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The rookies in the NBA this season have put up impressive performances while contributing heavily to each of their teams. While a lot of the rookies have found their rhythm, many have suffered slumps in their production. In spite of this we still can see why the draft class of 2017 had much hype surrounding it.
Also read: 5 Best NBA Rookies of all-time
I contemplated considering Ben Simmons in this ranking even though he belongs to the class of 2016. The NBA classifies him as a rookie though which makes his inclusion apt.
A host of factors were taken into account while ranking the rookies such as a player's individual statistics, the success of the team and the role of the player in the team. These rankings are based on games up till 21 December 2017.
Honorable Mentions
Lauri Markkanen
Views on Lauri Markkanen ranged from considering him a bust to becoming the Bulls' Dirk Nowitzki, the latter of which was the hope of all Bulls fans. While he has not conformed to either, it is safe to say Markkanen is far from being a bust.
The Finnish forward has been playing extremely well in the first two months of the NBA. While contributing consistently on offense he has also become a major powerhouse for the Bulls on the boards. Considered by most as just a big man shooter, he has proved that he cannot be boxed into that category as he continues to shine in points and rebounds. While he has struggled a bit at times, I feel he deserves to make it here purely based on his importance to the team and his outstanding performances.
Lauri Markkanen stat line: 14.7 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 85 FT%
Dennis Smith Jr.
Dennis Smith Jr. has had a lot of hype around him and I would say that he has delivered accordingly. His versatile style of play, which includes effective distribution of the ball, driving to the rim and a rock solid jumper, has made him one of my favorite rookies in the NBA.
Despite suffering through rough patches, Smith deserves to be mentioned for his display of leadership skills in the team. Incredibly rare to see such a skill set in a rookie, this guard has managed to keep a cool head and contribute to whatever the Dallas Mavericks require during the game.
The only reason he hasn't made the top 5 is because of the amount of trouble he has had in the turnover department. Dennis Smith Jr. still has room for improvement but needs to improve in terms of turnovers. Once addressed, Dennis Smith Jr. will be on the cusp of becoming a core player for Dallas.
Dennis Smith Jr. stat line: 14.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 4.1 apg
#5 Lonzo Ball
At number 5 we have the most talked about NBA rookie, Lonzo Ball. Many of you would question his place in the top 5 and these doubts are definitely valid given that many consider him to be a bust. I would still place him here as he remains a top-notch rookie, given his ability to score a triple double at any possible time in the season.
Lonzo deserves a place here as despite his initial shooting struggles. In the last four games he has improved his shooting percentage to 43.6 from the field. Another reason is that even when struggling to score, Lonzo has consistently contributed to the team through assists and rebounds. His importance to the young Lakers side is still pretty high despite him not being the best performing rookie on the team.
Ball will have to do a lot more if he wants to move up this list and it would be only a matter of few seasons before he becomes a star for the Lakers.
Lonzo Ball stat line: 9.6 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 7.0 apg
#4 Jayson Tatum
My personal favorite, Jayson Tatum has firmly established himself as one of the top rookies ever since the beginning of this season. Shooting at almost 50% from 3-point range has allowed Tatum to contribute to Boston Celtics' number one standing in the Eastern Conference this season.
While this Celtics forward might not have an eye popping stat line or performances like some other rookies, he has always been extremely consistent. Tatum does not seem to be suffering from any rookie jitters as he steadily contributes both offensively and defensively, making him a dependable player for the Celtics.
Granted, Tatum needs to improve his scoring and defense if he wants to move up the rookie ladder. All this aside, his regular and reliable output along with being a part of a playoff-worthy team gives Tatum a great shot at winning the Rookie of the Year award.
Jaysum Tatum stat line: 13.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 49.5 3P%
#3 Donovan Mitchell
The wild card of this rookie race, Donovan Mitchell seems ready to shine and dominate the NBA in the present. A rough start to the season which included atrocious shooting percentages led Mitchell to be dropped from everyone's consideration. His growth and performance over the past few weeks have pulled him back towards the spotlight.
Utah Jazz initially had high expectations from Mitchell after Gordon Hayward's trade. A great fit for the Jazz now, Mitchell has shown good leadership skills as well as jaw-dropping performances recently. Apart from scoring, Mitchell has helped the Jazz improve their distribution and has easily been the best performing rookie in the league over the past couple of weeks.
Donovan Mitchell stat line: 17.7 ppg, 1.5 stl, 42.6 FG%
#2 Kyle Kuzma
The hidden gem of the draft, little was expected of Kyle Kuzma by virtue of him being a late first-round draft pick. Kuzma was quick to disprove these assumptions by becoming one of the most talented rookies offensively this season. Consistently performing well while putting up some monstrous scoring games has led Kuzma to become the best rookie on the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kuzma devastated the Rockets with his 38-point performance on 20 December, making him one of the highest scoring rookies this season. He has put up double-digit points in every game except two so far. All of this coupled with an extremely good field-goal percentage has helped him to rack up some pretty amazing numbers.
Kuzma could do with a little improvement on his defense but apart from this he has a well rounded game.
Kyle Kuzma stat line: 17.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 50.7 FG%
#1 Ben Simmons
Finally we have the favorite to win Rookie of the Year, Ben Simmons. Sidelined with a foot injury, he missed the entire 2016-17 NBA season. Simmons has been dominating not just among the rookies but also the league. Ever since the start of the season, Simmons has remained at the top of the rookie ladder and has been unshakable from the No. 1 spot.
Ben Simmons is above all a consistent performer. He has been excellent in most areas of the game be it scoring, rebounding or passing. The Philadelphia 76ers finally began turning their season around under the performances of their young players such as Simmons and Joel Embiid. Simmons has showed that his innate passing sense is perfect for the point guard role that he currently occupies at Philly and his assist numbers seem to indicate so too.
Simmons can vastly improve on his free throw shooting percentages and there's room for improvement beyond the arc as well. Given the way things are progressing, it seems very likely that Simmons will end up being crowned Rookie of the Year and will become an unstoppable force in the league if he already isn't.
Ben Simmons stat line: 17.3 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 7.8 ap
Guess the Lakers players!
