The NBA’s Best Rookies So Far…
Heres a breakdown of the rookies making a name for themselves so far in this young NBA season. These studs have been balling and should be recognized for it. They hit the ground running and making solid contributions for their respective franchises.
Top NBA Rookie Performers so far…
Evan Mobley
Photo Courtesy of Ohio News Time
Season Stats: 15.2 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 2.5 apg
Evan Mobley has been impressive so far this year for the Cavaliers, averaging just under 20 points per game in his first season after being selected with the No. 3 overall pick in last summer’s NBA Draft by Cleveland. He is coming off a 15-point 10 rebound performance against Charlotte on Nov. 15 and followed that up with 19-points against Washington four days later to help give CLE their seventh win of the young NBA season. The 20-year old USC product was one of only three rookies (so far) along with Raptor forward Scottie Barnes to be a lock at the top two spots. He’s got size along with athleticism and a good feel for the game. He’s stamped his claim and is starting to develop into something very special in the league.
Scottie Barnes
Photo Courtesy of Raptors HQ
Season Stats: 16.6 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.7 apg
The NBA is all about talent and this kid has it. He could be a top-five performer in the NBA in a few years if he continues to work on his game. The Rookie ended October with back-to-back 21 point games and is proving that he belongs in this league. He’s been consistent with his jump shot so far and has proven that he can be a problem for anyone in the league defensively. NBA fans better get used to the name Scottie Barnes.
Jalen Green
Photo Courtesy of Yahoo Sports
Season Stats: 14.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.9 apg
Green has been great so far in his rookie campaign. He’s got the basketball in his hands a lot and has had some flashes of greatness. His ability to score off of floaters or while driving into the paint has already put him in elite company at his age group. He can handle pressure very well which will be critical for this young Rocket team going forward. They’re building something special here with players like Jalen Green leading them forward offensively and defensively! NBA executives should expect some more great things from him as he moves closer towards becoming one of the league’s best young playmakers!
Franz Wagner
Photo Courtesy of Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel
Season Stats: 13.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2 apg
Franz Wagner has been a solid addition to the young Orlando Magic franchise. He has scored in double figures 8 of the Magic’s 10 games so far and has been a disrupter on the defensive end. NBA executives are excited to see how he develops as the season progresses. He has a very high basketball IQ and can see plays develop in real-time. He knows his way around a pick and roll and knows all the angles around the basket. He’ll be a tough player for years to come.
Honorable Mention
The Detroit Pistons will be looking forward to Cade Cunningham‘s future in the NBA. If healthy they think they can get significant production from Cade at either guard spot. It’s hard to argue against him being one of the NBA’s top rookies right now. He’ll be in the conversation for Rookie of the Year towards the end of the season. It seems like Cunningham is getting comfortable on the NBA stage and is averaging 18.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg, and 3.0 apg over the past three games.
Indiana Pacer Chris Duarte has been making a name for himself. He’s averaging 16.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 2.4 apg this NBA season with the Pacers after being selected in the NBA draft last summer out of Oregon where he was the Associated Press Pac-12 Player of the Year. On October 20, Duarte made his NBA debut, scoring 27 points along with 5 rebounds, to set the Pacers’ franchise record for the most points in a rookie debut. He’s definitely a player to watch.
Others to Watch
Davion Mitchell, Sacramento Kings
Josh Giddey, OKC Thunder
Jalen Suggs, Orlando Magic
Bones Hyland, Denver Nuggets
The NBA season is still young and it’s hard to tell who the top rookies are, but here are our best guesses. This list will be updated as more rookies produce memorable performances this NBA season.