The NBA does not have a talent problem at all, and the 2024 rookie class did not disappoint this season. The number one pick for the San Antonio Spurs, Victor Wembanyama, made history as he was a unanimous choice for Rookie of the Year, All-Rookie, and First-Team All-Defense. Some say he will be the future of the league. Standing at 7’4″, there is not much that Wemby cannot do. Appearing on 98 of 99 ballots cast by the end of the year, his success was no surprise.
When he entered the NBA, everyone was amazed at the French native’s offensive arsenal, but many did not pay attention to his defensive ability. He totaled 254 blocks in his rookie season, a record that may never be broken. Wemby has only played one year, and if he stays on pace, he will surpass Utah legend Mark Eaton’s record of 3,064 career blocks. Who is to say the 20-year-old won’t average even more blocks next year?
His counterpart, who was selected third overall by the Charlotte Hornets, became the fifth rookie in Hornets history to make the First Team. Brandon Miller was one of only three rookies in the top ten for points, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks in 74 games this season. Some call him a reincarnation of Paul George, another player with elite scoring and explosive jumping ability. A two-way player who has potentially become the best player on the Charlotte Hornets, he has a high ceiling and has Hornets fans excited to see his progress next year.
Chet Holmgren, drafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, got injured during NBA Summer League and never played an official game during his rookie year, making him a rookie this year. He was the only other player to be a unanimous First-Team selection. Holmgren recently lost in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks, where he had multiple impressive showings. Another player standing over seven feet, he averaged 16 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two blocks a game. He reaffirmed his durability by not missing a game in what was technically his second season with the number-one seed Oklahoma City Thunder.
Miami Heat forward Jamie Jaquez Jr. and Golden State’s Brandin Podziemski rounded out the First-Team All-Rookie.
The Second Team had the block artist Derek Lively for the Dallas Mavericks leading the way with 26 first-team place votes. Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets had an impressive two-way season and received ten first-team votes as well. Finishing out the Second Team was Utah Jazz’s rising point guard Keyonte George, Oklahoma City’s 3&D guy Cason Wallace, and surprising rookie GG Jackson of the Memphis Grizzlies.
The NBA’s future is in very good hands, and it will be an exciting second year as expectations are high for all of these players. The NBA has shown its parity as super teams have fizzled out and team chemistry with deep benches is becoming the norm. Every player mentioned is an integral piece to the future of their organization.
