The NBA doesn’t have a expertise downside in any respect, and the 2024 rookie class didn’t disappoint this season. The primary choose for the San Antonio Spurs, Victor Wembanyama, made historical past as he was a unanimous alternative for Rookie of the Yr, All-Rookie, and First-Group All-Protection. Some say he would be the way forward for the league. Standing at 7’4″, there may be not a lot that Wemby can not do. Showing on 98 of 99 ballots solid by the tip of the yr, his success was no shock.
When he entered the NBA, everybody was amazed on the French native’s offensive arsenal, however many didn’t take note of his defensive capability. He totaled 254 blocks in his rookie season, a report which will by no means be damaged. Wemby has solely performed one yr, and if he stays on tempo, he’ll surpass Utah legend Mark Eaton’s report of three,064 profession blocks. Who’s to say the 20-year-old gained’t common much more blocks subsequent yr?
His counterpart, who was chosen third total by the Charlotte Hornets, grew to become the fifth rookie in Hornets historical past to make the First Group. Brandon Miller was one among solely three rookies within the prime ten for factors, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks in 74 video games this season. Some name him a reincarnation of Paul George, one other participant with elite scoring and explosive leaping capability. A two-way participant who has probably develop into one of the best participant on the Charlotte Hornets, he has a excessive ceiling and has Hornets followers excited to see his progress subsequent yr.
Chet Holmgren, drafted within the 2022 NBA Draft, bought injured throughout NBA Summer time League and by no means performed an official sport throughout his rookie yr, making him a rookie this yr. He was the one different participant to be a unanimous First-Group choice. Holmgren lately misplaced within the second spherical of the Western Convention playoffs towards the Dallas Mavericks, the place he had a number of spectacular showings. One other participant standing over seven toes, he averaged 16 factors, eight rebounds, two assists, and two blocks a sport. He reaffirmed his sturdiness by not lacking a sport in what was technically his second season with the number-one seed Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.
Miami Warmth ahead Jamie Jaquez Jr. and Golden State’s Brandin Podziemski rounded out the First-Group All-Rookie.
The Second Group had the block artist Derek Energetic for the Dallas Mavericks main the best way with 26 first-team place votes. Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets had a formidable two-way season and acquired ten first-team votes as effectively. Ending out the Second Group was Utah Jazz’s rising level guard Keyonte George, Oklahoma Metropolis’s 3&D man Cason Wallace, and stunning rookie GG Jackson of the Memphis Grizzlies.
The NBA’s future is in excellent arms, and it is going to be an thrilling second yr as expectations are excessive for all of those gamers. The NBA has proven its parity as tremendous groups have fizzled out and group chemistry with deep benches is changing into the norm. Each participant talked about is an integral piece to the way forward for their group.
