In Rookie Watch Vol. 2, Rafael and James Barlowe analyze Monday night’s rookie performances, opening with the highly anticipated but ultimately underwhelming matchup between top picks Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr. The French duo struggled, combining for just 4-19 shooting with nine fouls, raising questions about Sarr’s shot selection and his tendency to settle for threes rather than attacking the paint. 

The brothers debate whether Sarr’s issues are due to Washington’s lackluster point guard play and revisit his choice to force his way to the Wizards over a potential fit with the Hawks. 

They then tackle Reed Sheppard’s dwindling minutes, analyze Stephon Castle’s clutch-time usage despite turnovers, and continue comparing Castle’s game to Brandon Roy. Donovan Clingan’s efficiency, Zach Edey’s newfound three-point attempts, and Jaylen Wells’ emergence in Memphis are also on the agenda. 

The episode wraps with a rundown of the night’s standout rookies, with Bub Carrington earning “rookie of the night” honors, and an update on the current rookie stat leaders.

Risacher vs Sarr - 1:45 

Zaccharie Risacher - 2:30 

Alex Sarr - 3:15 

Zaccharie Risacher - 9:23 

Reed Sheppard - 13:08 

Stephon Castle - 15:22 

Ron Holland - 17:39 

Donovan Clingan - 18:03 

Zach Edey - 19:45 

Jaylen Wells - 20:58 

Cody Williams - 22:26 

Matas Buzelis - 23:38 

Kel'el Ware - 23:51 

Kyshawn George - 24:16 

Dalton Knecht - 26:00 

Ryan Dunn - 26:11 

Raptors Rookies - 27:45 

Jamal Shead - 28:33 

Bub Carrington - 29:21