NBA Rookie Ladder: Ja Morant continues to impress for Memphis Grizzlies

10. Ky Bowman, Golden State Warriors

7.4 PPG, 1.9 REB, 2.1 AST

Despite his success next to NBA lottery pick Jerome Robinson of the LA Clippers in school at Boston College, Ky Bowman never found the same draft magic to catapult him into the second round, let alone anywhere near the top.

Yet out of the gate the rookie — on a two-way contract at present — is doing more in the first 14 games of his career than Robinson did in his entire first season.

Sure the averages don’t scream exciting guard prospect, but he’s a rookie. The fact that he’s a mature athlete who can step in and handle the pressure of starting for a franchise in the Golden State Warriors that’s coming off five straight NBA Finals appearances is impressive in and of itself.

And he’s handled the task magnificently, helping this team remain competitive along with the help of two fellow first-year players.

The biggest thing that stands out about Bowman so far is his steadiness and composure on the floor.

He’ll never be a true play maker and initiator out of pick-and-roll sets, but Bowman does bring scoring instincts and key shot making in the halfcourt.

His overall shooting splits of .457/.379/.889 are impressive accomplishments in their own right, but it’s how he’s achieving those numbers that matters.

Getting to the line isn’t a huge part of his game, but he makes the most of his trips when he’s there. Couple that with his knack at getting into smart pull-up shot attempts and you have a three-level scoring guard capable of making an impact at any given moment offensively.

Bowman doesn’t bring top-shelf athleticism and explosiveness to his position, but that’s not what the Warriors need moving forward. As long as he can keep defenses honest while making responsible decisions with the ball, he’ll stick in this rotation for years to come.