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The NBA rookie ladder 2022 continues to be a tight race between the top names from last year’s NBA draft. However, there are also some second-round names who stepped up and produced numbers this season.
NBA rookie ladder 2022
The NBA Rookie of the Year race 2022 is pretty much locked between Evan Mobley, Scottie Barnes, and Cade Cunningham. After adjusting to the NBA speed, these top rookies finally look comfortable and are poised to finish their season strong.
Here is the latest NBA Rookie of the Year rankings 2022.
10. Ayo Dosunmu
The Bulls were shorthanded in the backcourt after the injuries to Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso. This gave Ayo Dosunmu the chance to step up as the starting point guard for them, and he delivered. The Chicago-native produced solid numbers with 8.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game on 52% shooting.
Dosunmu is one of the best steals of this year’s NBA draft. It’s crazy that he fell to the second round. As a two-way guard, he displayed his efficient scoring and lockdown defense against opposing guards.
9. Bones Hyland
The Nuggets are missing two of their star players in Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. One of the biggest reasons they are still hanging in the tough Western Conference is their late-round pick, Bones Hyland.
The rookie was sensational in providing instant buckets and making plays for Denver. Hyland is averaging 12.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists on 37% shooting from three since the All-Star break. He was also notorious for hitting clutch buckets late in the fourth quarter.
8. Herbert Jones
Another second-round steal is Herbert Jones. He is arguably the most versatile defender in this year’s NBA draft. Jones can guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and alter shots with his size and wingspan. This defensive versatility allows him to play big minutes for the Pelicans.
Jones is a steal maestro. He currently has a total of 123 steals and is averaging 1.7 steals per game. Moreover, he ranks third in the league in total deflections with 233. That’s just insane for a rookie.
Once Jones develops a more consistent shooting stroke, then he can evolve into a solid 3-and-D role player. Throughout the season, he showed flashes of this potential with 34% three-point shooting on 2 attempts per game.
7. Davion Mitchell
Davion Mitchell‘s minutes ramped up after the Kings traded Tyrese Haliburton to the Pacers for Domantas Sabonis. This freed up the backcourt and this allowed him to play alongside De’Aaron Fox.
However, Fox suffered an injury which gives Mitchell the reigns to run Sacramento’s offense as the lead point guard. He has been fantastic recently, averaging 21.6 points and 7.2 assists per game since Fox’s injury.
Apart from stepping up on the offensive end, Mitchell is well known for his suffocating defense on the perimeter. He was nicknamed “Off Night” since he can literally give opposing guards an off-night.
6. Josh Giddey
If not for the season-ending hip injury, Josh Giddey would be at the top of the NBA rookie ladder 2022. He was fantastic as the Thunder’s main facilitator—averaging 6.4 assists per game, the best amongst all rookies.
Giddey also became the youngest player to notch a triple-double at age 19. He then proceeded to add three more triple-doubles later in the season. Once Giddey develops a consistent shoot, then he will become deadlier on the offensive end.
5. Franz Wagner
Franz Wagner is one of the most underrated rookies this season. He is quietly averaging 14.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists on 47% shooting since the All-Star break.
The fact that Wagner even dropped a career-high 38 points against the defending champions is something else. He has the ideal size and versatility of the modern NBA forward. Wagner can do everything on the offensive end with great efficiency. Defensively, his size and length allow him to guard multiple positions.
Wagner may not win the Rookie of the Year but he played exceptional this season to warrant some votes in the NBA ROY voting.
4. Jalen Green
After struggling shooting the ball in the first half of the season, Jalen Green finally found his rhythm and turned it around over the last few months. After the All-Star break, Green is averaging 21 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game on 46% shooting and 39% from three.
Green is arguably the best scorer in the 2021 NBA Draft. Throughout the season, he displayed his elite scoring and crazy athleticism. He even has a couple of highlight dunks already.
Despite being one of the top NBA ROY candidates this year, Green won’t eclipse the top three that soon. Still, the Rockets have a bright future with him being the franchise cornerstone.
3. Cade Cunningham
Cade Cunningham has been on a tear since the All-Star break, averaging 21.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game on 47% shooting.
The No. 1 overall pick finally found his rhythm and has been comfortable every game. He’s playing with poise and moves at his own pace. Perhaps the Luka Doncic comparisons are right after all since he can score, rebound, and facilitate for a point guard his size.
Detroit has moved into player development mode which gives Cunningham the reigns to run their offense and lead the team. He shows no signs of slowing down and is poised to finish strong this season. Don’t be surprised if he wins the Rookie of the Year award since he has been good as advertised.
2. Evan Mobley
Evan Mobley was the favorite to win the Rookie of the Year award this season. He has averaged 15.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game on 52% shooting since the All-Star break. However, he suffered an ankle injury that will sideline him for the next few games. This injury derailed his chances a little bit.
When healthy, Mobley has shown flashes of his Defensive Player of the Year potential. He has been a menace on the defensive end with his elite rim protection and switchability. The ability to guard multiple positions at 7’0″ is just insane.
Apart from his stalwart defense, Mobley also produced on the offensive end. He can do damage in the paint, stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, and make plays for his teammates. If he can develop his shooting, then it will be over for the league.
There’s still a chance for him to win if he gets enough votes in the NBA ROY voting. After all, the Rookie of the Year race is a close fight.
1. Scottie Barnes
Toronto is one of the most exciting teams to watch this season. After losing Kyle Lowry and Kawhi Leonard, they rebuilt their roster and are a legitimate playoff contender this season. One of the biggest reasons for their success is their prize rookie, Scottie Barnes.
With Mobley’s recent injury, Barnes finally takes over the top spot on the NBA rookie ladder 2022. Barnes is averaging 17.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game on 54% shooting since the All-Star break.
Physically, Barnes is a cheat code since he can do pretty much everything on the floor. He can bully smaller defenders, shoot the three-ball, and handle the ball well in transition.
But his offense is just half of his game. What stands out in Barnes’ game is his defense. His ability to guard multiple positions at his size is a gem for Toronto’s defensive rotations. Barnes can switch to smaller guards and battle in the post against bigger forwards and centers.
Barnes has been steady inside the top three of NBA Rookie of the Year rankings throughout the season. But with Mobley’s injury, there’s a huge chance he can seal the Rookie of the Year award in the final few games of the season.
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