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Ranking Top 5 Rookies So Far

By Kyle Tomasi

Dec 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Toronto Raptors won 123.114. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Toronto Raptors won 123.114. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 1, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon (13) advances the ball during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon (13) advances the ball during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Malcolm Brogdon, Milwaukee Bucks

Malcolm Brogdon, a rookie out of Virginia, has proven his worth on the defensive side of the ball. His defensive ability has transitioned well from the college to the pros, but he has seen his offensive efficiency fall off tremendously, which is to be expected for some rooks.

Brogdon is currently fifth among rookies averaging 0.96 steals per game and fourth in assists per game (2.8). He was named the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year as a senior at UVa.

He brings young talent to the already youthful Milwaukee Bucks and has a chance to be a defensive anchor down the road. Giannis Antetokounmpo has stolen the show in Milwaukee, but he will eventually need some help.

Currently, Brogdon is averaging 7.7 points per game heading in to the last couple of games before the turn of the calendar. This ranks him fifth among rookies behind Brandon Ingram, Dario Saric, Jamal Murray and Joel Embiid.

In college, he was more of a two-way player. He averaged 18.2 points per game as a senior, so his offensive efficiency has declined quite a bit.

Brogdon still needs some polishing, but with a young group around him, he should fit right in with the Bucks.