Introduction: A Historic NBA Rookie Rankings December 2024
The NBA Rookie Rankings December 2024 is proving to be one of the most talented and impactful groups in recent memory. As we approach the midway point of the season, these first-year players are already transforming franchises and rewriting expectations. This comprehensive analysis goes beyond basic stats to examine which rookies are making the most significant impact and why this might be the deepest rookie class since 2018.
In this definitive rookie breakdown, we analyze:
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✔ Victor Wembanyama’s unprecedented two-way dominance
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✔ Chet Holmgren’s case as the most NBA-ready rookie ever
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✔ Under-the-radar first-year players making noise
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✔ Advanced metrics that reveal true impact
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✔ How this class compares to historic draft groups
From franchise cornerstones to late-round steals, these are the NBA Rookie Rankings December 2024 basketball in 2024.
The Clear Frontrunner: Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
By The Numbers:
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Stats: 21.8 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 3.4 BPG, 1.8 SPG
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Shooting Splits: 48/36/85
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Advanced Metrics: 22.3 PER, 3.8 Win Shares
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Team Impact: Spurs 8.1 points better per 100 with him on court
Why He Leads:
The 7’4″ phenom is accomplishing what no rookie big man has done before – anchoring a defense while serving as primary offensive creator. His recent 40-point, 15-rebound, 7-block game showed his unparalleled ceiling.
“Wembanyama isn’t just having the best rookie season – he’s having one of the most unique seasons in NBA history,” notes NBA NewsZ analyst Kevin O’Connor.
Prime Challengers
2. Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder)
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Stats: 18.4 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 3.2 BPG
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Efficiency: 53/41/87 shooting splits
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Team Success: Thunder 2nd in West
X-Factor: Leads all rookies in plus/minus (+7.3)
3. Scoot Henderson (Portland Trail Blazers)
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Stats: 16.2 PPG, 6.8 APG
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Recent Surge: Averaging 22.4 PPG in December
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Development: Cutting turnovers significantly
Second Tier Standouts
4. Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets)
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Versatility: 12.1 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 5.1 APG
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Defense: Can guard 1-4 effectively
5. Brandon Miller (Charlotte Hornets)
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Scoring: 15.8 PPG on 39% 3PT
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Clutch: 4 game-winning shots already
6. Bilal Coulibaly (Washington Wizards)
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Defense: 1.9 SPG, 1.3 BPG
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Upside: Raw but tantalizing tools
Advanced Metrics Breakdown
| Player | PER | Win Shares | BPM | On/Off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wembanyama | 22.3 | 3.8 | 4.1 | +8.1 |
| Holmgren | 20.8 | 3.5 | 3.8 | +7.3 |
| Henderson | 16.2 | 2.1 | 1.9 | +2.4 |
Source: Basketball-Reference
Historical Context
How this class compares to recent ROY races:
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2023: Paolo Banchero (20.0 PPG)
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2022: Scottie Barnes (versatility)
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2021: LaMelo Ball (playmaking)
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2020: Ja Morant (leadership)
This year’s top two might be the most talented pair since 2003 (LeBron vs. Carmelo).
Underrated Rookies Making Noise
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Dereck Lively II (DAL): Starting center for contender
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Keyonte George (UTA): Jazz’s future point guard
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Jordan Hawkins (NOP): Elite shooter (39% 3PT)
“Lively’s rim protection has been transformative for Dallas,” says ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
Team Impact Leaders
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Holmgren (OKC): +7.3 net rating
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Wembanyama (SAS): +8.1 on/off
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Thompson (HOU): Rockets 6.2 better defensively
Key Upcoming Rookie Matchups
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Dec 28: Spurs @ Thunder (Wemby vs. Chet)
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Jan 12: Blazers @ Rockets (Scoot vs. Amen)
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Jan 25: Hornets @ Wizards (Miller vs. Coulibaly)
Fantasy Basketball Impact
Rookies Worth Rostering:
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Wembanyama (elite stocks)
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Holmgren (efficiency monster)
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Henderson (increasing usage)
Final ROY Ladder (December Update)
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Victor Wembanyama – Historic two-way impact
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Chet Holmgren – Perfect modern big
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Scoot Henderson – Blazers’ backcourt future
“This might be the closest ROY race since 1995 (Hill vs. Kidd),” argues NBA NewsZ draft expert Mike Schmitz.
Conclusion: A Generation-Defining Class
The NBA Rookie Rankings December 2024 is delivering on its unprecedented hype, with Wembanyama and Holmgren putting together seasons that would win ROY most years. As these young stars continue developing, they’re not just competing for awards – they’re reshaping how we evaluate rookie impact. One thing’s certain: the NBA’s future has never looked brighter.
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