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Jared McCain was the biggest call-up on the NBA’s injured list those days. Kawhi Leonard, Zion Williamson, some of Orlando’s stellar young forwards and McCain’s teammate Joel Embiid all score ahead of Philadelphia’s rookie in the lousy, unhinged and unavailable pecking order.
But the Sixers’ first-round pick was positive for his team in a difficult start to the season. His surgery Tuesday to repair a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee hasn’t officially been called the “season finale,” but it will sideline McCain long enough to make him a valid contender for Kia’s rookie of the year award.
This race, which was already close for the first 8 weeks with San Antonio’s Stephon Castle, has become the one Castle has to lose right now. He is the starter and is well placed to back up teammate Victor Wembanyama’s ROY season with another.
However, Memphis’ Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells, New Orleans’ Yves Missi, the Lakers’ Dalton Knecht and a few others still have time to sway voters. Here’s how they fare in the latest edition of Ladder:
• If this were to happen – with Castle being crowned Most Sensible Rookie – the Spurs would be the fifth franchise in NBA history to win back-to-back ROYs. The last five: the Chicago Packers and Chicago Zephyrs (later the Washington Wizards) in 1962 (Walt Bellamy) and ’63 (Terry Dischinger), the Baltimore Bullets (now Wizards) in ’68 (Earl Monroe) and ’69 ( Wes Unseld). ), the Portland Trail Blazers in 1971 (Geoff Petrie) and 1972 (Sidney Wicks), the Buffalo Braves (now LA Clippers) in 1973 (Bob McAdoo) and 1974 (Ernie DiGregorio) and the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2015 (Andrew Wiggins) and 2016 (Karl-Anthony Towns).
• Utah Jazz rookie Cody Williams has been slow to gain ground: he’s only had one game scoring more than 10 points and only two shooting at least part of his shots, and he’s finished nine DNPs recently. But the No. 10 pick has one ultimate merit that other newcomers don’t: a brother in the league who imparts wisdom, much of which focuses on patience.
“I try to tense that issue with him,” OKC’s Jalen Williams said this week in Las Vegas. “You won’t play basketball for a year with this team. You retire to play for 10 to 15 years.
The older brother was 21 when the Thunder selected him as the 12th pick in 2022 and finished second to Orlando’s Paolo Banchero in the ROY voting. He’s also about 25 pounds heavier than Cody, who just turned 20 last month.
Said Jalen: “I couldn’t imagine coming into the NBA at 19 and obviously playing against these guys. So that speaks to how talented he is.”
No. 1 as opposed to “No. ” 1. » See what happens when you go out to open a holiday sale early. What was likely a head-to-head comparison on Dec. 23 between the two most level-headed rookies, McCain and Castle, may not happen now. Instead, we’re going to sing in a matchup between June’s No. 1 pick, Atlanta’s Zaccharie Risacher, and Castle. That will happen Thursday when Atlanta plays at San Antonio.
(All stats through Tuesday, Dec. 17)
1. Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
Castle made an impression in just one game, scoring two goals on 1-of-8 shooting in a loss to Minnesota. . . and climbed to the top of the standings for the first time this season. McCain’s knee surgery opened up that spot, and it may simply pave the way for the Spurs guard to win the ROY Award. His defense, his spin on and off the field, and San Antonio’s forward effects make him a Las Vegas favorite.
2. Jared McCain, Philadelphia 76ers
When it rains, it pours for the Sixers. How much will this hapless team miss the East’s most sensible recruit in October/November? “I think it’s definitely going to be difficult,” said teammate Guerschon Yabusele. “I think Jared is one of a kind, a high-energy, fearless kid who can bring so many smart things to us offensively. “
3. Yves Missi, New Orleans Pelicans
Missi is already one of the few Pelicans who will be unavailable as the industry deadline approaches. Put up plenty of consistent numbers with 36 from the 6-foot-11 center: 12. 9 points, 11. 9 rebounds, 1. 7 blocks, with 5. 3 of those rebounds coming on the offensive end.
4. Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies
Wells contributes to earning more than any other member of the Class of 2024 as the Grizzlies’ starter with an average of 24. 6 minutes. It’s not a big difference to compare to newbies, but it’s something. Wells recently said that it helps maintain maximum opponent toughness. Scorers: “I’m going to have moments where I’ve been killing since I’m a rookie, but I’m learning in every game. “
5. Alexandre Sarr, Washington Wizards
Sarr continues to grow through losses, averaging 14 ppg and 6. 5 ppg and a plus-4. 0 while posting 27. 1 mpg in games the Wizards lost in 24. He ranks in the Top 10 among rookies in scoring , rebounds and assists.
6. Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks
Some Hawks observers believe replacing the rookie with De’Andre Hunter (it’s the other way around right now) would help Risacher and the team.
7. Bub Carrington, Washington Wizards
Sinking or swimming in the back of the pool (34. 3 mpg per week, 33. 3% shooting, -17. 5 in 2 games).
8. Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies
Back strong after a 12-game absence, going 6 of 8 for thirteen points with 10 rebounds (eight offensive) for the Lakers.
9. Dalton Knecht, Los Angeles Lakers
He falls down the ladder due to a December (6. 4 ppg, 37. 3 FG%, 11. 5 3FG%).
10. Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers
Leads rookies in blocks (2.1) and averages 8 points, 10 boards and 3 blocks when he starts.
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Steve Aschburner has been writing about the NBA since 1980. You can email him here, his archives here, and follow him on X.
The views expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of the NBA, its clubs, or Warner Bros. Discovery.