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NBA Rookie Ladder Week 2: Second week, second choice for number one

By Corey Rausch

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 24: Franz Wagner #22 and Jalen Suggs #4 of the Orlando Magic react against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 24, 2021 in New York City. 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 Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 24: Franz Wagner #22 and Jalen Suggs #4 of the Orlando Magic react against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 24, 2021 in New York City. 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 Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic in action against the New York Knicks; NBA (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

Welcome back to the weekly rookie ladder update! Each week this season we will look at the race for the top five slots on the Rookie of the Year ballot, cutting the recording period every Sunday.

This class was hyped for quite some time. Even as two of the top five picks are struggling to get going (Cade Cunningham has played just one game, to be fair), this class has been a blast to watch.

Just two weeks in, less than 10 games logged for these prospects, things are starting to look clearer for a few of the rookies. There is plenty of time still for things to change, but consistency at this point is still a welcome sign for the teams that drafted them.

The only person that has fallen off the list from last week is Jalen Green. He will undoubtedly be back. But averaging 10.0 points on shooting splits of .225/.095/.667 is enough to bump him for a week.

It is week two of the rookie ladder for the 2021 draft class. Now that Halloween weekend has passed, who are the true treats of this tricky draft class?

NBA rookie ladder week 2 power rankings: 5. Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic

player. 38. . . Previous: . Franz Wagner. 5

13.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.0 steals

Shooting splits: .494/.438/.714

So far this season, Franz Wagner has been the best rookie for the Orlando Magic. There is plenty of time to be concerned over Jalen Suggs down the line, so embracing what Wagner is doing right now is key.

After seven games, Wagner is third amongst rookies in scoring. He is displaying an adept three-point stroke. He has not truly exploded yet but has also yet to not score in double figures.