From symbolic to literal—ranking the NBA’s top 10 rookies comes down to finding diamonds in the proverbial rough.
Star first-year players are simply few and far between on the hardwood in 2013.
Of all prospects selected in the draft, none have earned a spot in the statistical top 40 for points, rebounds or assists.
Worse yet, only four of the first 10 drafted this year rank in the top 10 amongst themselves for either points or rebounds. And just two rookies qualify in that same ranking for assists.
That means Anthony Bennett, Otto Porter and Alex Len—the first, third and fifth overall picks—are languishing in some place akin to basketball no-man’s land.
It goes without saying that tempering expectations for these pro-level neophytes is an activity that can no longer go unrealized with the above statistics in mind.
It’s merely a down year for rookies in the Association.
That said, there exist a few notable contributors worth highlighting.
Here then, are the top 10 rookies thus far in the NBA.
10. Cody Zeller, Center, Charlotte Bobcats
22 GP, 17.8 MIN, .383 FG%, .706 FT%, 5.3 PTS, 4.2 REB, 1.0 AST, 0.4 BLK, 0.5 STL, 9.13 PER, 0.2 WS
Cody Zeller won’t wow the stat geeks or impress the casual observer with his accumulated totals.
However, the 7’0’’ center out of Indiana has been solid in his backup role for the Charlotte Bobcats this season.
Zeller has played in every game this year, averaging just under 18 minutes per game. And only once has Zeller not shown up in the box score.
One can expect a handful of points and rebounds and even a few assists from the former All-American when he hits the floor. He bas been consistent from his eighth career NBA game to his 22nd, from his 8 PTS, 9 REB, 2 AST, 1 BLK, 2 STL on Nov. 13 to his 10 PTS, 6 REB, 2 AST, 1 BLK, 1 STL performance versus the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.
Zeller’s 2.3 fouls per game, 9.13 player efficiency rating and negative-0.5 offensive win shares certainly leave some to be desired. His game from both ends of the floor is still a work in progress.
But the No. 4 overall pick brings a measure of sufficient value off the bench for the still growing fifth-place Bobcats.
9. Kelly Olynyk, Center, Boston Celtics
14 GP (6 GS), 22.6 MIN, .389 FG%, .182 3P%, 1.000 FT%, 7.5 PTS, 5.4 REB, 1.6 AST, 0.3 BLK, 0.5 STL, 9.31 PER, 0.1 WS
Shooting big men from Gonzaga generally inspire negative associations—at least when those with pencil-thin moustaches are concerned.
Adam Morrison references aside, Kelly Olynyk has done his part in representing his alma mater with productive class in the NBA.
The Boston Celtics’ reserve center has produced top-10 rookie averages in points, rebounds and assists. His 5.4 boards and 1.6 dimes, No. 2 and No. 10, respectively, are particularly impressive for the 7’0’’, 238-pounder.
Those numbers might open even more eyes if Olynyk had not been sidelined for the past 10 games. Prolonged swelling in his injured ankle has kept him off the floor for a bit longer than expected.
When healthy, Olynyk has compiled three games with 14 or more points and seven rebounds. He has added five others with at least three assists from the center position.
Remaining perfect from the line certainly doesn’t hurt either (17-for-17).
Missing extended action, in addition to garnering 3.4 fouls when on the floor, keeps him near the bottom of this list. A dubious percentage from three also diminishes his basketball worth through the early goings.
A bright future though, seems likely for Olynyk as a member of a young and well-coached Celtics team with Brad Stevens at the helm.
8. Ben McLemore, Shooting Guard, Sacramento Kings
20 GP (14 GS), 25.2 MIN, .357 FG%, .345 3P%, .765 FT%, 9.4 PTS, 3.3 REB, 1.1 AST, 0.2 BLK, 0.8 STL, 9.91 PER, 0.2 WS
The annually high turnover rate for guards in Sacramento has not affected the newest addition to the backcourt.
Ben McLemore ranks fourth among rookies with a scoring average of 9.4 points per game. He qualifies in the top two among those with at least 20 games played.
The former one-and-done star at Kansas has started 14 consecutive games for the Kings since coming off the bench in the first six. That elevated role has suited McLemore well for the most part.
Indeed, McLemore posted quality numbers over a recent six-game stretch. He totaled 14 or more points in five of those games and double-digit points and multiple steals in three other contests.
His most impressive box scores in back-to-back games featured averages of 17.5 PTS, 7.5 REB, 1.0 AST, 2.0 BLK, .412 FG% against the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz last weekend.
Poor-shooting performances in Sacramento’s most recent two contests and an overall 9.91 PER have sullied an otherwise encouraging first year in the NBA for McLemore.
He’ll serve as a legitimate piece moving forward for a 6-14 Kings team in total rebuilding mode.
7. Nate Wolters, Point Guard, Milwaukee Bucks
18 GP (7 GS), 24.6 MIN, .397 FG%, .087 3P%, .765 FT%, 7.3 PTS, 2.6 REB, 4.3 AST, 0.3 BLK, 0.7 STL, 12.70 PER, 0.4 WS
Representing a good story on an otherwise bad team helps out this next selection.
