NBA Rookie Ladder Week 22: Undrafted rookie enters top five

By Jack Simone | Mar 17, 2022

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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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 24: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers plays against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 24, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan, 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Week 22 NBA Rookie Ladder: 3. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers

Rank last week: 2

Stats: 15.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 50.3% FG, 26.2% 3PT

Since last ladder: 22.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 54.9% FG, 33.3% 3PT

Ever since Jarrett Allen went down with an injury, Evan Mobley has had to slide over to the center position. And while he’s done a solid job of filling in, the Cleveland Cavaliers have fallen off a bit.

Even before Allen got injured, the Cavs were sliding down the standings. They’re now sitting at sixth place in the Eastern Conference and are a few games out of improving their positioning.

While team success doesn’t usually matter in the Rookie of the Year race, a big part of Mobley’s case to win the award is because of how much he’s impacted winning in Cleveland.

This isn’t to say that Mobley isn’t good anymore, as his contributions are clear on both sides of the court. However, if winning is a main reason to send him up the ladder, losing has to be a reason to see him slide down.

Mobley is in line to compete for a spot on one of the All-Defensive teams this year, which is unheard of for a rookie. And while he still has a great chance to take home Rookie of the Year, he falls down a spot on this week’s ladder.