NBA Rookie Rankings: Where does LaMelo Ball rank in the top 5?
By Duncan Smith
4. Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics
8.6 points, 3.1 assists, 2.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals
Shooting splits: .516/.423/.900
Payton Pritchard is a pest who can score the ball, and he’s proven to be a physical force that belies his 6’1″, 195 lbs stature. With Kemba Walker missing time, he’s been forced into heavy action in high-leverage minutes, and he’s made the most of his opportunities. Pritchard isn’t just holding on, trying to survive as many rookies do. His strong play is a big reason that the Celtics have held their heads way above water in these early days of the season.
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3. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
10.1 points, 2.2 assists, 2.0 rebounds
The days of learning as you go appear to be over for Tyrese Maxey. He’s been thrust directly into the fire as roughly half the Philadelphia 76ers roster is currently out of commission due to coronavirus contact tracing protocols. Time will tell how long that’s going to be the case, but on Saturday Maxey carried a monstrous load for his team and passed his test. In the most challenging of conditions, with just seven healthy players able to play, Maxey scored 39 points on a ridiculous 17-of-33 shooting display. He added seven rebounds, six assists and two steals in 44 minutes of action. You can expect him to keep climbing these rankings if he continues to be forced into emergency duty.