Thunderous Intentions
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TI’s week 5 rookie ladder: Josh Giddey on the rise

By Tamberlyn Richardson

OKC Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) drives to the basket against Houston Rockets forward Jae'Sean Tate (8) : Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
OKC Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) drives to the basket against Houston Rockets forward Jae'Sean Tate (8) : Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports /
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OKC Thunder: week 3 rookie ladder: Cavaliers Evan Mobley #4 is guarded by Raptors Scottie Barnes #4 . (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /

No. 4 – Evan Mobley – Cleveland Cavaliers

News out of Cleveland is Evan Mobley could make a return to the court as early as Sunday (November 28) which bodes well for his Rookie of the Year campaign. Not to mention the Cavs are desperate for his return.

Rookie category rankings (status quo):

  • Blocks: 1.5 – first
  • Double-Doubles: three (first)
  • Rebounds: 8.0 – second
  • Offensive rebounds: 1.7 – tied second
  • Points: 14.6 – second
  • Field Goals Made: 5.8 – second
  • Field Goal Percent: 49.4% (second among top group)
  • Steals: 0.9 – tied sixth
  • Assists: 2.5 – seventh
  • Turnovers: 1.8 – eighth

Of the group who’ve consistently ranked on the Intentions weekly top five ladder Mobley, Barnes and Cunningham are the trio who dramatically impact their team’s chances of winning and make the players around them better. Josh Giddey is just behind this group given his need to improve as a scorer.

Perhaps no stat will carry as much weight as that factor given the Cavs have lost five games in a row — the game where Mobley got hurt and the four since he’s been out of the lineup. If his return immediately translates into wins that’s an incredible bonus the youngster can add to his list of reasons for the RoY campaign.

I considered dropping him off the ladder this week since he was sidelined for the three games his squad played but given the expectation, he’ll return for the end of week 6 I elected to keep him in the top five. Albeit while his season performance merits keeping him on the ladder, I’ve moved him to fourth because of the outstanding play of the trio in front of him.

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