Welcome back to our weekly NBA rookie rankings. Major news broke out last week as the Philadelphia 76ers ruled Joel Embiid out for the remainder of the season. This is give other rookies an opportunity to improve their ranking. Remember to check back with us every week as when rank this year’s rookie class.
1. Joel Embiid, Center, Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers announced last week that Embiid is officially ruled out for the rest of the season. This is a huge blow for the team because they were starting to figure out how to win consistently. This also affects the Rookie of the Year race. For the time being, Embiid still is the top rookie. He ranks first in scoring, rebounds, and blocks. We will see if another rookie can surpass Embiid in our rookie rankings.
2. Dario Saric, Forward, Philadelphia 76ers
Saric might be in the best position to leapfrog his teammate and into the number one spot. In his last ten games he’s averaging 18.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. He is proving that he can be a really good player in the future. If he keeps up his current play voters might be torn on who to vote for, Embiid or Saric?
3. Malcolm Brogdon, Guard, Milwaukee Bucks
Brogdon has scored in double digits in his last six games. Last Saturday against the Toronto Raptors he finished with 13 points and five rebounds. His play continues to improve as the season moves along. He has turned into a solid playmaker, highlighted by his 4.1 assists per game. The Bucks have an extremely bright future with him, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jabari Parker.
4. Marquese Chriss, Forward, Phoenix Suns
The Suns have to be happy with the way Chriss has performed throughout the season. He is currently averaging eight points and 3.5 rebounds per game. Although those numbers are not eye-popping, what makes him valuable is that he is very active and is not afraid to go head-to-head with players bigger than him. He can develop into a really good player and he will get the opportunity to do so in Phoenix.
5. Buddy Hield, Guard, Sacramento Kings
Getting traded to the Kings might have been the best thing for Hield. In New Orleans he was overshadowed by Anthony Davis, but now he is the man in Sacramento. He has scored in double digits in all but one game since joining the Kings, including shooting 48 percent from three-point land. He is being given a golden opportunity to show others that he will be amongst the best of the this year’s draft class. It will be fun to see if he can meet those expectations.
Honorable Mention: Brandon Ingram, Willy Hernangomez, and Yogi Ferrell
