Ajay Mitchell, the 38th pick in 2024, is averaging 16.3 ppg, 3.9 rbg and 3.7 apg on 28.1 minutes this season.
The 2024 NBA Draft Class has already produced some gems, with several young stars finding their footing and becoming key contributors for their respective teams. 2025 Rookie of the Year, Stephon Castle, has built on his standout debut campaign, but some other players are deserving of recognition as we close out the first month of the season.
Here’s who RotoWire lists as the best second-year players to start the season.
1. Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards
2nd overall pick in 2024
Sarr finished fourth in the Kia Rookie of the Year voting last season as the then-19-year-old recorded 13.0 ppg, 6.5 rpg, and 1.5 bpg over 67 starts. The 7-footer has found another level this year. He leads all rookies in scoring (18.3 ppg) while shooting 51.9% from the floor. He has two 31-point games through Nov. 18, already surpassing his number of 30-point efforts from last season. Another key development has been Sarr capitalizing on his size. He has four games with at least 10 boards, including a career-high 15 against Detroit on Nov. 10. His 2.2 bpg tops among his draft class and is tied for second in the league overall. Sarr’s Player Impact Estimator also ranks first among sophomores who see significant playing time. The Bordeaux, France native is showing to be a building block for Washington’s next chapter.
2. Ajay Mitchell, Oklahoma City Thunder
38th overall pick in 2024
The defending champs haven’t missed a beat this season, rolling out to a 14-1 record despite being without one of its key pieces in Jalen Williams (wrist). A big part of the Thunder sustaining that level of play has been the contribution from Mitchell, the 2024 second-rounder who is earning his keep and then some. He played as a reserve as a rookie with 36 appearances and one start, averaging 6.5 ppg and 1.9 rpg. OKC has put more on his plate this year, and Mitchell has responded in a big way. He has played in all 15 games (five starts) and averaged 16.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 3.7 apg on 28.1 minutes. Mitchell can hold up in a starting role or give the Thunder yet another strong option off the bench. Regardless, Mitchell is thriving and making a strong bid to be considered the Most Improved Player this season.
3. Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls
11th overall pick in 2024
The 2024 lottery pick got plenty of run as a rookie with 80 games played, and his finishing flourish over the last two months of that campaign gave a glimpse of how quickly Buzelis is developing. Buzelis averaged 13.6 ppg and 5.0 rpg in March and April last year, and through 13 games this year, he’s bumped that to 15.0 ppg (47.3 fg%) and 5.6 rpg. He’s a key part of what Chicago is building and is one of four Bulls averaging 15.0 ppg or better. Chicago is eyeing a return to the playoffs, and Buzelis will need to continue this pace to help the Bulls achieve that goal.
4. Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
4th overall pick in 2024
The 2025 Rookie of the Year is putting the league on notice in his second season. After averaging 14.7 ppg and 4.1 apg as a rookie, Castle is improving across the board. He’s averaging 17.3 ppg on 49.7% shooting while dishing out 7.5 apg and grabbing 5.8 rpg. Nearly doubling his assist production while also improving his scoring production and efficiency shows just how high the ceiling is for the 21-year-old. Though he’s currently dealing with a hip flexor injury, Castle looks to be the backcourt complement to Victor Wembanyama once both are fully healthy. And Castle already showed in the second half of last season that he’s capable of leading the team whenever Wembanyama is sidelined.
5. Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers
7th overall pick in 2024
The 7-footer established himself as a defensive force right away as a rookie and he is taking another step in his game this season. “Cling Kong” is pulling down 9.0 rpg and swatting 1.4 bpg while also contributing on the offensive end. He’s putting up 8.8 ppg on 47% shooting, and he’s helping extend possessions by grabbing 4.5 orpg, which ranks fifth in the association. Adding on, Clingan’s 15.2 OREB% is the best in basketball among players averaging at least 25 minutes per game. Clingan’s all-around contributions give him the fourth-highest PIE among second-year players.
