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NBA Rookie Ladder Week 8: The ascension continues

By Corey Rausch

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 17: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons passes the ball next to Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Little Caesars Arena on November 17, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 96-88. 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 17: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons passes the ball next to Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Little Caesars Arena on November 17, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 96-88. 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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TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 10: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles against the New York Knicks during the second half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on December 10, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /

Week 8 NBA Rookie Ladder Power Rankings: 4. Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic

4. player. 38. . . Previous: 4th. Franz Wagner

14.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals

Shooting splits: .453/.390/.791

For a young Orlando Magic team, Franz Wagner is a consistent bright spot. He has scored two points in back-to-back games on the road against the duo of teams from Los Angeles.

This coincided with a dip in his defensive counting stats, something to monitor for the team as their rebuild progresses. Finding balance is an essential need for the Magic, and while Wagner is providing some of that so far, he can only get better as his teammates do as well. Scoring in double-digits for 10 straight games after a zero-point performance is a nice look.

Week 8 NBA Rookie Ladder Power Rankings: 3. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors

. . Previous: 2nd. Scottie Barnes. 3. player. 81

15.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.2 steals

Shooting splits: .489/.340/.723

Scottie Barnes is falling down a slot on this list through no fault of his own. He only played two games this week and was solid in both. In a loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Barnes posted a line of 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and one steal.

He followed that up against the New York Knicks with a line of 12 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks. His only fault is that, while he continues to remain an elite complementary piece, doing a little bit of everything well, another player is establishing himself as a go-to scoring threat.