Another week in the NBA, and another successful week for this rookie class. Evan Mobley continues to be molded into a top-notch center for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cade Cunningham keeps on showing why he belongs in this league and is a future all-star. Franz Wagner dominates from the floor in his elite sharpshooting. The rookies continue to impress, and the race for Rookie of the Year is heating up. Who takes No. 1 in the rankings this week, and who gets snubbed?
You can find last week’s rankings here.
5. Josh Giddey, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder
The Melbourne Australia native had another solid week around the association. Giddey had 18 and 19 points against the Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets, respectively. The first-year forward has a knack for finding the open spaces to size up a jump shot or attack the rim. Saturday night against the Cavaliers, he recorded a double-double with 11 points and ten rebounds in the close loss. While the Thunder are looking towards more success, Giddey is beginning to find it.
4. Scottie Barnes, SF, Toronto Raptors
There were only two appearances for Scottie Barnes this week where he didn’t look like himself. An eight-point outing Friday night against the Detroit Pistons on 4-of-13 shooting was not ideal. He managed to grab seven rebounds, but he has been struggling lately. Barnes has been battling a sore knee and it has shown on the court. Monday against the Miami Heat, he posted 16 points on 33 percent shooting. While it’s clear Barnes has been struggling, he’s managed to have a great rookie campaign and will bounce back.
3. Franz Wagner, SF, Orlando Magic
On Friday, Wagner’s week was highlighted by a 19 point performance in a loss to the Charlotte Hornets. After a recent hot stretch, the first-year forward has appeared to cool down. Nonetheless, the Berlin, Germany native is still affecting play for the Magic. He also had a 14 point performance against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night. Wagner continues to impress with his elite sharpshooting and large frame when attacking the rim. The Magic look forward to what Wagner has up his sleeve next.
2. Cade Cunningham, PG, Detroit Pistons
Cunningham exploded for 21 points Sunday against the Phoenix Suns but also managed to get ejected as well. After receiving a technical foul earlier in the game, Cunningham got his second near the end of the third quarter and was ejected. After a reverse slam, while trailing by 20 points, Cunningham pointed near the Sun’s bench. A rookie that has only won 10 games all year shouldn’t be showboating while trailing heavily, but the call was rather questioning. The Arlington, TX native also had an 18 point performance against the Raptors. His elite floor general ability shows why he’s one of the brightest young point guards in the league. The first-year point guard continues to impress in the Motor City.
1. Evan Mobley, C, Cleveland Cavaliers
Mobley continued his rookie dominance this week with the Cavaliers. Not only is Cleveland on a five-game winning streak, but Mobley has been a massive factor in their success. The big man from San Diego, CA started the week with a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double in an away victory over the Utah Jazz. Mobley shot 77 percent from the field in the win. He also had a 20 point outing against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night. He continues to become more familiar with the fast-paced NBA environment. The Cavaliers are surging, and Mobley is a big reason why.
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Main Image Credit: Carlos Osorio, AP
