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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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Josh Giddey #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives towards the basket against the Golden State Warriors (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

NBA rookie ladder week 2 power rankings: 4. Josh Giddey, Oklahoma City Thunder

. Previous: 5th. Josh Giddey. 4. player. 149.

10.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.3 steals

Shooting splits: .450/.333/.556

After becoming something of a talking point for different reasons over the last two weeks, the Oklahoma City Thunder should ignore the rest. Josh Giddey has been a blast to experience so far this season.

He is a wizard of a passer (leading all rookies in assists by nearly two per game) and is third in rebounds per game (besides Cunningham’s one game so far). The fact that his shot has not been an abject disaster thus far, which was expected, portends well for the future. Defense is still a point of contention, but pairing him with Lu Dort at most times should cover for that as he develops.

NBA rookie ladder week 2 power rankings: 3. Chris Duarte, Indiana Pacers

. Previous: 2nd. Chris Duarte. 3. player. 100.

17.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists

Shooting splits: .425/.391/.909

After bursting out of the gates scorching hot, Chris Duarte has started to cool off as his efficiency has dipped. The Indiana Pacers as a whole are struggling to begin the season, limiting the overall effectiveness Duarte can have in his role.

Duarte has shown that he can be a good scorer, but too often he is being relied upon to be the second option. Over the last week, he shot just 31.8 percent from distance, but still finished second in rookie scoring. He should be able to bounce back quickly, but this last week did not do him any favors as the top two among the class so far continue to soar.