Who will win the 24/25 NBA Rookie Of The Year?
There is nothing that excites a NBA fan more during the off-season than the NBA draft. Their favorite college stars transition to the next level, paired up with a team that had an unfortunate seasons the year prior. Yet, the excitement is met with a wave of anxiousness. The pros are a big step up from college for some hopeful young stars, and not everyone can meet the expectations of the fans, coaches, and executives. That’s why we have a special award for those who rise to the occasion; the rookie of the year award. In this article, I will name my three front runners for the honor.
Terrance Shannon JR - Timberwolves
As a 6’6 athletic freak at the guard position, Terrance Shanon Jr has been dominating the Big Ten over the past two years. At Illinois last season, Shannon was named first-team All-Big Ten and third-team All-American, averaging around twenty points a game. After watching the Wolves first summer league game, his ability to get downhill and his athleticism foreshadows his incredible offensive upside at the next level. However, the reason I think the Timberwolves got a steal taking him at the 27th pick is due to his defensive capabilities. Using his height, he can guard almost every position on the court, and his athleticism makes him a steal and block machine. Paired with another athletic guard like Anthony Edwards, he is going to get a lot of open shots and fastbreak opportunities.If he gets the playing time he deserves,don’t be surprised if he averages close to eighteen points a game and makes an all defensive team this season.
Stephon Castle - Spurs
Over the past season the UCONN Huskies looked unstoppable and Stephon Castle is a reason why. As a Freshman, his defense was sensational. Averaging almost a block and a steal per game, he was coined the best defensive guard in the nation prior to the draft. During this summer league he has been a sneaky scorer, using his 6’6, 210 pound frame to overpower smaller guards at the basket. At the point guard position, it’s like he is playing quarterback on the football field, effortlessly making passes down the court. He is especially good off the pick and roll, easily finding a passing option or getting a bucket himself. Walking into the NBA with a veteran “point god" in Chris Paul, last year's rookie of the year Victor Wembenyama and the best development staff in the league, Castle may have the best situation of any rookie in the draft.
Reed Sheppard - Rockets
As a guard on John Calipari’s Kentucky, Reed Sheppard has looked like the most pro ready draft pick during this year's summer league. At Kentucky, Sheppard was a great floor general and shot creator during his freshman year. Although he only averaged 11 points per game, he showcased a variety of scoring through both catch and shoot and off the dribble jumpers. So far in summer league, he has shown a variety of scoring through floaters, mid range shots and three pointers. At 6’2 he has no trouble getting his shot off and scans the floor as well as anyone else in the country. On a young, and up and coming Rockets team, the ceiling for Sheppard is an All-star and future all NBA level player.