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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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Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors calls out to a teammate during the first half of their NBA game against the Orlando Magic (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

NBA rookie ladder week 2 power rankings: 2. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers

player. 156. . . Previous: 1st. Evan Mobley. 2

13.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.4 blocks, 1.1 steals

Shooting splits: .500/.286/.800

Evan Mobley is quickly making the case that he should have gone higher than third overall. While there was plenty of debate in many corners of draft Twitter about the order of the top three, the expectations for Mobley were spot on.

He has already been a transformational defensive force, averaging 2.5 combined blocks and steals per game. He has shown more touch as a scorer than expected this early in his career and is an adept passer. There are many awards and accolades in Evan Mobley’s future, and if the first two weeks are any indication, Rookie of the Year may be one of them.

NBA rookie ladder week 2 power rankings: 1. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors

81. . . Previous: 3rd. Scottie Barnes. 1. player

18.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists

Shooting splits: .551/.222/.708

As good as Mobley has been, Scottie Barnes has been just a bit better to start the season. After coming in with the expectation that scoring would be a work in progress, leading all rookies in scoring is a welcomed surprise.

He is just 0.4 points per game ahead of Chris Duarte (18.1 vs. 17.7) but is doing so on two fewer field goal attempts per game and nearly no 3-point presence. He is also one of only two rookies getting more than 26 minutes per game while still posting a positive plus/minus (1.3 vs. Mobley’s 0.3).

Barnes is already a great rebounder and improves the team’s defense. If this scoring flare is a part of his game alongside Pascal Siakam upon his return, the North will be rocking.

NBA Power Rankings Week 3. dark. Next