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Week 15 NBA Rookie Ladder: The top two face off for supremacy

By Corey Rausch

CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 12: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 12, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pistons 98-78. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 12: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 12, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pistons 98-78. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Week 15 NBA Rookie Ladder: The top two face off for supremacy
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JANUARY 30: Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic dribbles against Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at Amway Center on January 30, 2022 in Orlando, Florida, Week 15 NBA Rookie Ladder: The top two face off for supremacy. 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 Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

Week 15 NBA Rookie Ladder: 4. Scottie Barnes

14.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.0 steals

Shooting splits: .472/.308/.723

At this point, Scottie Barnes’ place in the race has been curtailed by the recent explosion of Pascal Siakam. Without getting to have everything run through him as much as he did earlier in the year, Barnes has settled more comfortably into a supporting role.

This is the ideal spot for him as he continues to develop his game. However, as the rest around him continue to ascend, the dip is noticeable. He has only eclipsed 20 points in a game twice since Christmas. Over that same time period, his efficiency is down and he is grabbing more than one rebound less per game.

Week 15 NBA Rookie Ladder: 3. Franz Wagner

15.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists

Shooting splits: .464/.343/.851

For the Orlando Magic, Franz Wagner remains the truth. Over the last week, he is averaging 21.0 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game on shooting splits of .641/.500/.900.

Against Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons, a team he struggled with earlier in the season, Wagner showed out with 24 points on 12 shots.

Being put in a situation to be the fulcrum of the team has allowed him to establish a stellar statistical resume. He is firmly among the top three players on this list as the calendar turns to February.