Toronto Raptors rookie Scottie Barnes started the season off so insanely hot that he was without question on top of the NBA Rookie Ladder. However, thanks to what has become a historically deep 2021 class, the rest of the standout rookies appear to have made up most of the ground.
In addition to names like Evan Mobley and Cade Cunningham jostling for position at the top, players picked near the end of the first round and beginning of the second round are showing that they can keep up with some of their more highly-touted rookie contemporaries.
This race is getting more competitive than ever, as a top tier of about four or five rookies is starting to crystallize. Still, the All-Rookie teams are completely up in the air. One of two hot weeks in the second half of the season just might be enough to sneak onto the second team.
What is the NBA Rookie Ladder looking like now that the season is starting to wind down? Is Barnes still on top? Has another standout rookie kicked him out of the top spot after a strong close to the first half?
NBA Rookie Ladder: Where is Toronto Raptors star Scottie Barnes?
While names like Davion Mitchell, Alperen Sengun, and the red-hot Jonathan Kuminga could’ve gone here, Thomas gets this spot because of how he’s bloomed for the injury-laden Nets over the last few weeks. Thomas is averaging 13.7 points per game on 47% shooting since the start of the new year.
Thomas is the victim of some very inconsistent playing time depending on the status of Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons. However, Thomas has been so effective that even when this team is fully healthy, the No. 27 pick needs to get some consistent rotation minutes.
NBA Rookie Ladder: Cam Thomas has impressed the Nets.
Green went from an efficient rookie chucking up shots willy nilly in the early parts of the season to a young dynamo who looks more composed as the season has gone on. Green has connected on 46% of his shots and 41% of his 3-point attempts for Houston since the start of February.
The Rockets are still a few years away from giving Green the structure he needs to become a true star in this league, but he’s looked much more comfortable in the pros this season now that he has some extra games under his belt. Dunk contest notwithstanding, Green has tons of momentum behind him.
Duarte is sliding down this list a bit now that he is scheduled to miss time due to a thumb injury. Even though there hasn’t been a ton to smile about in Indiana this season, the idea of a backcourt led by Duarte and Tyrese Haliburton should give Pacers fans hope for the future.
Duarte is still averaging 13.4 points per game while nailing 36% of his 3-point attempts. If the Pacers can reboot things in 2022 around Haliburton, Duarte, and whomever they draft with their lottery pick, Indiana could get sent back on a successful path.
NBA Rookie Ladder: Ayo Dosunmu was a second-round steal.
It turns out that a guy averaging 20 points per game as a junior in college and narrowly missed out on National Player of the Year ended up as an effective NBA player! Who could’ve guessed? Dosunmu has helped the Bulls continue winning despite a host of injuries.
Since the start of the new year, Dosunmu has averaged just under 35 minutes per game while amassing 10.4 points per game on 51/41/77 shooting splits. While the Bulls are in the mood to win now, Dosunmu has been so effective as a scorer and passer that he warrants even more minutes than what was previously allocated.
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.
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.
While Orlando’s poor record has many tuning out the statistical achievements of any of their players, the fact that Wagner has a nearly identical points per game average when compared to Cunningham (in addition to much higher efficiency percentages) will raise some eyebrows.
Wagner hasn’t missed games, has exhibited remarkable consistency, and appears to have taken over the role of primary scorer frequently. If Jalen Suggs can get on the right track, the Magic might end up as the big winners from what has become a transformative night.
NBA Rookie Ladder: Franz Wagner’s numbers are extremely impressive.
Giddey was a triple-double threat before the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander injury, but his recent stretch of play without him has put the league on notice. Since January 31, Giddey is averaging 16.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game while piling up three-straight triple-doubles before the All-Star Break.
Giddey needs to unlock his 3-point game (just 26.7% on the season) for him to become a feared offensive threat. However, considering that he turned 19 just a few days before the season started, the fact he’s looked so calm and composed is exactly what Oklahoma City wanted.
Barnes’ production has taken a slight downturn lately, as the fact that he’s often fifth in line for shots in Toronto has made insane scoring nights more difficult to come by. Still, Barnes is doing everything he can to help the Raptors on both ends while aiding in their playoff chase.
Barnes is scoring, rebounding, defending, and making plays as a passer in a year many went into expecting that he would be a bench contributor. In terms of how he’s helping his team win games while collecting some impressive box score stats, the way Barnes has blended those two concepts this season has been a joy.
NBA Rookie Ladder: Evan Mobley is slightly above Scottie Barnes.
Barnes has been everything Toronto could’ve hoped for, and then some. However, Mobley has overtaken him in these rankings thanks to his role on a much-improved Cavaliers team and the fact his on-ball defense is as good as any young big man in the conference.
Mobley is blocking just under two shots per game while averaging 14.9 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. While the Jarrett Allen explosion and Darius Garland coming out party have helped boost Cleveland’s chances, it’s no coincidence that they went from an also-ran to a contender after taking Mobley.