Welcome back to our weekly rookie rankings. This week we have Jamal Murray make his way back into our top-five. Already through a third of the season, we now have an idea which rookies are going to be considered the top of their class. Remember to check back with us every week to see where we rank this year’s rookies.
1. Joel Embiid, Center, Philadelphia 76ers
What more is there to say about Embiid and the way he is playing this season? He’s averaging 17.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. Although he is only shooting 39.2 percent in December, he will need to regress a little more for him to drop out as the leading candidate for NBA Rookie of the Year.
2. Jamal Murray, Guard, Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets have been waiting for a player to take the reigns of the team and Murray is looking like he is going to be able to. He is shooting 36.4 percent from the three-point line, which provides the Nuggets with a much-needed floor spacer. His speed gives him the ability to run a fast break from coast-to-coast and leave defenders behind with a very quick first step.
3. Dario Saric, Forward, Philadelphia 76ers
Saric’s play has been stellar in his last six games; averaging 12.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. His shooting has improved as the season has progressed, which is always a great sign for a rookie. He is shooting 39.3 percent from behind the three-point line. He looks like he’s providing the Sixers with another promising young player to build around.
4. Malcolm Brogdon, Guard, Milwaukee Bucks
Brogdon has recently increased his scoring; scoring in double digits in three of his last four games. He is averaging 7.7 points per game, which is top-ten among rookies. His strength though has been his playmaking ability and getting his teammates involved. Even though he needs a bit more polishing in his game, being on a team with young players will help him grow as a leader.
5. Brandon Ingram, Forward, Los Angeles Lakers
Ingram has struggled offensively this season, shooting 28 percent from the field, but that hasn’t stopped him from developing in other areas of his game. His defense continues to be a bright spot for him, and the way Luke Walton uses him in mismatches against smaller guards has been helpful. Hopefully, he can string together a few good games offensively before the month ends.
Honorable Mentions: Pascal Siakam, Andrew Harrison, and Domantas Sabonis
