We take it for granted sometimes, but, man, is this a good rookie class.
Most years you hope for maybe one or two guys that are immediate impact players -- this class has them in abundance. From Ben Simmons to Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell to Dennis Smith Jr., Lauri Markkanen to Lonzo Ball, this class is stacked from head to toe, and it's been fun to watch all season.
The vacillation in the rankings continued this week, with Mitchell and his 30-plus points per game moving back into the top spot. Markkanen's brief moment in the sun came to an end, and Smith Jr. made a huge jump, looking like he may be starting to turn the corner.
Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma made his triumphant return, and (because I know someone will ask) Ball didn't make this week's rankings because he was injured and only played in one game.
Here are this week's NBA Rookie Power Rankings.
1 |
Donovan Mitchell
Utah Jazz SG
|
Last week: 2 | |
2 |
Dennis Smith Jr.
Dallas Mavericks PG
|
Last week: 7 | |
3 |
Ben Simmons
Philadelphia 76ers PG
|
Last week: 3 | |
4 |
Lauri Markkanen
Chicago Bulls PF
|
Last week: 1 | |
5 |
Jayson Tatum
Boston Celtics SF
|
Last week: 5 | |
6 |
Bogdan Bogdanovic
Sacramento Kings SG
|
Last week: 6 | |
7 |
Milos Teodosic
Los Angeles Clippers PG
|
Last week: Unranked | |
8 |
Kyle Kuzma
Los Angeles Lakers PF
|
Last week: Unranked | |
9 |
Dillon Brooks
Memphis Grizzlies SF
|
Last week: Unranked | |
10 |
Tyrone Wallace
Los Angeles Clippers SG
|
Last week: 9 |