Making the adjustment from the NCAA or playing overseas to NBA basketball is never easy, and it takes some players more than a full season before the game slows down for them and they’re able to prove their worth.
However, there are a handful of rookies that have taken the league for assault right out of the gate, proving the scouts right after taking them in the summer.
Moreover, this rookie class even features some players that are already looking like huge steals, and today, we’re going to let you know about the top 10 rookies so far:
10. Darius Garland
The Cleveland Cavaliers are still trying to find the best way for their young backcourt to coexist, so Darius Garland hasn’t had the impact he’d expect.
So far, he’s averaged 9.7 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game on 35% from the floor, and it’ll take a while for him to get settled after missing most of his rookie year in college.
9. Brandon Clarke
A lot of people saw Brandon Clarke as one of the biggest steals in the Draft when he fell all the way to the 21st spot, and so far, he’s proving those people right.
Clarke has been effective in limited minutes and he’s looked great next to Jaren Jackson Jr. He’s scored, rebounded, and altered a lot of shots in the paint, averaging 10.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game.
8. Eric Paschall
The Golden State Warriors don’t have too much to brag about to start the season, but Eric Paschall has been one of their few bright spots so far.
Paschall has held his own against some of the best scorers in the league in the defensive end, and has found ways to stuff the stat sheet early on as well. So far, he’s averaging 10.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
7. Coby White
There were several questions about how Coby White’s offense would translate to the NBA, but so far, he’s looked like a veteran already, lighting up defenders off the bench.
White has been aggressive and hasn’t hesitated to take huge shots, but he’s been quite unselfish as well trying to find his teammates. Up to this day, he’s averaging 13.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 43% shooting.
6. PJ Washington
PJ Washington was another guy people saw as a steal in this Draft, and even though he flew under the radar for most of the summer, he’s had a great start of the season.
Washington gives the Hornets the chance to go small with him at the five and he can also spread the floor with his shooting. He’s averaging 14.0 points, and 6.0 rebounds, and he set the record for most threes in his debut with 7.
5. Tyler Herro
There was a lot of hype around Tyler Herro after an impressive preseason training with NBA veterans, and he’s certainly lived up to the hype.
With and without Jimmy Butler, Herro has paid back Spoelstra’s trust with his instant offense off the bench, although his defense needs some work for sure. So far, he’s averaging 16.3 points, 6.3 boards, and 1.8 assists per game.
4. Rui Hachimura
Rui Hachimura is one of the most intriguing prospects of this Draft class for sure. He’s got the length and physical tools to be a superstar, but his decision making needs a lot of improvements.
However, he’s looked as sharp as it gets early for the wizards, putting the ball on the floor, staying in front of guys, and being aggressive, averaging of 16.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists on 46% from the floor.
3. Ja Morant
It didn’t take long for Ja Morant to prove that he’s an special player. His decision making has been superb in both ends of the floor, and it looks like he’ll translate his assist-to-turnover ratio to the NBA.
Morant even blocked Kyrie Irving in the clutch to put his team in a position to win. He’s found his teammates, and has been incredibly aggressive, averaging 17.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game.
2. RJ Barrett
There were a lot of doubts about RJ Barrett and how his game would translate to the NBA, but he’s done a great job so far after putting a lot of work in the summer.
He’s been willing to find his teammates and his tunnel vision seems like a thing of the past Knicks fans should be excited after he’s averaged 20.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 50% from the floor and 46% from three.
Read More
5 Players Who Can’t Be Traded This Season
The List Of NBA Players Who Have Earned The Most Money Per Game
NBA Rumors: Toronto Raptors Want Giannis Antetokounmpo If He Becomes A Free Agent
1. Kendrick Nunn
A couple of weeks ago, nobody even knew who Kendrick Nunn was, but now, he’s one of the hottest waiver-wire adds across all fantasy leagues, as he’s been on a roll to start the season.
The undrafted rookie has earned Erik Spoelstra’s trust as the Heat’s starting point guard and he’s put defenders on skates like he’s been in the league for years. Averaging 21.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, Nunn fought his way to the league and looks like a guy that’ll be in the NBA for a long time.
