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Week 13 NBA Rookie Ladder: Two major risers shake up the rankings

By Corey Rausch

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 08: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on November 08, 2021 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 08: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on November 08, 2021 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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NBA Rookie Ladder
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 06: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors shoots a foul shot against the Orlando Magic during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on December 06, 2021 in San Francisco, California, Week 13 NBA Rookie Ladder: Two major risers shake up the rankings. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Welcome back to the weekly NBA Rookie Ladder update! Each week this season we will look at the race for the top five slots on the Rookie of the Year ballot, cutting the recording period every Sunday.

In one of the more wild weeks of rookie performances, this is the time to overreact to some of the current performances. Before getting into them, it’s necessary to acknowledge how deep this class is at the moment.

Omer Yurtseven has been a fixture on this list of late as a revelation for the Miami Heat. Jalen Green has moments where he looks like a future All-Star. Herb Jones has been a defensive dynamo.

Kessler Edwards, Day’Ron Sharpe, and Cam Thomas have each had moments for one of the best teams in the league. Josh Giddey is an absolute passing wizard.

In week 13 of the NBA Rookie Ladder standings, however, it is time to overreact to one of the hottest rookies in the league finally making the list.

Week 13 NBA Rookie Ladder: 5. Jonathan Kuminga

6.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, 0.4 assists

Shooting splits: .486/.283/.615

Omer Yurtseven remains impressive, but over the last week, Jonathan Kuminga has finally made it so that he cannot be denied. Having earned a larger role with Draymond Green out of the lineup, Kuminga has averaged 19.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game.

He dropped 25 points in 25 minutes against the Chicago Bulls this week, letting people know that he is ready for this opportunity on one of the best teams in the league.

We may be jumping on this train a little early, considering his overall numbers for the season to this point, but I would venture to guess that this is going to look even better as this stretch goes along. Apologies, as always, to Josh Giddey, who I continue to have lower than the consensus.