As the season goes on, wear and tear take place on the bodies and that’s what we’re starting to see in the rookie class. Injuries along with resting in the active NBA schedule are becoming a common trend for this rookie class. Storylines are heating up and we had another exciting week around the league and we have our top five rookies midway through November.
Be sure to check out all of our NBA coverage.
No 5. Josh Giddey, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder
Giddey and the Thunder went 2-2 over the last week. The 6’8 forward from Melbourne, Australia averaged 6.5 points per game over those four contests. While his scoring may have gone down this week, he has done a great job finding his open teammates and crashing the glass as well. Giddey finds himself back to No. 5 in the rankings.
No 4. Chris Duarte, SG, Indiana Pacers
Duarte and the Pacers went 2-2 on the week, just like Giddey and Oklahoma City. Duarte, however, suffered an ankle injury in a win over the Philidelphia 76ers. He didn’t play Monday night as he dealt with the soreness. In the three contests he participated in, he averaged eight points a game. The hot start is cooling off, but he continues to provide for the Pacers.
No 3. Franz Wagner, SF, Orlando Magic
Despite the Magic’s poor week, Wagner has been excellent. He averaged 12.3 points per game and has been playing great defense over this most recent stretch. With his height and versatility, he’s able to guard any of the five positions on the floor, effectively shutting the opposition down. He continues to excel for Orlando in the early portion of the season.
No 2. Scottie Barnes, SF, Toronto Raptors
Despite the Raptors going 1-3 this last week, Barnes has performed greatly in an under .500 week. He’s averaged 15.8 points over the stretch along with 7.5 rebounds. Barnes has continued to grow more and more comfortable as each game goes on. This as he continues his campaign for the Rookie of the Year award, albeit just being one month into the season.
No 1. Evan Mobley, C, Cleveland Cavaliers
Mobley is a part of the surprising Cavaliers squad and their great start. However, it has Mobley who’s had an even better start. He was averaging 18 points a game with 7.7 rebounds as well before sustaining an injury Monday night in a loss to the Boston Celtics. He suffered a right elbow sprain and will have an MRI done.
Check us out on our socials:
Twitter: @PTSTNews and @TalkPrimeTime
Facebook Page: Prime Time Sports Talk
Join our Facebook Group: Prime Time Sports Talk
Instagram: @primetimesportstalk
Follow Kole Emplit on Twitter @KoleEmplit
Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images
