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NBA Rookie Ladder Week 3: A new name enters the fray

By Corey Rausch

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 02: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons looks on in the first half while playing the Milwaukee Bucks at Little Caesars Arena on November 02, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 02: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons looks on in the first half while playing the Milwaukee Bucks at Little Caesars Arena on November 02, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /

Week 3 NBA Rookie Ladder: 2. Scottie Barnes

81. . . Previous: 2nd. Scottie Barnes. 1. player

16.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.1 steals

Shooting splits: .524/.200/.708

The race between the top two favorites at this point continues, with Scottie Barnes taking a slight step back after missing two games this week. With Pascal Siakam back in the lineup and facing off against one of the best teams in the league, Barnes struggled in the final game of the week while hosting the Brooklyn Nets.

He attempted only seven shots and totaled eight points. However, he added seven rebounds, four assists, and five steals. This is what the Toronto Raptors expected from the fourth overall pick coming into the season, so the scoring this season has been a welcomed bonus. Expect him to find the perfect way to mesh with his All-Star teammate before long.

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

14.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 blocks, 1.0 steals

Shooting splits: .520/.235/.800

Even the fans least prone to early-season hyperbole are having trouble containing their optimism about Evan Mobley. His coming-out party for the casual fans came during the final game of the week when the Cleveland Cavaliers visited the New York Knicks.

Mobley was a dominant two-way force, posting a line of 26 points, nine rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block. Defense is often considered the hardest skill for a young player to adapt, which shows just how impressive each of these top two rookies have been on that end of the floor. Mobley being more comfortable scoring at this level than at any point in college is the current deciding factor, allowing him to jump Barnes in the rankings.

Next. NBA Power Rankings Week 3. dark