Every NBA season, rookies bring fresh talent and new excitement to the league. The 2023 draft class has already begun to make its mark, with players like Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren showing star potential.
Fans watch eagerly as these young athletes translate their game to the NBA. This article shines a spotlight on the standout rookies who are not just playing the game but changing it.
From Wembanyama’s towering blocks to Holmgren’s versatile plays, we dive into the early impacts of these promising talents. The NBA has a rich history of rookies making immediate impacts, and this class appears no different, hinting at a thrilling season ahead.
1. Victor Wembanyama
The Frenchman towers over the competition at 7’4″ (2.24m) and 210 pounds (95kg), an intimidating presence for the San Antonio Spurs. Drafted as a first-overall pick in his draft class, he’s quickly become a centerpiece for the team’s starting lineup, even though the expectations on him are of the highest caliber, as he is expected to take home the Rookie of the Year Award.
His season averages tell the story of his impact: 19.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, along with 1.7 assists. Wembanyama’s height and wingspan make him a defensive weapon, feared by opponents and allowing his teammates to double-team ball handlers aggressively.
His standout game against the Phoenix Suns, with 38 points and 10 rebounds, showcased his scoring touch.
Against the Raptors, his defensive prowess was on full display with five blocks. Wembanyama is not just a player, he’s a statement by the San Antonio Spurs that they are a team to be reckoned with.
2. Chet Holmgren
Despite being a member of the 2022 Rookie Class, and under contract for over a year, his official NBA rookie season starts only now after he recovered from a foot injury.
Selected second overall on draft night, his debut was highly anticipated, as the last time we saw him play was at the 2022 NBA Summer League.
Chet Holmgren, standing 7’1″ (2.16m) and weighing 195 pounds (88kg), brings a unique blend of size and skill to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Despite being under contract for over a year, his official rookie season and shot at the Rookie of the Year Award starts only now after he recovered from a foot injury. Selected second overall on draft night, his debut was highly anticipated.
Holmgren averages 17.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, and he also contributes 2.7 assists, showcasing his all-around game. His defensive skills are a key asset. He alters shots and secures the paint, making him a critical piece in the OKC’s strategy.
Holmgren’s game impact goes beyond numbers, as he offers rare offensive and defensive versatility for a player of his stature. His presence is a game-changer for the Oklahoma City Thunder, offering them numerous tactical options on both ends of the court.
3. Ausar Thompson
The Detroit Pistons‘ versatile NBA rookie, drafted from the G-League, brings an impressive stature of 6’6″ (1.98m) and a solid 205 pounds (93kg) to the court.
His selection as the fifth pick signaled Detroit’s commitment to an all-round future. Thompson isn’t particularly a scorer, he averages 12 points and pulls down 9 rebounds, complemented by 3.8 assists per game playing in the Piston’s starting lineup.
His court production is vast, touching every facet of the game except for shooting the ball, where he’s still honing his skills.
Defensively, he’s a standout, disrupting plays and guarding multiple positions with ease.
Thompson’s potential for a 5×5 stat line is not just speculation – he’s one of the most versatile rookies and he’s proving it from the start.
4. Brandon Miller
At the heart of the Charlotte Hornets‘ core, alongside LaMelo Ball, lies Miller with his 6’7″ (2.01m) frame.
The NBA rookie is leading his class in minutes played, with the team giving him a lot of space to develop and learn.
The second-overall pick averages 13.2 points and 4.5 rebounds after his first 6 games of the season.
His summer league dominance wasn’t just for show, it was a forecast of the consistency he’s brought to the regular season on the offensive and defensive end of the floor.
Notably, Miller’s 22-point performance against Brooklyn wasn’t a fluke. He’s setting a high bar for his fellow rookies, proving game after game that he’s hungry for the Rookie of the Year Award.
5. Dereck Lively II
Dereck Lively II, with his 7’1″ (2.16m) stature, has quickly become an integral part of the Dallas Mavericks, complementing their superstar Luka DonÄiÄ’s playstyle.
Selected as a 12th prospect in his rookie class, his role has evolved rapidly from a bench player to a member of the starting lineup.
Lively II averages 9 points on a great 78% from the field, only struggling a bit from the free throw line shooting 54%, with 7.7 rebounds, but his true value shines on the defensive end, where he’s a formidable shot-blocker.
His synergy with DonÄiÄ is clear. He provides the perfect pick-and-roll partner for Luka’s crafty assists. The young center’s summer league efforts laid the groundwork for this partnership, displaying a maturity beyond his rookie status.
