.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.7 apg
- Last Ladder: No. 10
- Draft Pick: No. 18
Da Silva performs better on the road, showcasing higher shooting percentages compared to home games.
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