Welcome back to our weekly rookie rankings. Brandon Ingram had a good week for the Lakers and Joel Embiid is making a case for being voted into the NBA All-Star game next month. Remember to check back with us every week as when rank this year’s rookie class.
1. Joel Embiid, Center, Philadelphia 76ers
Embiid had a huge week for the Sixers as finished with three straight games of 20-plus points. His play this season has put him in the conversation of being voted into next month’s midseason showcase. Although it will be unlikely that he actually plays in the game, he will almost certainly be featured in the Rising Stars game. The only knock in his game so far is his foul rate, he has committed five or more fouls in three of his past six games.
2. Malcolm Brogdon, Guard, Milwaukee Bucks
Brogdon has been exceptional for the Bucks in recent weeks. He has scored in double-figures in his last six games, including a 22-point, five rebound game against the Washington Wizards on Sunday night. With starting guard Matthew Dellavedova out with a hamstring injury, Brogdon has been inserted in the starting lineup and has averaged 30-plus minutes per game.
3. Dario Saric, Forward, Philadelphia 76ers
In a win over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night Saric finished with 18 points and five rebounds. As the Sixers are keeping a close eye on the minutes Embiid plays and even keeping him out of games for rest, Saric has now become the overall total rebound leader among rookies. When Ben Simmons is able to come back from injury, the combination of him and Saric will be a formidable one that will cause mismatches for opposing teams.
4. Brandon Ingram, Forward, Los Angeles Lakers
Ingram had a really solid week, perhaps his best yet. In his last three games he has shot 50 percent or better, including back-to-back 17-point games. Seeing the ball go through the hoop has definitely boosted his confidence after struggling to shoot the ball for most of the season. If he keeps playing like the way he has, he will give the Lakers another playmaker on the offensive end. Hopefully he can keep up his play moving forward.
5. Isaiah Whitehead, Guard, Brooklyn Nets
Whitehead is a bright spot in an otherwise lost season for the Nets. He currently ranks ninth in scoring and seventh in minutes played among rookies. He finished with a double double, 10 points and 10 rebounds, against the Cleveland Cavaliers last Friday night. He looks to be a good foundation piece for a rebuilding Nets team.
Honorable Mention: Pascal Siakam, Jamal Murray, Buddy Hield
