By Hocine LOUKKAF on 3/9/2022
With two of the best statlines and performing for playoff contending teams, there’s no question why Mobley and Barnes are at the top of our rookie ranking.
Scottie Barnes, 6-8 SF/PF Toronto Raptors
Stats : 15pts 6.8rbds 2.6as 1.4st 37.5% 3pt in February
With only one game under 44% FG and an impressive 28pts 16rbds 5st 4as against Brooklyn, albeit without their best players, Barnes has helped the Raptors come back into the top 8 of the Conference. He’s also displayed decent range from three, albeit on small sample. A good month for him in the fight for ROTY title.
Evan Mobley, 7-0 PF/C Cleveland Cavaliers
Stats : 14.6pts 8.4rbds 2.6as
With losses against Houston and Detroit, Mobley, like his team, has not been very inspired in February. Five games under 43% FG and only one 3pt made the whole month. At least, the USC alumni is still efficient on the boards and protecting the rim but his team will need him if the Cavs want to guarantee a playoff berth.
Josh Giddey, 6-8 PG Oklahoma City Thunder
Stats : 16.3pts 8.7rbds 7.7as
With a team that seems to tank since the beginning of the year, Giddey is getting enough time to learn from his mistakes. He has improved his FG % for the fourth consecutive month while recording three triple-doubles in a row. His shot and controlling his turnover numbers will be his priorities until the end of the season.
Franz Wagner, 6-10 SF/PF Orlando Magic
Stats : 14.7pts 4.5rbds 3.1as
Despite four games under 38% FG; Wagner looks like one of the most consistent rookies as he scored at least 8pts in each game of February and keeps filling the statsheet. Maybe dominating more like he did against Denver (26pts 8rbds 4as 2st) could make him the cornerstone of the long rebuilding Magic.
Ayo Dosunmu, 6-5 PG/SG Chicago Bulls
Stats : 10.8pts 6.5as 37% 3pt
Despite Chicago’s inability to beat top ranked teams, Dosunmu has been a pleasant surpise. he’s averaged a 3a/to ratio in February while averaging very good shooting percentages. Consistency is still to be improved with two very bad games including 2pts 0as on 1/7 FG in 33min against Phoenix.
Jonathan Kuminga, 6-7 SF Golden State Warriors
Stats : 14.8pts 4.7rbds
Some experts thought Kuminga would need time to develop but he’s already showing flashes of greatness and is improving game by game. While 3pt shooting needs refining, he scored in double digit in all but one game and had only one game under 42% FG. He’s also had 0.8bl and 0.7st, decent defensive numbers that could be better considering his incredible physical tools.
Jalen Green, 6-5 SG Houston Rockets
Stats : 16.5pts 39% 3pt
Green can’t be the only responsible for his team’s poor results but of course, if he had the same 16.5pts on 44% FG and 39% 3pt for a better team, he would be ranked higher. At least, he’s had one of his best months in term of efficiency while improving his a/to number.
Cam Thomas, 6-4 SG Brooklyn Nets
Stats : 16.5pts
Playing for a depleted Brooklyn team, Thomas keeps showcasing his scoring ability with six 20pt or + games including 30pt on 3/7 3pt against Utah. if he could improve his low 30% 3pt, he would become a far more dangerous threat for his opponents.
Chris Duarte, 6-6 SG Indiana Pacers
Stats :13.5pts 3.6rbds 48.3% 3pt
While February had started well despite Indian’s streak of losses (17.6pts over the first five games with a combined 12/23 from three), Duarte was slowed down by an injury which still seems to bother him since his return. Yet, his 48% 3pt and 96% FT look very impressive for a rookie, albeit an old one.
Herbert Jones, 6-7 SF/PF New Orleans Pelicans
Stats : 10.1pts 4.6rbds 2.3as 1.5st
Still the same Swiss knife, Jones has been good in Fberuary despite two tough games to end the month including 2pts on 0/9 against Phoenix. His 3pt percentage has dropped a bit but at the same time, he shot an impressive 96% FT over the month (28/29)
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