The best NBA rookies to draft for your fantasy team for the 2024-25 season

The new NBA 2024-25 season is just around the corner with reigning champions Boston Celtics and New York Knicks getting the action underway on 22 October.

The final round of preseason games offer basketball fantasy managers a last chance to look at some of the best rookie bargains on the market with many of the recently drafted players getting plenty of time on the floor.

Fantasy basketball offers fans a fun and engaging way to follow the NBA and by understanding the league’s format, staying active on the waiver wire, and managing the roster effectively, players can keep your team competitive throughout the season.

A reported 59 million people played fantasy sports in the US and Canada in recent years with NFL leading the way as the most popular sport.

The best rookies for 24-25

Victor Wembanyama was the standout rookie last season with the forthcoming campaign presenting no obvious candidate destined to create the same impact the coming as the San Antonio Spurs player.

1) Alex Sarr: Wizards

Despite not being top pick in the 2024, it’s likely that the 19-year-old will get regular starts with Washington and the French player could have a major upside with a high field-goal percentage and solid defensive numbers and despite his 3-point shooting still being a work in progress, don’t rule him out from trying his luck from deep.

2) Donovan Clingan: Trail Blazers

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Inevitably, Deandre Ayton will open the regular season as Portland’s starting center, but Clingan has made his presence felt on both ends of the court throughout the preseason. That means the rookie could see decent minutes once the regular season begins, and he could very well win the backup role over Robert Williams who is currently nursing a hamstring injury.

3) Reed Sheppard: Rockets

The 20-year-old Sheppard was hailed as the best shooter in college basketball after making 52% of his 3-pointers last season for the Kentucky Wildcats, and he brings that shooting/scoring ability to the pros for a Rockets team that needs it. During the Las Vegas Summer League, the No. 3 overall pick in the Draft also displayed a natural ability as a floor leader, with one courtside reporter likening him to former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Mark Price.