We are about a quarter of the way through the NBAâ€s regular season and itâ€s time to check back in on the rookies. This is where things get interesting from an evaluation standpoint. If the start of the season is surrounded by hope and optimism, this portion of the program brings a measure of reality.
Fit, opportunity and context will rule the day with young players, but now we can see how the league has adjusted to the rookies, and how the rookies are reacting to how the league has adjusted to them.
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Scouting reports have been updated. What are these rookies being asked to do on a nightly basis? Is the game slowing down for them? Are opponents treating them differently? Letâ€s take a look at the top 10 rookies.
1. Kon Knueppel, Hornets
High-level, consistent production is not always the hallmark of a rookie campaign, but that is exactly what has made Knueppelâ€s start stand out. Knueppel is the first player in NBA history to make 50 3-pointers in his first 15 career games, and the first Hornets rookie to score 20 points in at least 10 of his first 20 career games. The shot-making speaks for itself, but heâ€s leveraging those skills to open up drives.
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In dribble handoffs or pick-and-roll, a quick peek at the rim keeps defenders off balance. His confidence continues to grow as he looks to initiate contact when he turns the corner. Whether on-ball or off-ball, he works to come off screens tight to open up space to attack. Itâ€s been fun to watch Knueppel battle as a screener, setting up flat angles to slip into space with defenses working to rotate and take it away.
2. Cooper Flagg, Mavericks
Growth is the name of the game for Flagg, who has taken some of the early-season struggles and turned things around for the better. The 18-year-old, who is fourth in the NBA in clutch points (52 points on 13-of-27 shooting from the field), has found increased comfort and confidence over the past month.
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In November, 26.1% of Flaggâ€s field-goal attempts came in the restricted area (where he shot 75.4%). Heâ€s working to put his head down and get to his spots, and showing improved patience to wait on screens and set his defender up. And if the defense cuts him off on those drives, heâ€s working to spin, hit and finish. Dallas has him attacking more mismatches as the season progresses. The more help he draws on those drives, the more he can showcase his passing ability. That aggression will enhance how Dallas can use Flagg in different ways offensively.
3. Cedric Coward, Grizzlies
The blistering 3-point shooting that Coward displayed to start the season has slowed (30.7% from 3 in November), but the confidence and impact have remained high. Coward has played his way into the starting lineup, and his versatility on and off the ball has helped the teamâ€s growth.
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The nature of Memphis†offensive flow has led to more opportunities for Coward to attack in pick-and-roll or handoffs. While he can get to his spot in the midrange, Iâ€m intrigued to watch his mindset on drives. He has the size and length, but it feels like he could be even more physical when he gets deeper in the paint. His passing ability on drives has stood out, though, as he finds a way to make late passes when he engages the defense in space.
4. VJ Edgecombe, 76ers
The scoring from Edgecombe has gone down. It could be that more teams are working to take his shot away. It could be the returns of Paul George and Jared McCain. It could be his own return from injury. Or it may just be the fact that his 3-point shot is not falling at the same clip. Whatever the case, that should all balance itself out, and itâ€s clear he remains a key piece for this Sixers team.
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One positive is heâ€s still willing to let it fly from deep. He just has to remember that it was the blend of shot-making and drives that led to the hot start (10.6 drives per game in October, 6.4 drives per game in November).
5. Derik Queen, Pelicans
Since James Borrego took over as interim coach, the Pelicans have been more than willing to play through Queen, who has showcased his unique versatility during this stretch. Allowing him to operate at the top of the key highlights his real strength: passing. If you have not seen Queenâ€s passing, he will quickly rise on your “that boy nice†rankings. And when defenses work to take away cutters, heâ€s not afraid to attack 1v1 and drive, either.
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While it looks like you can pressure him on the perimeter, he is physical, understands angles and can turn the corner. He also has good footwork, with the ability to spin and finish if you cut him off. One area of opportunity comes on the defensive end, where he needs to do his work early. That will move him toward making multiple efforts and avoid fouling.
6. Jeremiah Fears, Pelicans
When it comes to rookies, Fears has the longest streak of scoring 10+ points (19 games). He may also unofficially lead all rookies in getting in the face of anyone (looking at you Luka DonÄić and Jimmy Butler). The lightning speed that Fears operates with on the court speaks for itself, but you can see how the Pelicans have embraced it. Fears has used quick throw-aheads or outlets off made baskets as an opportunity to attack before defenses are set. And his tremendous burst in the half-court works to manipulate defenders.
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What has impressed me the most is his consistent physicality. He launches himself into defenders in the paint. And to add to the “Zero Miedo†bucket, Fears switching onto Julius Randle and outright guarding Anthony Edwards this past week was fun.
7. Dylan Harper, Spurs
Harperâ€s return to the lineup comes with a minutes restriction to ease him back in, but it also comes with opportunity as the Spurs await the return of Victor Wembanyama. My favorite rookie fun fact is that the Spurs are 9-1 this season when Harper plays 15 or more minutes (have to use it while I can).
Harperâ€s poise and composure continue to shine. If defenses give him space, heâ€s determined to take whatâ€s given. As a patient driver and shifty ball-handler, he gets to his spots without needing to use outright speed. He also rejects in pick-and-roll to get defenses off-balance, employing a steady pace to survey the floor. Defenders are unsure if heâ€s looking to turn the corner or setting up to get a midrange shot. Iâ€m intrigued to see how the in-between game grows and how he handles more teams looking to pressure him.
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8. Ryan Kalkbrenner, Hornets
As of this writing, Kalkbrenner is the only player in the NBA to have four or more blocks and four or more steals in a single game. His defense continues to stand out, as heâ€s showcasing a mix of communication and rim protection on a nightly basis.
Kalkbrenner has found his way as a screener, too, making sure to get contact and rolling to the rim. While heâ€s not the fastest roller, he knows how to put himself in position to get lobs or passes around the dunker spot. If he can continue to improve on both ends, the Hornets canâ€t help but be pleased with their young core.
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9. Ace Bailey, Jazz
Since entering the starting lineup, Bailey is shooting 52.6% from the field, 40.3% from 3 and showcasing the scoring ability many believed in coming into this season. The movement of the Jazzâ€s offense allows Bailey the opportunity to score in a more structured fashion. Wide pindowns let him get to his pull-up jump shot with ease.
Instead of the dribbles many imagined, there is a mix of pass-and-cut action to get him downhill. Drive-and-kicks from others also open up cleaner 3-point looks. The more he can be involved in those types of quick actions, the better for Utah and Baileyâ€s overall growth.
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10. Ryan Nembhard, Mavericks
Nembhard is the first undrafted rookie in NBA history to score 25 points and have 10 or more assists with zero turnovers. Heâ€s the first undrafted rookie with back-to-back 15+ point, 10-assist games. And his presence has helped to steady the ship for the Mavericks.
The rookie point guard consistently gets the ball where it needs to be, letâ€s the game come to him and does not force plays. He probes the defense while changing speeds, but his floor vision is what opens things up. If you show help, the ball is going to the open man.
Donâ€t let the playmaking fool you, either. The scoring mindset is there, and heâ€s found a comfort shooting versus drop defenses early. If you donâ€t believe me, find the film putting him side-by-side with Andrew Nembhard buckets. Itâ€s uncanny and you wonâ€t be able to unsee it.
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