Nate Wolters has performed dual roles as both starter and reserve for Milwaukee through the first quarter of the 2013 campaign. The Bucks new point guard started seven of the first nine games and has come off the bench behind either Brandon Knight or Luke Ridnour over the past 13.
Two of Wolters’ best overall games came from both of those capacities as well. He tallied 7 PTS, 4 REB, 10 AST in his first career start back on Nov. 2 and 18 PTS, 1 REB, 7 AST, 1 BLK, 2 STL most recently against the San Antonio Spurs off the bench.
He coughed up just three turnovers total in those two contests. Averaging 1.2 TO next to 4.3 AST through 18 games lends credence to reliable ball handling on the part of Wolters.
Ranking top-three for that latter mark surely bolsters his case.
As long as he refrains from shooting from distance (2-for-23), Wolters’ 12.70 player efficiency rating should rise as he gathers more minutes and games.
And that will continue with the 17-loss Bucks giving playing time to all their younger players in a developmental season.
6. Mason Plumlee, Center, Brooklyn Nets
18 GP (0 GS), 17.2 MIN, .696 FG%, .603 FT%, 6.6 PTS, 3.1 REB, 0.4 AST, 0.5 BLK, 0.5 STL, 17.76 PER, 1.0 WS
Starting playing time need not always apply when ranking NBA rookies.
Brooklyn Nets first-year center Mason Plumlee has maximized every limited minute he’s played this season. He’s certainly had to considering ultra-talented Andray Blatche and franchise big-man Brook Lopez sit above him on the depth chart.
Plumlee’s efficient production reveals itself in his .696 shooting percentage and nearly turnover-free play.
His two highest outputs of 19 PTS, 6 REB, 1 BLK, 1 STL and 16 PTS, 6 REB, 1 AST, 1 BLK, 3 STL materialized through the help of 77.8 percent shooting and just one TO.
Seven perfect outings from the floor further contribute to his above-average 17.76 player efficiency rating.
Yes, Plumlee ranks in the top 10 among rookies for only points and blocks.
But sporting a net value of one win with so little playing time and so early in his first-career NBA season gives rise to his elevated No. 6 ranking.
The 8-14 Nets might indeed benefit more in the win column with Plumlee logging additional time on the hardwood.
5. Tim Hardaway Jr., Shooting Guard, New York Knicks
20 GP (1 GS), 16.9 MIN, .465 FG%, .418 3P%, .875 FT%, 8.0 PTS, 1.0 REB, 0.9 AST, 0.2 BLK, 0.4 STL, 16.18 PER, 0.8 WS
Smooth transitions from college to the pros aren’t usually afforded to sons of five-time former NBA All-Stars.
Especially when said player finds his basketball home in the Big Apple during his first year in the league.
New York Knicks shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr., on the other hand, has done his part to flip the script from distance.
Hardaway Jr. leads all rookies with a .418 three-point shooting percentage. His .465 total field-goal rate from the floor ranks tops among his fellow guards and third overall.
He provides the Knicks with a reliable sharpshooter in the backcourt. His contributions are all the more impactful when considering the wildly inconsistent J.R. Smith, who goes from double digits to single-digit point totals on a seemingly nightly basis.
One need only compare the rookie’s 16.18 player efficiency rating and 0.8 win shares with Smith’s 9.11 and negative-0.2, respectively.
Hardaway Jr. has performed even better of late with 12.0 PTS and a .500 3P% in the Knicks’ 3-3 mark during the month of December. His increased minutes (21.8) helped propel New York to that record following its 2-11 December when he averaged just 13.8 minutes per game.
Hardaway Jr. is somewhat of a one-trick pony on the hardwood. He needs considerable work on defense as well.
But the one trick that he does, he does very well. Welcome to the top five, Junior.
4. Steven Adams, Center, Oklahoma City Thunder
21 GP (2 GS), 16.0 MIN, .500 FG%, .650 FT%, 4.1 PTS, 4.8 REB, 0.8 AST, 0.9 BLK, 0.4 STL, 14.05 PER, 1.1 WS
From rookies with one trick, to those with one in two forms, these rankings climb further in the top five.
Steven Adams earns this lofty spot by excelling numbers-wise on both ends of the floor.
Adams’ 101 total boards—with 46 on offense and 55 on defense—lead all first-year players. He has performed to the level of top young rebounder in the NBA.
His 7’0’’, 255-pound frame, persistent physicality and (essentially) one block per game all lend themselves to that skill, as well as affecting the defensive side of the hardwood.
The Oklahoma City Thunder boast a top-10 defense with help from Adams’ physical presence and reliable work in the paint.
Even though his .500 shooting percentage is a product of taking more than five shots in a game just once, the offensive efficiency remains. And the rebounding, defense and 1.1 win shares, of course, speak for themselves.
