NBA Rookie Rankings: Scottie Barnes impressing with offensive efficiency; Evan Mobley earns high praise
CBSN
A couple rookies are starting to separate themselves from the rest of their draft class
We're now two weeks into the new NBA season, and early signs suggest the 2021 draft class is going to be incredibly exciting to watch this season and beyond. What's been the most interesting aspect from this crop of rookies is the number of them who look like tough defenders this early in the season.
Some of these guys are busting the myth that first-year players struggle mightily on defense, as we've got rookies ranking near the top of several defensive metrics. It could regress as the season carries on, but it's something to keep an eye on with this class. In other news, No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham made his NBA debut after missing the first four games of the season with an ankle injury. Although his offense wasn't efficient (1 of 8 for two points), he showed promise on the defensive end.
Keep in mind that these rankings will reflect a rookie's performance on a week-to-week basis only, and not the collective season. These aren't Rookie of the Year standings. With that straightened out, here is a look at the top-performing rookies around the league.
