The NBA is back! Every Saturday, I will be giving my top 10 power rankings of the top rookies in the NBA. In addition, here is the best of the best highlights from rookies across the NBA during week one of the regular season.
NBA Rookie Power Rankings
- Zion Williamson – Zion is currently sidelined, but he still gets our top spot in our initial power rankings. The things Zion can do on the basketball court are unmatched with this year’s rookie crop. Get healthy soon, big man.
- P.J. Washington – 27 points and 7-made three pointers in your rookie debut is nothing to laugh about. He was even a +7 in a blowout loss to the Timberwolves. Look out for this kid.
- R.J. Barrett – Barrett has been quite impressive with the New York Knicks. There will be growing pains with Barrett playing point forward, but he looks great.
- Kendrick Nunn – Stop what you’re doing and check out Kendrick Nunn. Nunn is the next NBA star you’ve never heard of. Very impressive start for this kid. I almost thought I was watching vintage Dwayne Wade during some of his plays.
- Coby White – Coby White is excelling with the ball in his hands so far. Good news for Bulls fans. I expect Coby White to dominate the ball whenever Zach LaVine is off the court.
- Ja Morant – Ja Morant clearly needs to develop physically, but the elite talent he possesses is obvious. Morant is getting by with his elite quickness and vision. He needs to develop his shooting before he becomes a superstar in the NBA.
- Rui Hachimura – First things first, Rui looks like a seasoned pro on the Washington Wizards. He’s not crafty. He just gets it done. Rui has an impressive combination of size, skill and basketball IQ. I expect Rui Hachimura to be the Wizards’ starting PF in the near future.
- Tyler Herro – My biggest takeaway from Tyler Herro: he was impacting the game beyond spacing the court. He was under control and was a +10 on the court. This is a guy that clearly has plenty of room to grow in his game.
- Darius Garland – The potential of Darius Garland is undeniable, which he showed during his first game vs the Orlando Magic. Garland showed real flashes of his handle and vision as well. It may take some time, but Garland should only get better and better as the season progresses.
- Matisse Thybulle – He only had 3 points in the season opener, but his defense has been even better than advertised. Matisse Thybulle is the first wing off Brett Brown’s bench and his playing time could steadily increase as the season progresses.
