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NBA Rookie Ladder Week 12: Protocols in the rearview mirror

By Corey Rausch

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 08: Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic goes for a high five during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on January 08, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 08: Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic goes for a high five during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on January 08, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
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NBA Rookie Ladder
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 10: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons reacts against the Utah Jazz during the fourth quarter at Little Caesars Arena on January 10, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. Cade Cunningham finished with a career-high 29 points in the Pistons’ victory over the Jazz. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

Week 12 NBA Rookie Ladder: 4. Scottie Barnes

14.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.0 steals

Shooting splits: .482/.324/.714

From a statistical perspective, Scottie Barnes has hit something of a rookie wall. Since returning from health and safety protocols, Barnes is averaging just 9.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists.

Even worse is his efficiency – he is shooting 39.1 percent from the field and 20.0 percent from distance. This has coincided with a winning streak for the Toronto Raptors that has them firmly in the mix for the playoffs, so there is no issue at the moment.

Barnes remains a winning player while his numbers dip. Unfortunately, the competition is starting to figure things out.

Week 12 NBA Rookie Ladder: 3. Cade Cunningham

15.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.3 steals

Shooting splits: .381/.310/.836

Even without the Monday night game that fell outside of the grading period for this week, Cade Cunningham was on the rise. Simply put, he has come back from protocols better than Barnes, and the gap was close enough before they left the court for Cunningham to bypass him for the time being.

Over the last four games, the number one overall pick is averaging 14.8 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. He has his best outing against the defending world champions, dropping 19 points and seven rebounds, en route to the Detroit Pistons’ first win against the Milwaukee Bucks in 16 games.