NBA Awards Watch Quarter One: Where we stand after Thanksgiving

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 14: Draymond Green #23 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors look on against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on November 14, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

3 of 7

(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

NBA Awards Watch: Rookie of the Year, Quarter One – Evan Mobley

Honorable Mentions: Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes

For anyone who has been paying attention to the weekly Rookie Ladder I have been doing, this should come as no surprise. Evan Mobley, despite having missed time over the last week or so due to injuries, has a comfortable lead on the rest of the pack.

He is far ahead of projections as an offensive talent and has taken to NBA defense like he was born for it. The Cleveland Cavaliers seem to have got the type of two-way generational talent they have been lacking since the kid from Akron left to go across the country.

Scottie Barnes, similarly, checks all the boxes so far. He is much more developed as a scorer than he appeared to be at college and has been able to completely guard multiple positions. There has been some chafing at the pairing with Pascal Siakam since the former All-Star returned to court, but the talent level is clear.

Cade Cunningham rounds out the group, as the number one overall pick’s feel for the game transcends his current shooting issues. He is an adept passer and one of the better rebounding guards to enter the league in recent memory. If he can get the shot to fall more he is the most likely competition for the top spot.