With the NBA regular season winding down, let’s take a look at those who could find their way on All-Rookie teams.
Keep in mind that these All-Rookie teams do not follow the 65-game minimum that many awards and honors do starting this season. These are also positionless meaning they could theoretically consist of 10 centers.
Players named on both All-Rookie teams are named in alphabetical order by last name.
Near End-Of-Season Choices for 2023-24 NBA All-Rookie Teams
All-Rookie First Team
- Chet Holmgren (C), Oklahoma City Thunder
It isn’t too often that a rookie makes a huge impact on one of the better teams in the league. The Thunder sit first in the Western Conference (by a half-game), and Holmgren has started all 74 games. The second overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft missed all of his first season with a foot injury.
In 29.9 minutes per game, the 21-year-old Holmgren has posted averages of 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.4 blocks. He ranks second in total blocks and fifth in blocks per game. Holmgren is shooting 53.3% from the field, 37.3% from three-point territory, and 79.7% from the charity stripe.
- Jaime Jaquez Jr. (SF), Miami Heat
The Heat often find non-lottery picks (or sometimes undrafted players) and turn them into valuable pieces. Include Jaquez Jr. in that group, the 18th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Jaquez Jr. has played 29.0 minutes per contest in his 67 outings. He has posted averages of 12.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.0 steals. The 23-year-old is shooting just shy of 50% from the field (48.8%).
- Brandon Miller (SF/PF), Charlotte Hornets
Selected second overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, Miller has been thrust into a large role almost from the get-go.
In 67 games (61 starts), Miller has played 32.2 minutes per game averaging 17.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. He has connected on 37.1% of the 6.6 three-pointers he attempts per game.
- Brandin Podziemski (SG), Golden State Warriors
Things haven’t quite gone according to plans this season, but Podziemski has exceeded all expectations. He was taken with the 19th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
The 21-year-old has started 27 of his 66 appearances. In 26.7 minutes per game, Podziemski has averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.
- Victor Wembanyama (C), San Antonio Spurs
The most-hyped prospect since LeBron James, Wembanyama was the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. The 20-year-old shows his limitless potential in nearly every game.
In 66 appearances (all starts), Wembanyama has averaged 29.2 minutes an outing. Per game, he is averaging 21.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 3.4 blocks. The 7-4 wunderkind leads the league in rejections and has totaled 39 double-doubles.
All-Rookie Second Team
- Keyonte George (PG), Utah Jazz
Selected 16th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, George has played 26.8 minutes per game over 68 appearances. He is averaging 12.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.5 assists.
- GG Jackson II (SF/PF), Memphis Grizzlies
Despite not being a rotational player until January, the 45th overall pick has produced many productive outings. Jackson II has nine games of 20+ points in his 40 games and has averaged 13.3 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 36.5% on three-point tries.
- Dereck Lively II (C), Dallas Mavericks
Lively II was taken with the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Mostly setting up inside, he has shot an absurd 74.7% from the field. On the season, Lively II is averaging 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks.
- Amen Thompson (SF/PF), Houston Rockets
Since Thompson replaced the injured Alperen Sengun in the starting lineup, Houston is 9-1. The fourth overall selection in the 2023 NBA Draft is averaging 9.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.2 steals. The 21-year-old is looking like he can be a future All-Defensive player for many years.
- Cam Whitmore (SF/PF), Houston Rockets
Despite appearing in just 39 games, the 20th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft has been one of the best rookie scorers. In 17.9 minutes per game, Whitmore has averaged 12.1 points and 3.9 rebounds.
The five toughest guys to leave off were Bilal Coulibaly (Washington Wizards), Scoot Henderson (Portland Trail Blazers), Trayce Jackson-Davis (Golden State Warriors), Ausar Thompson (Detroit Pistons), and Cason Wallace (Oklahoma City Thunder).
