The NBA recently announced the All-Rookie teams for the 2024 draft class. Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs, the No. 4 pick and Rookie of the Year, stood out, earning all 50 first-place votes. The First Team also included Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks), Jaylen Wells (Memphis Grizzlies), Alex Sarr (Washington Wizards), and Zach Edey (Memphis Grizzlies). Most players (seven of ten) were lottery picks from the 2024 draft, but Kel`el Ware (15th), Yves Missi (21st), and Wells (39th) were drafted outside the lottery.
However, half of the 2024 lottery picks did not make the All-Rookie teams. This was often due to injuries or limited playing time. For example, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topić, the 12th overall pick, missed the entire season with a knee injury. Reed Sheppard, selected third overall by the Houston Rockets, played only 52 games due to being low on the team`s depth chart.
The 2024 draft class was widely seen as less impressive compared to previous years. Only five college freshmen (Rob Dillingham, Cody Williams, Bub Carrington, Reed Sheppard, and Stephon Castle) were chosen in the lottery. In contrast, current projections for the next draft include 11 freshmen in the lottery.
So, what lies ahead for these lottery selections who missed out on All-Rookie honors? Let`s explore their situations.
Reed Sheppard, Rockets
GP: 52 | PPG: 4.4 | RPG: 1.5 | APG: 1.4
Known for his excellent shooting coming out of Kentucky (52.1% from three on 4.4 attempts), Sheppard showed promise as a future point guard during last year`s summer league. His limited playing time (52 games) was largely due to Houston`s deep roster. He was even assigned to the G League, where he showcased his scoring and playmaking ability. His talent is clear, but a consistent role might depend on future roster moves, potentially involving the starting point guard.
Ron Holland ll, Pistons
GP: 81 | PPG: 6.4 | RPG: 2.7 | APG: 1.0
Holland appeared in the most games (81) among the players discussed, averaging 15.6 minutes and starting twice for Detroit. His athleticism and motor, honed in the G League Ignite program, point to significant defensive potential in the NBA. However, his primary area for improvement is shooting, as evidenced by his 23.8% from beyond the arc. Developing a more reliable jump shot is key to expanding his contribution beyond defense.
Tidjane Salaun, Hornets
GP: 60 | PPG: 5.9 | RPG: 4.7 | APG: 1.2
Salaun was considered a long-term project when drafted, and his rookie season showed his rawness, with shooting percentages of 33% from the field and 28.3% from three. His selection at No. 6 overall was somewhat unexpected, as he was projected later in the lottery. Participating in the summer league should be beneficial for his development.
Rob Dillingham, Timberwolves
GP: 49 | PPG: 4.5 | RPG: 1.0 | APG: 2.0
Despite being a highly-rated prospect by some, Dillingham also faced limited playing time, appearing in 49 games with just one start. His shooting percentages from the field (44.1%) and three-point range (33.8%) were respectable for a rookie, though his free-throw shooting (53.3%) was poor. The Timberwolves invested significantly to draft him, suggesting they see a future role for him, possibly expanding once the team`s point guard situation evolves.
Cody Williams, Jazz
GP: 50 | PPG: 4.6 | RPG: 2.3 | APG: 1.2
Williams was one of three Jazz rookies to play 50 or more games, making 21 starts, but struggled to secure a consistent rotation spot. This 6-foot-7 wing player, known for his length, would benefit greatly from more opportunities in the summer league. His rookie shooting numbers were low (32.3% FG, 25.9% 3PT). With Utah`s young roster becoming crowded, his second NBA season will be critical for establishing himself.
Nikola Topić, Thunder
N/A
The Oklahoma City Thunder are set to add a former lottery pick next season. Topić, who was expected to be a top-10 pick before suffering a partial left ACL tear requiring surgery before the draft, missed his entire rookie campaign. Despite lacking top-tier explosiveness, he plays with control and is expected to compete for a spot in OKC`s rotation next season.
Devin Carter, Kings
GP: 36 | PPG: 3.8 | RPG: 2.1 | APG: 1.1
The Sacramento Kings have a need for point guard depth, and Carter`s skillset, while not purely point guard, helps address this. His rookie season was limited to just 36 games following offseason shoulder surgery. Carter`s key strengths are his high motor and excellent rebounding (he was a top college rebounder), which he showed flashes of. His defensive tenacity and ability to guard opposing players will make him a valuable part of Sacramento`s rotation.
Jasper Hawthorne