OKC Thunder: Shifts occur on Intentions week 4 rookie ladder
One month into the 2021-22 season the rookies from this summer’s draft are proving why analysts called this one of the deepest draft classes ever. The OKC Thunder top draft selection Josh Giddey has impressed landing on the majority of rookie ladders.
His stock has remained high based on filling up the box score due to his developed skillset. Nor does it hurt he’s the primary ballhandler on the court helping to orchestrate the recent four-game winning streak.
Intentions top-five rookie ladder for week four has a new entry and a shift at the bottom but for the most part, stays intact.
Intentions rookie ladder week four: OKC Thunder Josh Giddey continues to shine
The top two rookies through the first month of the season remain in place but an unfortunate injury will impact the standing through the next two to four weeks given Evan Mobley’s sprained elbow.
Three of the top five picks have struggled although Cade Cunningham is finding his groove (more below) breaking into the top five this week. That’s not true for the two Jalen’s who are still struggling to discover efficiency and to fit into their roles.
Injuries are impacting the rookie ladder with Chris Duarte dropping off the ladder this week due to a shoulder injury. That injury led to reduced production but also the return of Caris LeVert and Malcolm Brogdon meant fewer touches. Duarte is still in the mix but with the roster healthier Rick Carlisle doesn’t need his rookie to do as much.
Bones Hyland was close to making the list based on an uptick in minutes and production, but he too suffered an injury (ankle sprain) which impacted his overall production.
Davion Mitchell is another honorable mention who makes a decided impact defensively but simply isn’t getting the minutes to do enough offensively in order to break into the top five. If the trade whispers are true then one of or both De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton could be on the block so don’t expect Mitchell’s playing time to increase as the Kings showcase Fox and Haliburton to elicit trade offers.
Once again, 16th pick Alperen Sengun makes Intentions honorable mention list continuing to be more impressive and well-rounded than the Rockets second pick Jalen Green. Eventually Green will find his way and the efficiency will improve. He wasn’t a bad selection for Houston although you have to wonder if Houston had it to do over if Mobley would’ve got the nod (or Barnes).
Other rookies to keep an eye on in the coming weeks as their roles get sussed out further, minutes increase either due to merit or injury are Herbert Jones, Usman Garuba, Dalano Banton, Ayo Dosunmu, Jonathan Kuminga, and of course the other OKC Thunder rookies – Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Tre Mann, Aaron Wiggins, and Vit Krejci.
Intentions’ top five rookies are selected with a view to weekly and seasonal performance, placement on leaderboards, two-way play, and wins garner merit over minutes played in losses.