Rookie Roadblocks and a New #1, Week Eight NBA Rookie Ladder
The Greenlight Team re-assesses this rookie class after some growing pains in recent games.
*Stats as of 12/17
Stephon Castle, SAS (RD 1, PK 4)
Stats: 11.7PTS, 3.9AST, 2.6REB, 38% FG
Last Ladder: 2
Stephon Castle earns the top spot on this week’s ladder - though his performance has dipped since last week. Castle remains at the forefront of the Spurs plan going forward; he has shined on both ends of the court consistently in the early going, and that earns him the top spot this week.
Jaylen Wells, MEM (RD 2, PK 39)
Stats: 11.4PTS, 3.3REB, 46% FG, 39% 3PT
Last Ladder: 3
One of the more overlooked in this rookie class, Wells continues to be steady in his role for Memphis. No splash performances of late, but Wells has been a consistent - and efficient - contributor for a Memphis squad that has won four of the last five, cementing himself at 2 in this ladder.
Jared McCain, PHI (RD 1, PK 16)
Stats: 15.3PTS, 2.6AST, 46% FG, 38% 3PT
Last Ladder: 1
Sadly, McCain’s season is in jeopardy after a lateral meniscus tear in his left knee which required surgery. A timetable for return is indefinite. Still, McCain commands the 3 spot on this ladder out of respect for what he accomplished in his time on the court as one of few bright lights in an otherwise dark Sixers season.
Yves Missi, NOP (RD 1, PK 21)
Stats: 9.2PTS, 8.5REB, 55% FG, 1.2 BPG
Last Ladder: 6
Few rookie make their mark by specializing in a particular skill; Missi bucks that trend as an unstoppable force on the glass, posting games of 14, 11, and 14 rebounds in the past week. The 6’11” Baylor product must be accounted for at all times with his combo of size, athleticism, and anticipation.
Dalton Knecht, LAL (RD 1, PK 17)
Stats: 10.6PTS, 3.7REB, 47%FG, 38% 3PT
Last Ladder: 4
Hitting some rookie woes as of late, Knecht makes a slight slide down the ladder. Defense has been a struggle, and the shotmaking has not been at a high enough level to make up for it. Still, Knecht holds on to the top 5 after a red hot two week stretch in November. The Lakers have faith he can re-capture that spark.
Zaccharie Risacher , ATL (RD 1, PK 1)
Stats: 10.9PTS, 3.3REB, 40% FG, 27% 3PT, 1.5 STL + BLK
Last Ladder: 5
Another victim of rookie struggles, Risacher’s production has slowed in recent games. Still a mainstay in the Hawks starting lineup, Quin Snyder clearly trusts that Risacher will figure it out. There have been plenty of positive flashes on both ends, but consistency and efficiency are the key for the #1 pick.
Alex Sarr, WAS (RD 1, PK 2)
Stats: 10.9PTS, 6.3REB, 2.0AST, 1.8BLK, 39%FG
Last Ladder: 7
To be blunt, Sarr put together a MUCH better week than his countryman, Risacher. Still, context is needed. Sarr’s solid performances all came in losses, for one. Sarr’s runway is also about as long as it can be, having the freedom to play through his mistakes. Risacher has had a runway in his own right, but the plug is pulled a little quicker on a team in playoff contention. Still, a few positive performances in a row have shown the upside that made him so highly touted.
Tristan Da Silva, ORL (RD 1, PK 18)
Stats: 7.7PTS, 3.6REB, 42% FG, 33% 3PT
Last Ladder: 10
Without access to consistent starter-level minutes in a rotation full of quality guards and wings, Da Silva has made the most of his chances. He ascends up the ladder after a 20 point, 9/17 performance in 32 minutes against the Knicks that has Magic fans clamoring for more.
Carlton ‘Bub’ Carrington, WAS (RD 1, PK 14)
Stats: 9.0PTS, 4.0AST, 4.4REB, 39% FG, 33% 3PT
Last Ladder: 8
Still a teenager, Carrington has shown that he belongs on a NBA floor. The former Pitt Panther rebounds well for a guard, shoots and playmakes, and has defended pretty well for a porous defensive team. Bub gives Washington plenty to work with as they form their young core of the future.
Ron Holland, DET (RD 1, PK 5)
Stats: 6.4PTS, 3.1REB, 47%
Last Ladder: NR
Making his debut on the ladder this week, Holland exploded with 26 points on 11/14 from the field against the Celtics. The learning curve has been steep for Holland, and Detroit knew that when they selected him at #5. This was an upside pick, and Holland showed off plenty of it against some of the league’s best.