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