2017 NBA Rookie Ladder: Joel Embiid Leading The Race Early

Oct 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) punches the back post in reaction to his foul against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 19, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (7) is fouled driving to the basket while New York Knicks forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas (91) looks on during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics

Jaylen Brown has an interesting long-term upside with the Boston Celtics.

He has all the physical tools and ball skills to potentially turn into a playmaking forward down the road. For now he’ll play a smaller role as he properly adjusts to the speed of the NBA game.

But his impact has been felt early on, at least in the scoring column.

He’s been consistent through three games so far, scoring 8.0 points per game on 58.8 percent shooting.

What will really propel him into stardom if he’s ever to reach that point is a jump shot. While he’s only taken one 3-point shot so far, he’s found ways to cut and finish at the rim.

Taking advantage of the opportunities in front of him will be what earns him more minutes this season. Brown’s done that and has also been active on defense.

Head coach Brad Stevens can utilize him in multiple ways switching on different match ups. He has quick hands and reaction speed, so expect him to put a few more steals in the box score.

Brown has shown enough though to warrant his high selection in the 2016 draft. His athleticism and finishing ability are already on display, with more skills coming as he gets more playing time.

The Celtics were already deep before Brown came along.

They now have an embarrassment of riches off the bench.