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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
PORTLAND, OREGON – JANUARY 05: Trendon Watford # 2 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during the first half against the Miami Heat at Moda Center on January 05, 2022 in Portland, Oregon, 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 Soobum Im/Getty Images) /

Week 22 NBA Rookie Ladder: 5. Trendon Watford, Portland Trail Blazers

Rank last week: HM

Stats: 6.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 54.2% FG, 26.9% 3PT

Since last ladder: 23.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 53.1% FG, 30.0% 3PT

In last week’s ladder, Trendon Watford was an honorable mention. But this week, continued quality play has elevated him into the top five for the first time this season.

Watford was an undrafted rookie who the Blazers picked up after the draft. He’s played so well that Portland just recently inked him to a four-year contract that will keep him around for the long haul.

The youngster has been on fire since the last ladder, ranking second on the Blazers in scoring behind only Josh Hart. His constant hustle and effort have earned him a lot of minutes.

Chauncey Billups has had a chance to feel things out a bit in recent weeks with the team clearly in a rebuilding phase, and so far it seems as though Watford has become one of his favorite guys.

If you haven’t got the chance to read the story written about Watford by Jason Quick over at The Athletic, make sure to do so. Watford’s story is incredible and it’s looking like he could be an important part of Portland’s future.

He’s not going to come close to taking over one of the top three or four spots, but Watford deserves a ton of credit for how far he’s come this season.