Week 14 NBA Rookie Ladder: Normalcy balances the rankings at long last

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 21: Josh Giddey #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on in the fourth quarter during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on January 21, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

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WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 21: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates after a play against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 21, 2022 in Washington, DC. 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Week 14 NBA Rookie Ladder: 4. Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic

15.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.0 steals

Shooting splits: .453/.335/.847

Franz Wagner takes a slight dip as he continues to cool off to an extent. This week was still quite solid, scoring in double digits in three of the four games. He even added in a double-digit rebounding game, albeit in a demoralizing loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

The biggest issue for Wagner is that for the first time all season, he no longer appears to be the best rookie on the team. This may be a one-week anomaly, but it does make it harder to make the case on these rankings. Wagner is going to benefit in every way from playing alongside a blossoming Jalen Suggs, except for in the Rookie of the Year ladder rankings.

Week 14 NBA Rookie Ladder: 3. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors

14.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.0 steals

Shooting splits: .469/.306/.720

Somewhere in the locker room, Scottie Barnes heard the murmurs that he was starting to slip in this race. He internalized that noise and decided to explode this week, specifically against the Washington Wizards on the road.

Toronto’s burgeoning star went off to the tune of 27 points, eight rebounds, one steal, and one assist in a road win. Barnes is still getting accustomed to the current roster construction, but this week was a reminder that he is just as important as the rest of the All-Star level talents he shares a locker room with.