This NBA rookie class was heralded as a weak one, but we’re seeing breakout performances from players like LaMelo Ball and others. Let’s rank the top 5.
We may have been assured of a weak 2020 NBA rookie class just a couple of months ago, but that doesn’t mean the incoming group can’t hang in the big leagues. There may not be any LeBron James or Luka Doncic-level prospects in this class, but there are a handful of players who will almost certainly carve out excellent careers.
On Saturday alone, two rookies showed flashes of brilliance. Tyrese Maxey scored 39 points when forced into heavy action thanks to much of the Philadelphia 76ers roster missing their 115-103 loss against the Denver Nuggets because of coronavirus contact tracing, and LaMelo Ball became the youngest NBA player to ever have a triple-double in a 113-105 win for the Charlotte Hornets over the free-falling Atlanta Hawks.
Neither of them are going to be candidates for top-three in the NBA, but they’re already showing they can play at a high level. Along with several other players from this class, they’re getting better just about every time out. Let’s take a look at the top five rookies so far this season.
5. James Wiseman, Golden State Warriors
11.0 points, 6.0 rebounds per game
James Wiseman is the epitome of a player who isn’t quite there yet, but the tools at his disposal are truly incredible. His athleticism is off the charts and at 19 he’s still growing in stature and strength. He also suddenly has the benefit of playing with a maximally engaged Draymond Green and Stephen Curry who is out to regain his crown. There’s an upside to this, but there comes with it additional scrutiny and pressure. There’s nowhere for Wiseman to hide as he learns and develops, but he shows vast amounts of potential and promise.