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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 2, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Houston Rockets forward Corey Brewer (33) guards Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) in the second quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Houston Rockets forward Corey Brewer (33) guards Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) in the second quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggts

Former Kentucky Wildcat standout Jamal Murray has had a mostly seamless transition into the NBA.

Murray comes off the bench for the Denver Nuggets behind Will Barton at the shooting guard position, but it would not be surprising to see Murray work his way into the starting rotation soon.

Murray is second in rookie scoring, tallying 9.8 points per game. The Nuggets are waiting for a star to emerge. Murray has the ability to be that star.

Wilson Chandler currently leads the team with 17.2 points per outing, but the Nuggets are still looking for a star to shine.

Kenneth Faried has proven he can be that star on both sides of the ball at times, but his offensive ability is very limited. He is only averaging 9.0 points per game so far while leading the team with 8.3 rebounds per game.

Murray’s game fits in well in the Mile High City. His slasher-type mentality gives space for Chandler and Danilo Gallinari to work on the perimeter. He is shooting a mere 38.7 percent from the floor and 36.4 percent from behind the 3-point arc.

Murray is averaging just north of 22 minutes per game so if he keeps getting his chances, Murray could be that star that the Nuggets desperately need.