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2016 NBA Rookie Ladder: Top 10 Risers And Fallers

By Nathan Grubel

Mar 17, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) drives on Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) drives on Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 27, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) is defended by Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) during an NBA game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) is defended by Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) during an NBA game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

How the hell did Nikola Jokic slip through the cracks as a second-round pick?

He’s been one of the most efficient players all season long among his peers, and has shown significant skill in typical non-big areas of play including passing and shooting.

With range out to the NBA three-point line and a knack for playmaking out of the high post, Jokic has played a part in everything the Nuggets have done on offense this season, and he’s been no slouch on defense either.

While he may never serve as a dominant shot blocker in the league, he knows how to help and play a team brand of defense that bigs generally have a hard time with at a young age.

Jokic is already one of the more complete players in the league and has led to a few analysts making the argument that he’s been the best rookie in the class and not Towns.

Keep doing your thing Jokic, I’ll have my eye on you.

Next: Potential Superstar?