NBA Rookie Ladder: Is Raptors’ Scottie Barnes still near the top?
By Mike Luciano
Pick Analysis. PF. 6. player. 69. Scouting Report. New Orleans Pelicans. Herb Jones
With the status of Zion Williamson still a history, Jones has helped CJ McCollum and New Orleans stay alive in the play-in hunt. Jones’ defense earned him playing time earlier in the season, but he’s started to put up the offensive numbers that justify his uptick in responsibility.
Since December 28, Jones is averaging 12.2 points per game while converting on 53% of his shots. Already a versatile defender with the ability to defend perimeter players and handle small-ball center responsibilities, Jones should a vital piece of what the Pelicans end up trying to build in the future.
NBA Rookie Ladder: Cade Cunningham is putting up good numbers.
player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Cade Cunningham. 64. PG. Detroit Pistons. 5
The gap between Jones at No. 6 and Cunningham at No. 5 is as wide as the Grand Canyon. His poor efficiency on a bad Pistons team will knock him down a few pegs in this race, Cunningham is still one of the most showstopping young players in the Eastern Conference.
Even though the shooting percentage is iffy, it’s clear that Cunningham is a rare talent on both ends that will help the Pistons get back to becoming a playoff fixture. Cade’s shooting, defense, and room to grow are part of the reason that Detroit has been thrilled with his development so far.