2016 NBA Rookie Ladder: Post All-Star Break Expectations

Feb 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Bulls 115-110. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 11

Feb 6, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Stanley Johnson (3) is guarded by Indiana Pacers guard Monta Ellis (11) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Stanley Johnson, Detroit Pistons

This week Johnson got the chance to come into the starting lineup for the Pistons thanks to the groin injury of shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

And he sure made the most of it.

In his two starts against the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers Johnson averaged 18 points on 52 percent shooting to go along with 9.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.

Maybe these numbers mean a little more than the notion that he deserves a rotation spot in the NBA. He got the most of his playing time out of his normal small forward position and dominated against smaller guards like Monta Ellis. Is Johnson’s future at the 2-spot?

I expect coach Stan Van Gundy to give Johnson plenty of run at shooting guard after he’s shown this kind of efficiency. He’ll play both wing positions still but I think coach might be on to something here.

Next: Defensive Ace