The Kia Rookie Ladder has been taking flight with four rookies showing out for their teams the week of Nov. 18. Although the announcement of who will be the Rookie of the Year won’t be till May 2025, people are already making their predictions about who will win. These five new rookies have been proving their skills on the court and making a name for themselves.
So far, Jared McCain from the Philadelphia 76ers is sitting at number one on the ladder, making a huge jump due to his significant contributions.
Jaylen Wells from the Memphis Grizzles is at number two, moving down a spot from being number one.
Dalton Knecht from the Los Angeles Lakers is in third place on the ladder, just 72 hours after his 37-point barrage on Tuesday, Nov. 19, where he scored 27 points at New Orleans.
In fourth is Zaccharie Risacher from the Atlanta Hawks, who has been excellent at the free-throw line, sinking 11 of his last 13 attempts in three games.
Zach Edey from the Memphis Grizzlies is at number five, averaging 11 points, eight rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game in three games.
Jared McCain has been performing exceptionally well lately, making significant gains to the Philadelphia 76ers. Over his last five games, he has averaged 26.6 points per game, with notable performances including scoring 34 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers and 29 points against the Orlando Magic.
He also was efficient, shooting around 50% from the field and showing consistency from the free-throw line. His recent surge has placed him at the top of the Kia Rookie Ladder, highlighting his impact on the court.
While a lot of people have a lot to say about McCain calling him the Tik Toker and for painting his nails, he proves every time he is on the court that he belongs in the NBA for a reason.
McCain is the fifth Sixers rookie to string together five games of at least 20 points. The Sixers have been leaning on him due to Tyrese Maxey’s hamstring absence. And he is definitely showcasing his scoring prowess and defensive skills as his team depends on him.
McCain has recorded the most 3-pointers made through the first five starts of a player’s career in NBA history.
But McCain is not the only rookie who has reached or topped 20 points in a game 14 times in the season’s first month, the two of the other nine belong to Knecht.
Knecht from the Lakers who blew past the threshold to score 37 points on Tuesday Nov. 20 against Utah. Standing at 6-foot-6, scored 21 points in the third quarter alone.
He is now tied the NBA rookie record with nine 3-pointers. The Lakers might have been onto something when they picked Knecht in the NBA draft.
He definitely looks to be a steal of the Draft.
McCain and Knecht both have been looking like they could be the rookie of the year but only time can tell.
