5 NBA Rookies From 2045-25 That Already Look Like Busts…And 5 That Look Like Stars
The 2024 NBA Rookie Draft class is…something. For rookies who played more than 25 NBA games, not a single one of them has averaged more than 13 points per game. Does it mean that every single lottery pick has been a bust so far? Not quite. Let’s give these kids a chance. After all, it’s widely known that this class closely resembles the infamous 2000 draft class, which had a ‘whopping’ three all-stars and one member of an All-NBA team. To put it mildly, most of the 2024 batch isn’t going to become all-stars soon.
But if we have to be extremely picky and look at how they’ve performed so far this season, there are a few players who may mold into stars down the road—just a selected few, if I may emphasize that thought. It’s a known fact that some of the biggest stars in the league took time to get to where they are. The same can be said for the players drafted in 2024. The keyword for this group is patience—a lot of it.
Let’s list five NBA rookies from 2024 that already look like busts and five that look like stars.
Which rookies are projected to become NBA stars, and which will end up as busts?
Bust: Tidjane Salaun (Charlotte Hornets)
There was a lot of hype when the Hornets drafted Salaun as 8th overall in 2024. Fans of the franchise were salivating at the possibilities that the rookie could do on an NBA floor due to his length and size. After all, he’s a 6 foot 9 combo forward from France who has a nice touch from outside.
But at this early stage, it’s clear that Salaun has some serious growing to do at the NBA level. He’s often targeted at switches and looks entirely lost on offense. And about being a three-point specialist? He’s shooting a measly 29% from deep in his rookie season.
Star: Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks)
While Risacher’s numbers may not stand out compared to other rookies this season, especially from a number-one pick, there’s optimism that he’ll grow into an NBA all-star not too long from now. He has scored double digits in more than half of his games, including a 33-point outburst against New York in November.
Risacher has a nice-looking jumper and the confidence to take a shot from anywhere on the court. He’s a good cutter and an explosive athlete once he’s near around the basket. Add a year or two of seasoning and development, and don’t be surprised if he becomes one of the best small forwards in the league.
Bust: Cody Williams (Utah Jazz)
We’ve said this before, didn’t we? From the start, we’re not too high on Cody Williams. Cody, the younger brother of OKC’s Jalen Williams, is an extremely raw prospect who could have honed his game had he stayed more than a year or two in college.
The signs of being a bust were there since his days in Colorado. He wasn’t even the third-best player on that squad. Scouts were enamored about his potential as a 3-and-D player before the 2024 NBA draft, but the rookie has barely played for the Jazz this season. Williams mostly spends his time with Salt Lake City Stars, the Jazz’s G-league team.
Star: Alex Sarr (Washington Wizards)
Sarr truly impressed many people this season. Yes, his shooting percentages are still way down, and his three-point shot needs some work. But Sarr is not going to back down from any challenges thrown at him. One piece of evidence for this claim is that he’s averaging nearly two blocks per game and seven rebounds per game. He knows how to guard the paint and rebound missed opportunities.
As for his shooting? Give him a couple of years, and he’ll surprise you. Washington is doing everything right with his development, along with other fellow rookies on this NBA team, Bub Carrington and Kyshawn George. It wouldn’t be surprising if he became a two-way monster down the road.
Bust: Devin Carter (Sacramento Kings)
Carter, the 13th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has not shown that he belongs in the league so far in his rookie year. Even though Carter was billed as one of the most NBA-ready prospects in this class, he hasn’t played much for the Kings this season.
He’s had multiple assignments in the King’s G-league affiliate, the Stockton Kings. Even though his numbers in the G-league are encouraging, Carter can’t seem to find a way to score whenever he’s deployed at the NBA level. Turning 23 years old by the end of the season, time is quickly running out on Carter as he’s not going to be afforded the same opportunity as his younger peers when it comes to development.
Star: Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls)
The start of Buzelis’s rookie campaign was awful, but as the season went along, his numbers began to improve. The Bulls knew they had a young star on the roster and happily gave him the minutes he deserved when he showed them his improvement.
It would not be surprising if Buzelis emerged as the best player in this class a few years from now. He even sometimes looks like a young Giannis Antetokounmpo when he’s on the floor. As one of the NBA’s most exciting rookies, Buzelis has shown that he’s up for any challenge thrown at him. He’s hungry for more, and the Bulls know it.
Bust: Reed Sheppard (Houston Rockets)
It’s a bad omen if you are a top-three selection in an NBA draft, and during your rookie season, you get assigned to play in the G-league. While that’s not a knock on the NBA’s developmental league, the odds of Reed becoming a star are looking dimmer and dimmer as the season went along.
Due to his phenomenal college career at Kentucky, Reed was advertised as a future star in the league. However, his renowned shooting has completely abandoned him at the NBA level. He often gets lost on defense, and whenever he’s open, he inexplicably misfires on his jumper. Perhaps he’s another version of Jimmer Fredette, anyone?
Star: Jared McCain (Philadelphia 76ers)
When Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid were out due to injuries, nobody expected McCain to carry the scoring load for this Sixers team. For more than a month, even though George and Embiid were present, he looked like the star on Philly’s roster.
The kid is likable and a breath of fresh air due to his positive attitude on and off the court. His TikTok dances are fun and engaging. If it weren’t for a meniscus tear in December, he’d be one of the top two rookies in the 2024-2025 NBA season. No doubt that when healthy, McCain has a chance to become special in a few years.
Bust: Rob Dillingham (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Dillingham’s development as a player largely hinges on how Minnesota views him as a long-term prospect. As the Wolves are actively trying to contend for a title with Anthony Edwards, Dillingham may not be afforded an opportunity to showcase his talents on the floor.
There’s no denying the fact that the 6-foot-1 guard out of Kentucky is a liability on defense. During his limited time on the court, he has a high turnover rate, averaging nearly one and a half per game. He is not a willing passer and will always be viewed as a one-dimensional player. Put him with Edwards, and the court will become tighter. If he can’t get out of Minnesota, Dillingham will undoubtedly end up as a bust.
Star: Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs)
At first glance, the first thing that draws you to Castle’s game is his athleticism. He can really get up with the best of them. A deeper look at his numbers will help convince you that he’s probably going to end up as one of the best players in this class. Castle can shoot the ball, defend, and is an underrated passer.
Compared to other NBA rookies, he is more poised and mature despite being young. If the Spurs pay close attention to his development, Castle could soon join Victor Wembanyama as the young foundation for this once-proud franchise.
5 NBA Rookies From 2045-25 That Already Look Like Busts…And 5 That Look Like Stars
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