His presence is felt whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, making him a key piece in the Mavericks’ puzzle.
6. Cason Wallace
Yet another Oklahoma City Thunder rookie on this list.
The dynamic guard brings an electrifying presence at 6’3″ (1.91m) and 195 pounds (88kg).
Snatched up with the 10th overall pick, he’s been nothing short of a revelation.
With an impressive scoring touch and a keen eye for passes, Wallace is lighting up the scoreboard and energizing his team.
From day one, he’s been a revelation in OKC’s rotation, thanks to his talent and work ethic.
His Summer League exploits were just a teaser of the excitement he’d bring to the team as an NBA Rookie, dazzling fans with his versatility and smart play.
Cason Wallace isn’t just thrown into the rotation and learn. He is already contributing at the highest level as an efficient scorer and defensive playmaker, proving to be one of the most qualified rookies.
7. Markus Sasser
In a span of three games (Nov 1st to 5th), Marcus Sasser emerged as a scoring sensation for the exciting Detroit Pistons.
The guard, standing at 6’2″ (1.88m) and weighing 195 pounds (88kg), was a safe 25th pick in the draft.
Motor Town’s NBA Rookie gave excellent performances during this period and was nothing short of stellar.
With his 22-point game against Phoenix, where he shot an impressive 56% from the field and an astonishing 67% from three-point range, he showcased his scoring abilities against a strong opponent.
Against the Pelicans, he continued his hot streak with 19 points, including five three-pointers on a 62.5% shooting night.
His scoring efficiency is a beacon of hope for the Pistons, as he averages 9 points per game with a remarkable shooting percentage that showcases his offensive skills.
Sasser’s ability to make an immediate impact, coming together to form a backcourt of the future with Cade Cunningham, makes all Pistons fans hopeful and overly excited as they are rooting for their rookie to win the prestigious Rookie of the Year Award.
Honorable mentions
Scoot Henderson
Former G League Ignite’s star transition from Summer League star to NBA rookie is a journey marked by learning and flashes of potential.
His early performances for the Portland Trail Blazers, while not yet consistent, show promise.
Henderson’s raw talent suggests that with time, he could evolve into a key player for his team and a Rookie of the Year candidate.
Jaime Jaquez Jr.
The 22-year-old is finding his rhythm in the NBA with the Miami Heat, contributing solidly in his initial stretch of games.
While his scoring is starting to pick up, his real test is adapting to the league’s intensity and pace.
His early performances suggest he has the makings of a valuable player and a representative of the mysterious Heat Culture as he continues to learn and grow.
Jordan Hawkins
The New Orleans Pelicans guard is showing promise at the beginning of his rookie season.
With an average of 12.6 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, he’s making his presence felt early on.
His recent career night, scoring 31 points against the defending champions Denver Nuggets highlights his scoring and game-reading abilities. Despite the Pelicans’ loss, Hawkins’ performance was a bright spot.
He’s proving to be a valuable player for the team, contributing significantly even as he learns and adapts to the NBA’s pace and style. Hawkins’ potential is clear, and with time, he could become a key figure in the Pelicans’ lineup.
Anthony Black
The rookie from Orlando Magic is carving out his role in the NBA with steady contributions.
Averaging 6.6 points and 2.4 rebounds per game on solid efficiency, he’s showing he can be relied upon when called upon.
His recent performance against the Los Angeles Lakers, where he scored 11 points, is proof of his growing confidence on the court.
Black’s journey is just beginning, and his early signs of reliability hint at a promising career ahead.
The Rookie Class Overview
This class is showcasing a wide spectrum of skills and untapped potential.
Their performances vary, with some displaying defensive potential and others shining offensively.
As they navigate their first season, their growth is evident, hinting at significant future contributions to their teams.
With lots of room for development, any one of them could emerge as a Rookie of the Year contender, especially as they gain more experience and playing time.
This group is poised, and highly motivated to leave a lasting imprint on the league.
Note for the future
As the NBA season unfolds, the rookie class has given us a glimpse of an exciting future.
Their potential is a beacon of hope, signaling thrilling games and inspiring stories to come.
We’ve seen them take their first steps as professionals, each game a chapter in their unfolding narratives.
It’s a privilege to witness these young athletes grow, and as they do, they’re not just building careersāthey’re nurturing the very spirit of the game we all love.
