NBA Rookie Ladder Week 1: Small sample size theater

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 13: Chris Duarte #3 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on October 13, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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player. 169. . . Previous: . Jalen Green. 4

16.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.0 blocks

Shooting splits: .442/.476/.000

If the first two games had not tainted the week for Jalen Green, he would be the number one lock this week. His outing on Saturday night was a masterpiece. Against the Boston Celtics, who were desperate for a win, Green looked like the scorer we were told about. He dropped 30 points on 18 shots. The most impressive part was knocking down eight of his 10 shots from distance, making him the youngest player to drop 30 points and hit eight threes in a single game. In the first two games of his career, he totaled 18 points on 8-25 shooting. The further that gets behind the higher he will climb on this list.

. . Previous: . Scottie Barnes. 3. player. 81

18.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists

Shooting splits: .524/.200/.750

So far, the Scottie Barnes/Toronto Raptors look to be a lot of fun. He is the Swiss army knife that he was advertised to be and already seems more comfortable as a scorer than he did in college. Barnes opens a world of possibilities for a coach as creative as Nick Nurse. In the second game of his career, he put up 25 points and 13 rebounds against the Boston Celtics. Adding to the two-way potential of the Raptors should cement Barnes’ place on this list this season.