NBA Rookie of the Year rankings: Evan Mobley, Scottie Barnes lead race for award at quarter mark of season

These five rookies have stood out among the rest through the first quarter of the season

We've officially crossed the quarter mark of the 2021-22 NBA season, so it's a perfect time to take stock of the rookie landscape and see which top five players are out front in the ongoing Rookie of the Year race. The 2021 draft class is filled with so much talent, and that's been on full display through the first 20-plus games of the season. It's proof that this draft class was far deeper than just the top four or five picks; we've seen second-rounders like Ayo Dosunmu, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Herb Jones all have impact on their respective teams. 

Though this Rookie of the Year ranking will only focus on the top five guys right now, there are a few others who were just shy of cracking the list who deserve some attention. Indiana Pacers rookie Chris Duarte is certainly one of them. The former Oregon guard has enjoyed a blazing start to his NBA career, highlighted by a 27-point debut to start the season. Defensive stalwart Davion Mitchell has made an impact with the Sacramento Kings, while Houston Rockets big man Alperen Sengun is proving to be one of the most intriguing rookies with every no-look pass. 

Moving on to the top five rookies in the NBA so far, these players have stood out among the rest of their peers through the first quarter of the season, and look to be in the running to win Rookie of the Year at the end of the season.