It’s time again for us to rate the NBA’s rocking rookies.
Number 1: Scottie Barnes – Toronto Raptors (Forward)
Barnes has continually shown his elite two-way skill every season. His game is a Swiss Army knife of production; marking, rebounding, playmaking. Barnes was quite impressive. This week alone, the former FSU Seminoles star had a slashline of 31/17/6 and 21/9/5 against the Lakers. His play was stellar, and the Raptors rookie even sang LeBron James’ praises.
“I first saw Scottie Barnes in seventh grade and told one of my good friends that this kid was going to be special. I saw the length of his arms and he played Point Guard at that size. .
“Of course he still does it now, he can play different positions, but in order for him to have that size and that ability, I knew he would be special.”
LeBron James: “I saw Scottie Barnes for the first time in seventh grade and I knew he was special … it might be a surprise to some of you, but it’s no surprise to me … it is a beautiful thing to look at. ” pic.twitter.com/FIu1k0EsHs
– Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) March 19, 2022
This season, he is averaging 15.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game
Number 2: Evan Mobley – Cleveland Cavaliers (F / C)
Since Jarrett Allen’s injury, Mobley has seen an increase in his minutes in the center, and he has handled it seamlessly. The two-way big had some standout games recently. Against the Clippers, Mobley went for 30/6/4, he followed that up with 13/9/6 against Embiid and the Sixers and put 27/11/4 on the Nuggets.
Mobley’s maturity is shown in high basketball IQ, which seems to resonate with his teammates. He still has the lead to win Rookie of the Year award, but he has serious competition from Barnes and Detroit Pistons rookie Cade Cunningham.
This season, Mobley is averaging 15 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
“Definitely felt like it was like a big stage” | NBA Rookie Meter Leaders Evan Mobley, Cade Cunningham Shine Am Rising Stars Game
Number 3: Cade Cunningham – Detroit Pistons (Guard)
Cade only played one game this week due to a minor injury, but the 2021 No. 1 overall pick ended it with an almost triple-double, for 23 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds.
With all the talented players in the draft, Cunningham has shown why he has the highest ceiling. His skills are elite, and if he becomes a more consistent range shooter, he will be even harder to guard.
His season slashline is 17/6/6, showing off his all-round skills.
It’s 14:22 on 2/2/22. pic.twitter.com/y5oNsLuhin
– Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) February 2, 2022
No. 4: Frank Wagner – Orlando Magic (Guard)
Wagner continues to be a bright spot for reconstruction and young Orlando Magic. The uber-talented winger showed an ability to score at a high level and create attacks for others. This past week, he was solid as usual, including a jewel against the Pistons, where he went for 26 points, five rebounds and a few assists.
This season, he is averaging 15.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.
Number 5: Jonathan Kuminga – Golden State Warriors (Forward)
Blessed with freakish athleticism, Kuminga has injected real life into a Warriors team that did not have these types of players on its roster last season.
He filled in admirably while Draymond Green came out with a back injury, averaging 16 points and six rebounds on 57 percent. Even though still rough, the rookie was a big boost for a Warriors squad with championship aspirations.
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