The first week around the association has wrapped and the rookies are having some fun. Even though only one week, there were many players that could’ve made the list but overall five will take the cake this week. While it’s important to not get caught up with just the first week, these rookies made a name for themselves. Let’s take a look a look at the best five rookies from 10/19-10/25.
5. Franz Wagner, SF, Orlando Magic
Wagner has had a solid consistent start to his NBA career. In his debut, he posted 13 points with eight rebounds against the Spurs. He then had 16 points and four rebounds in a loss to the Knicks. Wagner followed this up with a 10 point performance in a win against the Knicks in their next game. He also had a 15 point game against the Heat. Wagner has quick movement off the ball, finding open cuts and gaps to the hoop. With his 6-foot-10 frame, it makes it very easy to score in the paint.
4. Evan Mobley, C, Cleveland Cavaliers
Mobley was largely impactful in his first three games in the league. He put up 17 points along with nine rebounds in his debut against the Grizzlies. He was just the second player in NBA history with 17 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and one steal and block in his league debut. Outside his debut, he put up 13 and five rebounds against the Hornets and 17 points and 11 rebounds against the Hawks. Mobley has played a huge part in the Cavaliers’ inside defensive presence, having a block in each of his four games. He’s also getting plenty of touches early on more than expected.
3. Scottie Barnes, SF, Toronto Raptors
Barnes has been off to a steady start through three NBA games. He got a double-double on 25 points along with 13 rebounds in the blowout win over the Celtics. He also scored 12 points and nine rebounds against the Wizards and 17 points and eight rebounds against the Mavericks. In his most recent matchup against the Bulls, he posted 13 points on 6-8 shooting. Barnes has a huge part on the offensive and defensive end. He’s a good point forward who will continue to create for the Raptors.
2. Jalen Green, SG, Houston Rockets
After a slow start with 18 points throughout his first two NBA games, Green exploded for 30 points Sunday night against the Celtics. In 36 minutes, Green posted the scoreline along with going 8-10 in threes. Playing professional basketball for a whole year with the G-league Ignite team before entering the league has benefited him so much. He’s starting to look comfortable in an NBA system and that showed against the Celtics. It’s safe to say he will be one of the best in his class, if not his generation when all said and done.
1. Chris Duarte, SG, Indiana Pacers
Durate initially flew under the radar at the 13th pick but is making his presence known. Durate is off to a hot start to his rookie campaign. He scored 27 points on his debut, the most by a Pacers rookie. He made six three-pointers in the win as well. In his other three games, he scored 15, 19, and 18 points in his other three games. If Durate can continue his form, he’s looking to be an early Rookie of the Year nominee. The added shooting of Durate can also lead the Pacers back to the playoffs after missing out last season.
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