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NBA Rookie Ladder Week 22: Undrafted rookie enters top five

By Jack Simone

PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 26: Trendon Watford #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts against the Dallas Mavericks during the second quarter at Moda Center on January 26, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 26: Trendon Watford #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts against the Dallas Mavericks during the second quarter at Moda Center on January 26, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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NBA Rookie Ladder
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 16: Bones Hyland #3 of the Denver Nuggets reacts to a play against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 16, 2022 in Washington, DC, NBA Rookie Ladder Week 22: Undrafted rookie enters top five. 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) /

This year’s rookie class might be one of the most talented in recent memory. There are a bunch of rookies who would be frontrunners to win the award in any other year but are barely in the top five this season.

While Evan Mobley has been considered the odds-on favorite for the large majority of the season, he has some stiff competition as of late. Let’s take a look at the NBA Rookie Ladder this week.

Week 22 NBA Rookie Ladder: Honorable mentions

Jalen Green: After a shaky start to the season, Green has continued to surge lately. He’s patched up some of his efficiency issues and is looking like the player the Houston Rockets were expecting to get at the second overall pick. (Rank last week: HM)

Bones Hyland: When the Denver Nuggets took on the Philadelphia 76ers, most people expected a clash between Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid. Instead, it was Hyland who stole the show, as he continues his hot streak. (Rank last week: N/R)

Duane Washington Jr.: The Indiana Pacers are in the midst of a rebuild, and ever since the trade deadline, Washington Jr. has been hot. He’s been a scoring machine for the Pacers. (Rank last week: N/R)

Jonathan Kuminga: Draymond Green is back, but Jonathan Kuminga is still going to play a serious role for the Golden State Warriors moving forward. He’s continuously improving and proving why the Warriors took him seventh overall. (Rank last week: 5)

Josh Giddey: Due to injury, Giddey misses yet another week in the top five. But once he returns, expect him to take back his place as one of the top rookies in the league. (Rank last week: HM)

Franz Wagner: For the majority of the season, Wagner has been the face of consistency. But one down week is enough to bump him out of the rankings for now. But don’t be fooled, he’ll be back very soon. (Rank last week: 4)