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2017 NBA Rookie Ladder: Is Brandon Ingram A Future Star?

By Nathan Grubel

Nov 29, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram (14) defended by New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Brown (21) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram (14) defended by New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Brown (21) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) scores past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) and guard J.R. Smith (5) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) scores past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) and guard J.R. Smith (5) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

Joel Embiid is still the clear front-runner for NBA Rookie of the Year.

I’m willing to bet money it’ll stay that way for the remainder of the year considering the fact he’s getting better week in and week out.

He puts major points on the board in limited minutes. He rebounds well and blocks shots at alarming rates.

His per game averages of 18.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game are good enough to contend for an All-Star selection.

But what will happen when he gets legitimate minutes on the floor? How high will his numbers balloon when he leaves the now 28 minutes per game restriction behind?

Few rookies have ever had the numbers and play to be in the All-Star conversation. So the fact that he’s the only rookie even close to that says it all.

He should win the award fairly handily barring any serious injuries (fingers crossed for a healthy year).

Embiid shoots from 3-point range, hits his free throws and runs the floor like a guard. Oh by the way, he’s 7’2″ with the size of a true center.

There’s no ceiling for Embiid. His physical tools, basketball skill and IQ can carry him as far as he wants to go.

Next: 25 Greatest Scorers of All-Time

We’re all patiently waiting for his minutes restriction to vanish. Could he average close to 30 points per game as a rookie? Hopefully we’ll find out soon enough.