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2016 NBA Rookie Ladder: Who Can Challenge Towns For ROTY?

By Nathan Grubel

Feb 13, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns competes in the skills challenge during the NBA All Star Saturday Night at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns competes in the skills challenge during the NBA All Star Saturday Night at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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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
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

Let’s get this out-of-the-way: Johnson doesn’t have the polish to plant himself higher on the board for Rookie of the Year consideration. He does, however, have a very bright future in this league as a power guard and mismatch at the 2-spot.

Since Kentavious Caldwell-Pope went down due to injury Johnson has had the chance to step in and play shooting guard for the Pistons in a starting role. He’s had success using his size advantage against smaller opponents and has looked more than serviceable in his new role.

This suggests that his future isn’t at small forward which could complicate things for Detroit given Caldwell-Pope’s improvement this season. Regardless of the decisions that’ll come down the road Johnson, has plenty of upside and overlooking him in any way is foolish to say the least.

Next: Another Denver Success Story?