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NBA Rookie Ladder Week 5: Injuries at the top muddle the race

ByCorey Rausch|
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 5: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is guarded by Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on November 5, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, NOTE TO USER: User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 5: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is guarded by Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on November 5, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, NOTE TO USER: User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
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NBA Rookie Ladder
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 13: Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic looks on against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Amway Center on November 13, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

NBA Rookie Ladder Week 5: 4. Franz Wagner

13.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.2 steals

Shooting splits: .433/.375/.794

So far, Franz Wagner does everything for the Orlando Magic on the court. While Jalen Suggs was drafted to be the franchise savior (and is steadily coming on), Wagner was brought in to be more of a complimentary piece.

He was clearly much more ready to compete at the highest level than expected. He is fourth on the team in three-point attempts per game and, among the top four, is hitting at the highest percentage. He is an above-average defender already and feels like the rare clear hit for the Magic, something Orlando fans have to appreciate.

NBA Rookie Ladder Week 5: 3. Cade Cunningham

14.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.4 steals

Shooting splits: .350/.253/.909

What the Detroit Pistons fans must be thankful for is for the first time in forever they have a true leader. It was noticeable when Isaiah Stewart was attempting to charge into the fray against the entire roster of the Los Angeles Lakers, and Cunningham made every attempt to prevent anything further from happening because he knew the importance of the team above all else.

Mind you, this came in the game where he secured his first triple-double, the youngest player to do so in franchise history. He is steadily improving his efficiency but needs to put it all together throughout a whole game to effectively gain ground on the top two. However, current situations seem to be providing him the chance to do so.