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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2. player. 100. . . Previous: . Chris Duarte

20.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.0 steals

Shooting splits: .404/.458/1.00

Rick Carlisle is typically rough on rookie guards and does not want to give them too long of a leash early on in their career. Whether it be the fact that he is older than many of the sophomores in the game or that he came out guns blazing, but Chris Duarte may be ready to buck that trend. So far, he has scored 15 or more points in all his games, including the 27-point outburst on opening night. He has also played more than 40 minutes in two of three games, so this may not be sustainable, but he cleared the first hurdle in earning Carlisle’s trust.

Evan Mobley. 1. player. 156. . . Previous:

15.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.3 blocks, 1.3 steals

Shooting splits: .563/.250/.833

Evan Mobley is the truth. He is the type of culture changer on the floor that the Cleveland Cavaliers have needed since LeBron James left. He is a defensive stalwart who has already blocked four shots in a game and is still only figuring things out. He is also a candidate to lead this class in scoring and rebounds if things break a certain way. Thank goodness for Houston Rockets fans that Green popped off Saturday because the choice to not pick Mobley was already weighing on them early. He is the type of unicorn the league has fallen in love with over the last decade.

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