Most Impressive Rookies So Far
With the 2021- 2022 NBA season finally in full operation, this season looks to be a good one. Thanks to the competitive matchups and exciting highlights so far. An although it is super early to determine the best rookies based on a small sample of games and performances. Here are some rookies that have come in hot from the start.
Chris Duarte
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Entering as one of the more experienced players in the NBA Draft, Duarte was a highly regarded prospect because of his athleticism and all-around shot-making. Drafted at number 13 overall by the Pacers, Duarte has impressed so far averaging 20.3 Pts (40.4% FG and 45.8% 3P), 4.7 Rebs, and 2.3 Ast on 39.8 Mins per game. With the absence of an injured Caris LeVert being a factor in Duarte’s increased role, Duarte has proven to be a potential spark for the Pacers and an early Rookie of the Year candidate moving forward.
2. sCOTTIE bARNES
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Surprisingly selected fourth in the NBA Draft, Scottie Barnes so far has proven to be a phenomenal rookie this year averaging 18 Pts (52.4% FG and 20% 3P), 10 Rebs, and 1.7 Ast on 32.5 Mins per game. Barnes, a known top-five prospect, was selected in front of assumed fourth overall prospect Jalen Suggs. Immediately sparking a debate as to whether the Raptors made the right selection or who was the better prospect. With three games already established for both guys, I think neither player has shown to be better than the other. In the future, statistics may say otherwise but overall their impact on their perspective team will determine whether Toronto or Orlando made the right selection.
3. Jalen Green
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Being the second overall pick in the NBA Draft comes with high expectations however Jalen Green so far has lived up to them. After showcasing his athleticism, playmaking, and all-around game in the summer league. Green in a small sample of games looks to be a Rookie of the Year candidate in the making. After a combined 18 points in this first two games, Green versus the Boston Celtics exploded for 30 points and set a new Rockets rookie record draining eight 3-pointers in the game. If Green continues hot start and has a similar season to that of Anthony Edwards, he in my opinion will be the Rookie of the Year even if Cade Cunningham were to have a good season also.
4. Evan Mobley
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As the third pick, Evan Mobley has high expectations to be a generational or at least All-Star level big. My concerns about Mobley were not about his talent but rather his fit on a loaded Cavaliers frontcourt featuring Jarrett Allen, Lauri Markkanen, and Kevin Love as well as being a power forward/four rather than a center/five. So far Mobley has been averaging 15.7 Pts (56.3% FG and 25% 3P), 8.3 Rebs, and 2.3 Blks on 35.3 Mins per game. Easily adapting to his role and becoming an impactful player on a decent Cavs team.
5. Davion Mitchell
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This may come as a surprise considering I am missing names such as Jalen Suggs, Josh Giddey, or Franz Wagner. However to me when I looked at the highlights of all four players, Davion Mitchell in my opinion has impressed me the most. In his first two games, Mitchell scored a combine five points (1-14 FG and 0-6 from three), which I would agree are terrible numbers but what makes Mitchell stand out besides his 22 point game versus the Warriors is his activeness on the defense. Mitchell coming out of Baylor was known to be a good defender but when it came to the summer league and preseason, he proved to be lockdown defending talent showcasing his heart and energy. In a game versus the Jazz, Mitchell stole the ball four times. Overall, if Mitchell continues to be a great defender and averages around 12 to 15 points a game. He could definitely be a front-runner for Rookie of the Year.
