NBA Preseason: How Rookies Have Fared in Their First Few Games

A statistical look at which NBA rookies lead the way as the preseason slate comes to a close.

Preseason games continue to wane on night in and out. But the regular season is quickly approaching for the NBA.

There’s still games to be played and top performances to be had, but through just a few contests, the cream is starting to rise to the top.

As could’ve been predicted, top selection and French phenom Victor Wembanyama leads all rookies in points per game at 21.5 through two preseason bouts. Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren is right on his tail, though, scoring 18.3 through three games.

Staying in the scoring department, Denver’s Julian Strawther is next at 17.8 in four games before a drop off to Scoot Henderson at 13.0 in four of his own.

Golden State rookie Brandin Podziemski and 29-year-old Vasilije Micic — a former 2014 draft-and-stash, EuroLeague MVP and current Thunder player — both lead the way at 6.0 assists per game. Henderson isn’t far behind at 5.8, followed by the Detroit duo of Marcus Sasser and Ausar Thompson at 4.5 and 4.0, respectively.

Surprisingly, Thompson also leads the way in rebounding at 9.0 per game, followed by Heat pick Jaime Jaquez Jr. with 7.0.

Bilal Coulibaly — the No. 7 overall pick and a strong late riser in the class — remarkably grabbed 3.5 steals in his two games. And Dereck Lively II, the Mavericks’ shiny new starting center, is first in blocks per game with 2.0.

There’s still a few games left on each team’s slate, and rookies are sure to see impressive performances throughout. But there’s certainly limited minutes left before their career officially begins.

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