Intentions week 8 rookie ladder recognizes definitive top 5
No. 2- Evan Mobley – Cleveland Cavaliers
I went back and forth on the top two contenders but ultimately placed Evan Mobley second on the list. Cunningham had a solid week but his team didn’t win any games and he’s getting free reign while Mobley, Barnes, and even Giddey are playing in more of a system.
What ultimately pushed Barnes to the top was the fact he ranks in the top five of all the key categories. Mobley is undoubtedly the best defender in this rookie class but Barnes isn’t far behind and he’s excelling in areas Mobley isn’t.
Rookie category rankings:
- Blocks: 1.9 – first
- Rebounds: 8.5 – first
- Minutes per game: 33.3 – second
- Double-Doubles: six
- Offensive rebounds: 1.7 – second
- Field Goals Made: 5.5 – third
- Points: 14.0 – fourth
- Turnovers: 1.6 – seventh
- Assists: 2.5 – eighth
- Steals: 0.8 – ninth
- Field Goal Percent: 48.2%
- 3-point field goal percent: 33.3%
The other factor was the direct comparison of Mobley and Barnes for their week eight performances. While Mobley was impressive and both teams won games the Raptors rookie averaged a double-double and outperformed Mobley in every key category.
While they tied on blocks, Barnes had double the assists, offensive rebounds, and steals plus higher points and total rebounds and tied Mobley in blocks.
Mobley’s week eight averages were 13.5 points, 9.5 rebounds (1.5 offensive), 1.5 assists, 0.8 steals, and 2.0 blocks.