As bad as the Rockets have been this season, and downright ugly at times, there are flashes of optimism, even from their prized rookie, Jalen Green. Since his return from a hamstring injury, Green is averaging 20.5 points per game in his last six contests, shooting 45% from the field and 44% from three compared to the 38% and 28% marks. in his first 18 professional contests. The jump in efficiency is no mystery. Green is beginning to rely on his elite first step with increasing frequency, avoiding unsafe back dribbles in favor of bursts to the can. Green can round the corner against even the fastest wingers in the league, running his shoulder past defenders before reaching the rim. Green is finishing 49.4% of rim attempts, a respectable sixth of 21 rookies with at least 50 attempts. When Houston’s offense comes to a halt in the middle of the court, a stubborn drive from Green is usually the best available option.
“[Green] He gets to that corner and it’s over, ”Silas says after Wednesday’s win. “Now, he’s getting to those quick little finishes. With him, it’s all about quick decisions. That’s what I’ve been insisting on with him. “
Green posted a career-high 14 free throw attempts against Denver on New Year’s Day, and posted more than five free throws in four of the last five games. That growth is intentional, and frankly, as Green grows in both his build and stature in the league, he should be getting calls with increasing frequency. Green’s free throw rate and field goal percentages are in line with Zach LaVine’s rookie season, Green’s most frequent draft composition. Like the Chicago star, Green’s shooting numbers will even out as the rookie gets older.
The advanced numbers are still not kind to Green at the moment. He ranks 491 out of 536 defensive-rated players, struggling as a defender on the ball and as a weak winger. He also spins the ball at a shaky 14.6% rate and isn’t making the same passes we see from fellow rookies Cade Cunningham (Pistons) and Josh Giddey (Thunder) at the pick-and-roll. We’ll need to see some significant growth from Green to get him to the top of our rookie rankings. But the talent of a franchise anchor is there. Houston has time to capitalize on it.
1. Evan Mobley, Cavaliers
A pair of wings have challenged Mobley for the top spot in recent weeks, but it’s hard to rank anyone other than Mobley as the jewel of the rookie class right now. Opponents are scoring just 101.9 points per 100 possessions with Mobley on the court, and that number drops to 99.4 points per possession when Mobley teams up with Jarrett Allen. Mobley is already a solid defensive anchor, one whose versatility has allowed Cleveland to play their ultra-large lineups with ease.
But its offensive ceiling is the biggest surprise here. He is finishing 74.4% of his shots in the restricted area, a better mark than Anthony Davis, Nikola Jokić and Domantas Sabonis. He has a better assist-to-turnover ratio than Cunningham. And his George Gervin-style finger motion against Washington was such a smooth motion that it elicited a congratulatory salute from Kyle Kuzma. Mobley’s intelligence and size on the defensive end laid the foundation for a productive NBA career. His offensive ability raises his ceiling to a potential All-NBA talent.
2. Franz Wagner, Magic
You will be forgiven for not paying attention to the Magic given their 7-32 start. But there is an intriguing project at stake. The Magic increasingly rely on rookie Franz Wagner as their game leader, especially when Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs are out of the lineup. So far, the increased responsibility has paid off.
Wagner is averaging 20.8 points per game in his last 10 games, including a 38-point outburst against Milwaukee on Dec. 30. Wagner ranks second among all rookies in Five thirty eightRAPTOR Player Ratings. He has already racked up 180 possessions as a pick-and-roll ball handler, and while he averages 0.86 points per possession on those attempts, such a significant total suggests significant confidence on the part of first-year coach Jamahl Mosley. Wagner is much more than just a spacer. He’s an offside threat with a flourishing play-making streak, one that is among Orlando’s most promising pieces amid an ongoing rebuild.
3. Scottie Barnes, Raptors
Barnes’ offensive production as a rookie may be even more surprising than Mobley’s during the first months of the season. The Florida State product entered the league with an excellent defensive reputation, and its packed frame suggested it would be an instant presence around the rim. But Barnes’s game already extends far beyond his physical gifts. He’s looking for every change in sight, showing a precocious step backward that was largely non-existent in college. Barnes’ 0.93 points per isolated possession rank better than LaMelo Ball, Jayson Tatum and Luka Dončić. He’s shooting nearly 49% on mid-range attempts, the best among the 21 rookies with more than 15 attempts.
Barnes is emerging as a true three-level scorer, one whose jumper should only get better in the coming years with more reps. Barnes could very well be the best player in the 2021 class when we look back on five years.
