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2016 NBA Rookie Ladder: Has Kristaps Porzingis Hit A Wall?

By Nathan Grubel

Jan 1, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6)is defended by Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) during the second half at United Center. The Bulls won 108-81. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6)is defended by Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) during the second half at United Center. The Bulls won 108-81. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kyle Singler (5) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kyle Singler (5) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns

Let’s call it for what it is: the Suns are a horrendous mess at the moment.

Things are only getting worse with Eric Bledsoe out for the season with a torn meniscus in his left knee.

After being in contention for the playoffs, Phoenix is lottery-bound hoping the ping-pong balls fall the right way and the team lands top prospect Ben Simmons.

Fortunately the team’s had at least one bright spot on the year: the play of Devin Booker.

Booker’s looked like a deadly three-point shooter all year and his stroke hasn’t cooled off as he’s still connecting on 48.9 percent of his tries from deep.

He cuts off screens, moves well without the ball and can put it on the floor when called upon to drive to the basket. Booker still lacks strength finishing at the rim but in terms of pure shooting he’s already the best in the rookie class.

With Bledsoe out Booker is now the full-time starter at shooting guard, so we’ll be seeing a lot of him the rest of the way.

Next: Miami's Fallen Star?