Three weeks of action have resulted in some exciting basketball and confirmation the rookies this season are ready to live up to their reputation as a very deep and talented draft class. That of course, includes the top selection of the OKC Thunder – Australian point guard Josh Giddey.
Typically the top one or two draft picks separate themselves quickly from the other rookies but this season there are numerous players shifting that trend and subsequently will impact the names on our weekly rookie ladder.
OKC Thunder guard Josh Giddey in the mix – Top five of week three rookie ladder
Four of the top seven picks either got off to rough starts or dealt with injuries. Jonathan Kuminga was sidelined due to injury and is only now getting some sparse minutes given the depth of the Warriors.
The two Jalen’s (Green and Suggs) miss the Intentions rookie ladder cut again this week. Green is playing 32.2 minutes and is a primary scoring option. He was pegged as a sniper but shoots 35.3percent and 28.3 percent from the field and perimeter not exactly the desired efficiency for a high-volume shooter.
His stats are impacted by two strong performances where he scored 30 and 24 points making a cumulative 13 of 20 deep balls. In his other eight games, he shot seven of 50 from deep or 14 percent. That necessitates waiting to see if his inconsistency will shift over a larger sample when two games won’t dramatically affect his overall statistics.
Moreover, he only ranks in the top three of two rookie statistical categories – – 3-pointers made (again impacted by those two games) and turnovers.
Suggs seems to be trying too hard to fit in or figure out his place within the Magic. In fairness, he’s been the alpha dog leader likely on every team he’s ever played on. But with Cole Anthony organically claiming the Magic leadership mantle and shooting lights out that typical role he’s held is taken. He also seems to be struggling with adapting to the size and pace of the pros.
Like Green, his efficiency lacks much to be desired — 30.9 percent from the field and 22 percent from deep. Suggs ranks first among rookies for turnovers (3.5 per game) and third for assists. Although he’s too talented not to figure things out, with each passing week the Raptors are looking smarter and smarter.
For week three I’ve added a trio of rookies who’ve impressed in addition to the top-five.