4. Cade Cunningham, Pistons
Don’t mistake Detroit’s substantial struggles for a disappointing rookie season from the first pick. Cunningham has recovered from a shaky start to averaging a respectable 15.4 points, six rebounds and 5.3 assists per game, and he looks downright brilliant on streaks as a game leader. Cunningham recognizes cross shooters with ease while navigating the pick-and-roll, and he’s shooting 40% of three since Thanksgiving. His calm and control, coupled with valuable defensive impact, make him an effective player most nights.
Turnovers are bound to decrease with additional experience. The scoring bursts will come eventually. Detroit fans should be more than comfortable with their number one pick. Cunningham’s supernatural talent and genius should lead to a fruitful and potentially star-studded career.
5. Josh Giddey, Thunder
Giddey became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double Last week, he posted a performance of 17 points, 13 rebounds and 14 assists against the Mavericks. And frankly, Giddey’s magnificent night served more as a confirmation of her talents than a revelation.
The 19-year-old has seen himself at home in the NBA in his first year since playing in the Australian National Basketball League, combining a sense of advanced playmaking with more useful defense than initial projections suggested. . Giddey leads all rookies in attendance percentage. He’s taking 18.4% of opponents’ errors, the second-best of all first-year players. The statistical profile itself is impressive, although it’s the little things that seem to separate Giddey from many of his fellow rookies. He is already an expert in hockey assist, and the greats who work to run on the court are constantly rewarded. Oklahoma City seems to have its backcourt of the future firmly at hand with Giddey alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
6. Chris Duarte, Pacers
Duarte has not played since the schedule changed to 2022, but he maintains his place here thanks to his strong performance in his first 33 games. The 24-year-old may not be capped at those above him in our rankings, but his polished skill set should make him a valuable instant attack guard for years to come. Duarte is shooting 42.1% on catch-and-shoot 3s. He is also performing a complicated two-man dance with Domantas Sabonis.
The Pacers currently feel like a visionless franchise – Indiana should be one of the most active teams by the trade deadline – although they seem to have found a goalie with Duarte. A potential exit or two before March will only free up more space for the Oregon product to operate down the stretch.
7. Herb Jones, Pelicans
The No. 35 pick in the 2021 draft has emerged as a potential anchor for the franchise in New Orleans, having a marked defensive impact on a struggling Pelicans squad. Jones is one of the most impressive ball defenders in the game, chasing down the fastest guards and biggest wings with his 7’0 wingspan. “Jones is ranked No. 6 among all players in deflections. His 48 steals lead to all rookies, and only Evan Mobley has counted more blocks.
It remains a question how well Jones can fit in alongside Brandon Ingram and (ideally) Zion Williamson given Jones’ current offensive limitations. But becoming an acceptable corner shooter will help secure your future in the NBA as an impact player. For now, let’s choose to marvel at its defensive wizardry on a team that desperately needs it.
Rookie Elevator of the Week: Ayo Dosunmu, Bulls
The Bulls have been the loveliest story of the 2021-22 season, defying skeptics with a hellish defense and DeMar DeRozan’s All-NBA twist. Chicago is packed with tough guards and wings, with lineups with DeRozan, Alex Caruso and Lonzo Ball allowing just 98.5 points per 100 possessions. Ayo Dosunmu is a perfect fit with the Bulls trio.
Dosunmu has done the farmer’s job replacing both Caruso and Ball amid COVID-19 and injury absences, helping keep the Bulls atop the East alongside third-year guard Javonte Green. Dosunmu isn’t necessarily a threat beyond the arc, and outside of transition opportunities, he’s not much of a threat as a scorer. But let’s not lose the forest for the trees. Dosunmu is fulfilling his role with poise as the Bulls advance into the regular season.
Rookie Highlights of the Week: Evan Mobley, Cavaliers
We briefly touched on Mobley’s finger move earlier, but this move deserves its own space. Seriously, how many guys in the league can pull off this? KD, Giannis and maybe some others? Mobley takes off from the low block on the left side of the court, contorts his head around the board and uses every inch of his 7’4 “wingspan to hit what has to be layup of the year. Sorry for the cross-reference sport but i’m in love in bloom. Dreaming of what Mobley can become over the next decade is currently one of the funniest thought experiments in sport.
More NBA coverage:
• Within one year of NBA replacement players
• Kyrie Irving is back, but where does that leave the networks?
• The warriors’ quest to achieve what other dynasties could not
• NBA Year in Review: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
www.si.com
Eddie is an Australian news reporter with over 9 years in the industry and has published on Forbes and tech crunch.