Case in point: 17 PTS, 10 REB, 3 BLK double-double against the Detroit Pistons' monster frontline.
OKC couldn’t be happier with its first-round draft pick.
3. Trey Burke, Point Guard, Utah Jazz
12 GP (10 GS), 28.0 MIN, .383 FG%, .370 3P%, .917 FT%, 12.8 PTS, 3.7 REB, 4.6 AST, 0.1 BLK, 0.9 STL, 16.31 PER, 0.5 WS
The Utah Jazz found themselves at 1-11—an NBA worst—and in need of serious reinforcements.
Following a three-game buffer period, they received the necessary firepower.
Trey Burke shook off his rookie and injury-related rust in short order after missing Utah’s first 12 contests.
Burke has propelled the Jazz to a 4-5 mark over the past nine games as the starting point guard. He ranks third among his class with 12.8 points, eighth in rebounds (3.7), second in assists (4.6) and fifth in steals (0.9).
The 2013 Big Ten leader in dimes (6.7) clearly brought those ball-distribution skills to the next level.
Burke went 5-of-8 for 11 points from the field in his first game back. He followed that efficient performance with 14 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST and 1 STL in his first winning start.
Burke’s ascension continued with back-to-back 20-point nights, two games with 10-plus points and nine assists and one 19 PTS, 10 REB, 7 AST, 2 STL double-double against the Sacramento Kings on Dec. 12.
Utah got its vengeance over those same Kings two games later behind Burke’s 11 PTS, 2 REB, 9 AST, 1 STL and .500 FG% (22 MIN) for the team’s fifth win of the season.
Like Oklahoma City, the Jazz couldn’t feel any more encouraged with their opening-round draft selection.
2. Victor Oladipo, Shooting Guard, Orlando Magic
22 GP (12 GS), 31.0 MIN, .406 FG%, .265%, .750 FT%, 13.4 PTS, 4.6 REB, 3.5 AST, 0.7 BLK, 1.7 STL, 12.54 PER, 0.0 WS
The anxious, chaotic days of Dwight Howard dominating the headlines for Orlando are thankfully a thing of the past.
Rookie Victor Oladipo has done everything he can to spark the Magic toward a new and refreshing future.
Oladipo rates second among rookies with 13.4 points and 1.73 steals, fourth in rebounds (4.6) and assists (3.5) and fifth in blocks and field-goal percentage. He also ranks second on the Magic for points scored among those who have played all 22 games.
What really enhances Oladipo’s standing is his work on the defensive end of the floor.
Most prospects entering the Association favor one side over the other. Oladipo, though, has 12 games with multiple steals or blocks, two games with multiple steals and blocks and three nights with six or more in total.
His contributions are totally comprehensive any way you look at them.
Unfortunately, it’s not entirely all sunshine and roses for the dynamic first-year player.
Oladipo’s 12.54 player efficiency rating falls below the 15.00 league average. Advanced metrics also reveal that he hasn’t technically—or officially—contributed to a win this season (0.0 WS).
Yet, Oladipo is far and away the only player drafted in the top five who’s justified that distinguished status.
And that’s apparent to anyone privy to this rookie’s play on the hardwood in 2013.
(But in case you missed it, see: 26 PTS, 10 REB, 10 AST, 3 STL triple-double on Dec. 3.)
1. Michael Carter-Williams, Point Guard, Philadelphia 76ers
15 GP (15 GS), 36.7 MIN, .408 FG%, .324 3P%, .671 FT%, 17.7 PTS, 5.8 REB, 7.3 AST, 0.7 BLK, 3.1 STL, 19.12 PER, 1.0 WS
Surprise, surprise—could you really expect any other rookie occupying the top spot?
Philadelphia 76ers new front man Michael Carter-Williams stands unrivaled among his fellow rookies in most statistical categories.
The mesmerizing point guard leads in points, rebounds, assists and steals. He’s also tops with a well above-average player efficiency rating of 19.12, not to mention in field-goal percentage among first-years’ with 130 or more attempts.
The young man who led the NCAA in assists and steals for Syracuse now does so among rookies in the former and entire league in the latter just one year later.
It’s safe to say that the NBA is surprised, pleased and amazed all at once.
Carter-Williams’ notable performances this season include six double-doubles, one triple-double (27-10-10) in a win against fellow rookie Oladipo and a near quadruple-double in his very first NBA game.
Said outing produced a victory over the defending-champion Miami Heat in 22 PTS, 7 REB, 12 AST, 9 STL fashion. Wow.
Carter-Williams has displayed his capacity for basketball-robbery with seven games totaling three-plus steals, including three with at least six. One of those came against the Indiana Pacers and the league’s No. 1 defense.
The man simply knows how to impress.
NBA viewers can only hope for more when the wingspan-crazy 6’6’’ Carter-Williams returns from a knee infection ASAP.
With a Player of the Week and Rookie of the Month award already to his name, MCW will be gunning for Rookie of the Year honors soon enough.
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