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NBA Rookie Ladder Week 9 Power Rankings: Protocol issues arise

By Corey Rausch

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 11: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers playa against the Sacramento Kings during the second half at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 11, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Kings 117-103. 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 Ron Schwane/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 11: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers playa against the Sacramento Kings during the second half at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 11, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Kings 117-103. 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 Ron Schwane/Getty Images) /
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NBA Rookie Ladder Power Rankings
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 17: Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic dribbles against the Miami Heat during the second half at Amway Center on December 17, 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) /

Week 9 NBA Rookie Ladder Power Rankings: 4. Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic

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

14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.1 steals

Shooting splits: .445/.363/.810

The only rookie on this list who does not seem earmarked to be a superstar, Franz Wagner is no less impressive night in and out for the Orlando Magic. Ignore his game against the Atlanta Hawks last week (please), and he shined again for his new team.

He nearly hit his career-high again when he dropped 27 points in a loss to the Miami Heat. The rest of the team was not able to get them over the top, but Wagner showed he could be a go-to threat. Then, in a win versus the Brooklyn Nets, he filled up the stat sheet without being a dominant scorer.

Week 9 NBA Rookie Ladder Power Rankings: 3. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons

3. player. 64. . . Previous: 2nd. Cade Cunningham

15.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.5 steals

Shooting splits: .391/.317/.840

After finally breaking into the top two, Cade Cunningham takes a slight step back. The Detroit Pistons were able to get their fifth win of the season at long last this week, but it came in a game where Cunningham attempted only four shots.

He contributed 10 assists, however, showcasing his expert playmaking ability. So far, Cunningham has performed better as an offensive hub with Jerami Grant out of the lineup, but he did not do enough to keep up with his contemporaries this week.

That being said, this was his first game failing to score in double-figures since November. Do not be surprised if Cunningham climbs again before long.