NBA Rookie Ladder Week 4: The top two picks make a statement

HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 10: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons controls the ball ahead of Jalen Green #0 of the Houston Rockets during the second half at Toyota Center on November 10, 2021 in Houston, Texas. 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 Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

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Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons controls the ball ahead of Jalen Green #0 of the Houston Rockets; NBA (Photo by Carmen Mandato/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.

Suddenly the top two picks are starting more firmly assert their claim for a spot on the rankings. For the first time this season, Chris Duarte did not make it for the week. His scoring touch has certainly cooled, allowing for some emergence of others. Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland is making a push, but for now, Jalen Green returns to the ladder.

It is week four of the rookie ladder for the 2021 draft class. How did Jalen Green and Cade Cunningham fair after their head-to-head matchup?

Week 4 NBA Rookie Ladder: 5. Jalen Green

5. player. 169. . . Previous: . Jalen Green

13.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists

Shooting splits: .352/.270/.800

For the bottom three players on this list, efficiency remains the largest issue. Jalen Green has moments where he looks like an absolute star. He went right at Cade Cunningham in their showdown, dropping 23 points and a thunderous jam.

Unfortunately, over the next two games, he would rack up 21 points on 23 shots. He is clearly born scorer, but Green needs to do better at picking his spots more.

He spent so much energy going up against Cunningham that after the battle on national television (the rare appearance for the Houston Rockets), he was burnt out the rest of the week. Better managing the moment comes with experience, so taking the lumps this season is going to become increasingly common for the Rockets.