Rookie Watch Vol. 9: NBA Rookies on the Rise—Who Stood Out This Weekend?

In Rookie Watch Vol. 9 of the Locked On NBA Big Board Podcast, hosts Rafael and James Barlowe broke down the weekend’s top rookie performances.

The duo highlighted Jared McCain’s continued rise, showcasing his polished scoring and poise in extended minutes. They also dove into Dalton Knecht’s impressive showing against the Pelicans, where his offensive versatility took center stage. Stephon Castle earned praise for a breakout game against the Lakers, with the hosts analyzing his evolving role and potential to become a steady contributor. Meanwhile, Alex Sarr’s weekend was a mixed bag, though his standout performance vs Atlanta offered a glimpse of his upside. Lastly, they touched on Reed Sheppard’s 12-point outing in mop-up duty during a blowout win over the Bulls, noting it as a small but encouraging step in his NBA journey.

Jared McCain - 2:33

Dalton Knecht - 12:02

Stephon Castle - 20:27

Alex Sarr - 25:39

Reed Sheppard - 28:21