Let's get this part out of the way -- the expectations for the 2024 NBA rookie class aren't sky-high compared to past drafts that had more star power. That doesn't mean there aren't first-year players ticketed to make major contributions in the 2024-25 season that tipped off Tuesday.
Evaluating the 2024 draft on the fly promises to be an interesting NBA subplot all the way through late March. Which rookies will surprise, such as Los Angeles Lakers forward Dalton Knecht? Who are the top early candidates to break through, such as San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle? And will we be able to determine if the draft truly lacked in overall talent as many around the league previously thought?
Let's dive into the early-season outlook for the 2024 rookie class, ranking six of the top players who are slated to make an impact right away. And, I'll share what I'm hearing about certain rookies, from situations that could prove most beneficial (Ryan Dunn's 3-point attempts with the Phoenix Suns) to how teams are handling early roles and expectations (see, Bronny James with the Lakers).
But first, we begin with the top six rookies.
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Top six rookies | Just missed | Bronny
Situations to watch | What I'm hearing
1. Zach Edey, C, Memphis Grizzlies
Drafted: No. 9, Purdue
Scouts most often said this about Edey: His scoring will translate (25.2 points per game last season) at the next level, but will his defense?
ESPN fantasy projections: 14.4 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.1 APG, 1.6 BPG