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As the 2024-25 National Basketball Association (NBA) season is around the corner, the players bought in the 2024 NBA draft await their chance at the highest level and try to make a name for themselves. Let's have a look at the five rookie players this season to watch out for.
Five rookie players to watch out for this season
Matas Buzelis
Matas Buzelis was drafted 11th overall by the Chicago Bulls. He is a well-rounded wing and it is expected that he will deliver on both sides of the court. The 6-foot-9 forward will start the season on the bench as a reserve and will bring his A-game from the bench as the Bulls look to rebuild their squad.
Buzelis concluded the NBA Summer League averaging 16.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 2.0 blocks for the Bulls. His shooting was also 33.7% from the field.
Alexandre Sarr
Alexandre Sarr was picked by the Washington Wizards as second overall in the 2024 NBA draft. The 7-foot-1 player is expected to help the Wizards with his defensive game as they conceded the most points per game last season.
Sarr is a versatile defender but he really needs to work on his offensive game so that then he could be able to contribute on both sides of the court. He ended the Summer League averaging 5.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.5 blocks. His shooting was 19.1% from the field.
Reed Sheppard
Reed Sheppard was picked by the Houston Rockets as third overall in the 2024 NBA drafts. It is believed that Sheppard will be the first choice off the bench and contribute with his 3-point shooting and steals.
The 6-foot-3 guard had an impressive outing during the Summer League as he averaged 20.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.8 steals and 1.3 blocks. His shooting was 50.0% from the field which included 27.8% from the arc.
Zaccharie Risacher
Zaccharie Risacher was the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft. He is expected to be a solid 3-and-D option and will play alongside star point guard Trae Young. Playing for the Atlanta Hawks, it is expected that Risacher will contribute with his off-ball play offensively and defensive plays.
The 6-foot-9 forward only played two games in the Summer League as he averaged 14.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists. His shooting was 39.3% from the field. Risacher missed the final three games for the Hawks as he had a bruise on his right quad but he has recovered completely.
Zach Edey
Zach Edey was picked ninth overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2024 NBA draft. The Grizzlies picked Edey to re-establish themselves and be in the line for contention in the upcoming season. The 7-foot-4 centre is expected to play a significant role for the team as he can contribute on both sides of the court.
Edey only played one game in the Summer League as he suffered from two different ankle injuries. But his impact was on display as he recorded a double-double of 14 points and 15 rebounds. He also registered four blocks in the games. It is expected that Edey might win the Rookie of the Year award.
