NBA Rookie Ladder: Chet Holmgren Re-Grabs Top Spot
The 2023 NBA Draft class has gotten off to a blisteringly hot start, with two 7-foot titans grappling for the top spot.
In the background of the heavyweight title fight, other rookies have begun creeping up the board with steady performances that improve each and every week.
Here is the third official Draft Digest rookie ladder ranking:
1. Chet Holmgren, OKC Thunder
In three games since his last rookie ladder ranking of No. 2, Holmgren has poured on 21.7 points per game on 69% shooting overall and 44% 3-point shooting, adding 8.7 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in the process.
The highlight of his week was a turnaround 3-pointer to send the Warriors and Thunder to overtime, which Oklahoma City eventually won behind Holmgren's 36 points.
Suffice to say, Holmgren has been historically good to start his rookie season, and OKC’s record of 10-4 has done nothing to dissuade that.
If he can continue his current 50-40-90 trajectory while anchoring the Thunder defense, we may be needing to have a conversation aside from Rookie of the Year.
2. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Wembanyama continued his season trajectory over the last week, averaging a stifling 18.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 3.3 blocks and 1.0 steals. But the efficiency, 40% overall and just 22% from beyond the arc, has yet to see a rise.
There’s no question Wembanyama continues to be one of the greatest basketball prospects we’ve ever seen. But the sputtering Spurs and his shooting struggles have a hard time justifying a spot for him at No. 1.
Still, we’re only a chunk of the way into the season. If and when his splits rise, we’ll be looking at a 7-foot-4 phenom.
3. Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons
Despite Detroit’s woes as a team, individually, Ausar Thompson has continued to wow.
On the season, he’s now averaged 11.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.7 blocks, filling each and every stat sheet nightly.
His athleticism and frame has translated seamlessly, along with his obvious work ethic. The only thing left to come around will be his 3 point shot, which currently sits around 14% on the season.
4. Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets
5. Jordan Hawkins, New Orleans Pelicans
6. Dereck Lively II, Dallas Mavericks
7. Cason Wallace, OKC Thunder
8. Bilal Coulibaly, Washington Wizards
9. Keyonte George, Utah Jazz
10. Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat
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