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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 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; World player Emmanuel Mudiay (0) and U.S player Marcus Smart (36) battle for the ball in the second half during the Rising Stars Challenge basketball game at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; World player Emmanuel Mudiay (0) and U.S player Marcus Smart (36) battle for the ball in the second half during the Rising Stars Challenge basketball game at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Emmanuel Mudiay, Denver Nuggets

I have to admit I was extremely impressed with Mudiay’s showing this weekend in the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge.

He showed the ability to shoot three-pointers at a decent clip, something that hasn’t manifested itself early on in his career. On the season Mudiay’s shooting 27.2 percent from deep and there’s a huge difference between knocking down shots in a real game versus an exhibition.

But let’s take a moment to think about something: the fact that he can do it in a game like this means that his form isn’t broken. He has the ability to space the floor as a shooter so it’s just going to take time developing his skills further.

Mudiay’s potential is high thanks to his elite athleticism and willingness to act as a playmaker. If he shoots anywhere near as well as he did over the weekend (5-of-10 on three-pointers) then he’s as valuable as any other young guard in the league.

Next: A Lot Of Work To Do?