The NBA postseason begins on Tuesday, and while most headlines will focus on big-name stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Steph Curry, and Nikola Jokic, a new generation of players will be getting their first taste of playoff action.
The 2024 draft class was filled with rising stars, and several will now get to show off their skills on the big stage. The NBA postseason is competitive, physical, and grueling, and these rookies will want to prove they can hang with the best in the world.
Making an impact won’t be easy, but fans remember legends like Magic Johnson and Bill Russell leading their teams to championships in their rookie seasons.
2025 NBA Postseason: 5 Rookies That Could Be Key Figures for Their Teams
Because of the draft format, many first-round selections from the 2024 NBA Draft won’t see playoff action. However, a few top prospects helped their teams reach the play-in or playoff spots. Three of the names on this list were selected in the top 10, and one second-round pick could also play a key role.
1) Ron Holland II, Detroit Pistons
After the Pistons won just 14 games in 2023-24 — the fewest in the NBA — few expected their massive turnaround this season. But with the fifth pick, Detroit selected Ron Holland II, adding him to a young core that’s shown real promise. Holland, still only 19, appeared in 81 games and averaged 15.6 minutes per contest, helping the Pistons reach 44 wins.
Detroit now faces the New York Knicks in what’s expected to be a tightly contested series. Keep an eye on Holland, who’s out to remind the league why he was so highly rated.
2) Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies
There were questions when the Grizzlies picked Zach Edey ninth overall. Some wondered if the 7-foot-4 center could translate his college dominance to the NBA. But Edey silenced doubters early, becoming a force inside as Memphis opened the season 22-10.
Edey started 55 games and led the team with 8.3 rebounds per game. The only hurdle left is the play-in tournament, but if the Grizzlies claim the No. 8 seed, they’ll be a tough out in the playoffs.
3) Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies
Wells is the second Grizzlies rookie on this list — and he’s earned the nod. The 21-year-old started 74 games in his first year, averaging 25.9 minutes per game. He’s been a reliable contributor alongside Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane.
Wells has averaged 10.4 points, 2.3 rebound,s and 1.7 assists this season.
4) Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks
Risacher will also need to battle through the play-in to reach the playoffs. The Hawks took a big swing drafting the 6-foot-8 French forward No. 1 overall. After a shaky start, the 20-year-old has steadily improved and flashed the high ceiling scouts raved about.
Risacher has contributed across the board, averaging 12.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.
5) Dalton Knecht, Los Angeles Lakers
Knecht was briefly part of a trade with the Charlotte Hornets in February, but the deal fell through after a failed medical. The former Tennessee standout impressed in the Summer League and early in the season, and he’ll be counted on for valuable minutes behind LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Knecht averaged 9.1 points in 19.2 minutes per game. Known for his sharpshooting, the 6-foot-6 guard/forward can play multiple positions and guard a range of matchups.