Leading up to the 2024 NBA draft, much was made of what was perceived to be a weak crop of players entering the league.
However, no matter how bad the class was on paper, it was bound to produce a few risers. The 2025 All-Rookie teams contained exactly that—and served as a victory lap for the Memphis Grizzlies, Washington Wizards and other teams. They included a national champion turned Rookie of the Year, a college icon turned surprising pro contributor, and several other names of note.
Here, as revealed by the NBA Tuesday afternoon, are the league’s ’25 All-Rookie squads.
|
Player |
Position |
Team |
2024 Draft Pick |
College/Pre-NBA Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Stephon Castle |
Guard |
San Antonio Spurs |
4 |
UConn |
|
Zach Edey |
Center |
Memphis Grizzlies |
9 |
Purdue |
|
Zaccharie Risacher |
Forward |
Atlanta Hawks |
1 |
JL Bourg (France) |
|
Alex Sarr |
Center |
Washington Wizards |
2 |
Perth Wildcats (Australia) |
|
Jaylen Wells |
Guard |
Memphis Grizzlies |
39 |
Washington State |
Castle was named Rookie of the Year on April 29 after a successful season in which he averaged 14.7 points per game. Edey, after entering the draft process under scrutiny for the archaic brand of basketball he played at Purdue, adjusted his skill set and became a prolific pro rebounder. Wells, the Rookie of the Month in November, turned into the steal of the draft.
|
Player |
Position |
Team |
2024 Draft Pick |
NBA/Pre-College Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Matas Buzelis |
Forward |
Chicago Bulls |
11 |
G-League Ignite |
|
Bub Carrington |
Guard |
Washington Wizards |
14 |
Pittsburgh |
|
Donovan Clingan |
Center |
Portland Trail Blazers |
7 |
UConn |
|
Yves Missi |
Center |
New Orleans Pelicans |
21 |
Baylor |
|
Kel’el Ware |
Center |
Miami Heat |
15 |
Indiana |
Buzelis—nicknamed “Lil Buzi Vert” by Chicago Bulls color man Stacey King—has become a fan favorite in his home city. Carrington, a pleasant mid-first-round surprise, gives the Wizards two All-Rookie players for the first time since 1964. Ware looks like another unheralded coup for the Miami Heat.
Thirteen other players received votes, led by Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier.
