NBA Rookie Ladder Week 22: Undrafted rookie enters top five

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TORONTO, ON – MARCH 03: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors warms up ahead of their NBA game against the Detroit Pistons at Scotiabank Arena on March 3, 2022 in Toronto, Canada, 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

Week 22 NBA Rookie Ladder: 1. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors

Rank last week: 1

Stats: 15.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 49.1% FG, 31.4% 3PT

Since last ladder: 20.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 53.0% FG, 44.4% 3PT

The three-man tandem of Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, and Scottie Barnes has dominated the top of the rookie ladder all season long. In recent weeks, they’ve consistently rotated between the top three spots.

This week, Barnes manages to jump from the third spot to number one on the ladder, catapulting his fellow rookies in the ranks. He’s been on fire over the last few games.

In addition to putting up over 20 points a night and shooting extremely efficiently from the field and from deep, Barnes has averaged 2.0 steals and 1.3 steals over Toronto’s last four games.

But perhaps the most impressive stat to note is the fact that the Toronto Raptors went 4-0 in those four games. He’s been a crucial part of their recent win streak, which definitely impacted his rank this week.

As noted on previous ladders, Barnes plays with constant hustle and intensity that translates well to the rest of his team. He’s the spark that often ignites winning ways in Toronto.

While most major media outlets will have Mobley at the top of their ladders, there’s a serious case to be made that Barnes should be number one.

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