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2017 NBA Rookie Ladder: Who Can Challenge Joel Embiid?

By Nathan Grubel

Nov 19, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts after a defensive stop against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 120-105. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts after a defensive stop against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 120-105. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s early in the 2016-17 NBA season but it already looks like Joel Embiid is the clear favorite for Rookie of the Year. Who are his top challengers?

Nov 19, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts after a defensive stop against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 120-105. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts after a defensive stop against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 120-105. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s not common to see NBA rookie classes with elite depth like last year.

Top-heavy prospects like Karl-Anthony Towns and Kristaps Porzingis headlined a stacked talent base. Late lottery picks like Devin Booker helped to cement last year’s draft class as one of the best in years.

While this year doesn’t have waves of guys who can greatly impact the league (at least not yet), there’s one guy at the top who’s impressed everyone around him and then some.

Joel Embiid hasn’t just surprised his coaches and training staff. He’s given Philadelphia 76ers fans serious hope.

Also See: NBA Power Rankings: Bulls, Grizzlies On The Rise

And he’s become a League Pass darling, something no one’s been in Philadelphia in recent memory.

While he’s established himself as the top rookie so far, who are the top challengers to his Rookie of the Year crown?