Hoops Habit
Fansided

NBA Rookie Ladder Week 20: Evan Mobley dethroned for first

By Jack Simone

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 24: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up prior to the game against the New York Knicks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 24, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 24: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up prior to the game against the New York Knicks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 24, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 6
Next
A Rookie Ladder Week 20: Evan Mobley dethroned for first
CLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 18: Members of Team Barry line up at center court after winning the 2022 Clorox Rising Stars at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 18, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio, A Rookie Ladder Week 20: Evan Mobley dethroned for first. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

The 2021 NBA Draft class ended up being chock full of elite NBA rookies. Based on what we’re seeing this season, this could end up being one of the best draft classes in recent memory.

And the best part of the class is that it’s not just the first-round talent that’s been showing out. Although most of the players in the Rookie of the Year race were first-round picks, there are plenty of other guys making a big-time impact.

As the season begins to wind to a close, the race for Rookie of the Year has some very important questions behind it – what’s valued more, winning or stats?

So with that in mind, it’s time to look at the current NBA Rookie Ladder and which five players sit atop it. But first, here are some honorable mentions.

Week 20 NBA Rookie Ladder: Honorable mentions

Tre Mann: Although he may not be the most talked-about rookie in Oklahoma City, Mann has been on fire lately. He’s been putting up some great stats and projects to be a crucial part of the Thunder’s rebuild moving forward. (Rank last week: N/R)

Ayo Dosunmu: The Chicago Bulls have been struggling to maintain their winning ways ever since Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso went down, but the improved play of Dosunmu has helped them keep their head above water. (Rank last week: 5)

Herbert Jones: Most of the time, rookies get a ton of credit for their contributions on the offensive side of the ball, but Jones has made a name for himself on defense. He’s the New Orleans Pelicans’ lockdown defender, and they’ve been playing well lately. (Rank last week: N/R)

Jalen Green: The second-overall pick may not be having the same amount of success as some of the other rookies, but he’s still having a solid season. He’s not very efficient, but he’s easily one of the most electric rookies to watch. (Rank last week: N/R)

Isaiah Jackson: The Indiana Pacers have been letting Jackson start some games lately, and in his last four, he’s averaged 2.8 blocks a night. The young big man is quietly proving to be one of the most underrated rookies in the class. (Rank last week: N/R)