Welcome back to our weekly rookie rankings. It’s gearing down towards the end of the season, and it has become very clear who this year’s top rookies are. They have one last push to make a good impression on voters. Remember to check back with us every week as we rank this year’s rookie class.
1. Joel Embiid, Center, Philadelphia 76ers
Embiid, as we speak is still the leading candidate for NBA Rookie of the Year. When the season ends, he will have played in less than the required to rank in statistical categories. It is unfortunate because he was having a great season. For now, he still ranks first in scoring and rebounds. If another rookie is to surpass him, they must be able to maintain a high-level play for the rest of the season.
2. Dario Saric, Forward, Philadelphia 76ers
If there is one player who surpasses Embiid, it will most likely be Saric. His play as of late has been exceptional. In a win against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night he scored 29 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished out five assists. He has also been taking care of the ball, which bodes well for future play. He has emerged as the second-best rookie in the class so far.
3. Malcolm Brogdon, Guard, Milwaukee Bucks
While Brogdon endured a tough couple of games last week where he finished a pair of games scoreless, he rebounded with a 15-point, eight assist outing against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. In his last 10 games, he is shooting 50 percent from the field, which is above his 44.7 percent average on the season. He continues to stay right behind Saric in our rankings, but if he can take his play to another level, he might be able to make a legitimate case for himself of being rookie of the year.
4. Marquese Chriss, Forward, Phoenix Suns
Chriss continues to play well for the Suns this year. In the month of March, he is averaging 11 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. He brings a lot of athleticism to an already young Phoenix squad, which fits very well alongside teammates Devin Booker and Eric Bledsoe. The Suns have to be very pleased with the way Chriss has come along this season. He looks like he can turn into a very good player.
5. Buddy Hield, Guard, Sacramento Kings
While Brandon Ingram has played well for the Lakers in recent games, Hield has been a little better. Since joining the Kings last month, he has played close to the player fans had hoped for when he declared for the NBA draft. He is averaging 14.2 points in his last 10 games, and it does not look like he is going to slow down. If can be the player the Kings need him to be; the DeMarcus Cousins trade won’t look as bad in the future.
Honorable Mention: Brandon Ingram, Jamal Murray, Domantas Sabonis
