Like a season ago, unfortunately, the NBA is starting to cancel/postpone games due to the increase in COVID-19 and COVID-related symptoms sidelining players. While players may be out due to this or their games canceled, all the rookies and the amount they play will be considered heavily within the rankings. It will be interesting to see how COVID-19 affects these rookies and the entire remaining NBA schedule. Buckle up and take a ride, as we look at my top five outstanding rookies heading into the holidays.
5. Josh Giddey, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder
Giddey had a standout performance against the Los Angeles Clippers Saturday night. The Australian was two points away from his first NBA career triple-double. He finished the night with eight points but grabbed career-highs with 18 rebounds and ten assists in the one-point victory. On Monday night, he put up 19 points in a close-out win against the Memphis Grizzlies. We’ve seen it all season. When he can’t produce at the rim, he stays active by his work ethic on the glass and distributing the ball.
4. Franz Wagner, SF, Orlando Magic
Wagner stays hot late into December, continuing to find his groove on the offensive end. After a 10 point performance against the Atlanta Hawks, Wagner exploded for 27 in the loss to the Miami Heat Friday. The Berlin native continues to be one of the best draft picks of the year, making plays on both ends of the court. He’s very versatile and is capable of shutting down any player that’s in front of him.
3. Cade Cunningham, PG, Detroit Pistons
Coming into his debut season with a young Detroit offense, many wondered how Cunningham would adapt to the faster NBA game. Safe to say, he’s adjusted just fine. After a monster couple of games weeks ago, Cunningham picked up where he left off, by scoring and distributing the ball. He scored 21 points in a loss to the Houston Rockets Saturday night and dished out 11 assists. He also scored 19 against the Indiana Pacers last Thursday. Despite only a four-point performance against the Heat Sunday, Cunningham looks to grow his game and chase after the Rookie of the Year award.
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2. Scottie Barnes, SF, Toronto Raptors
After a slow couple of weeks for the West Palm Beach, Florida native, Barnes bounced back in a shortened week. Due to COVID, Barnes and the Toronto Raptors only competed in two games this week and fell to both the Brooklyn Nets and Golden State Warriors. On the upside, Barnes played 44 minutes against the Nets while getting a double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds. He also added 21 points and eight boards against the Golden State Warriors. Barnes does a great job at using his 6’10” frame to square up his opponents when attacking the offensive end. He looks to turn the Raptors season around with the quest for the playoffs.
1. Evan Mobley, C, Cleveland Cavaliers
As explained before, not participating in action this week will not denote his No. 1 spot. Mobley entered NBA’s health and safety protocols Saturday before their contest with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Cavaliers also had their game against the Atlanta Hawks postponed for Monday night. Besides everything, Mobley is still No. 1. He looks more comfortable with his professional experience. He’s a phenomenal rim protector and aggressive on the glass. Looking forward to seeing his return to the court.
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