NBA Rookie Ladder: Wembanyama, Holmgren Lead Field in Week Zero

A first look at the rookie power rankings prior to the NBA’s Wednesday slate tipping off.

The NBA season is officially underway, with the league’s juggernauts duking it out on night one.

The Nuggets kept up their winning ways with a win over the Lakers, and the Suns overcame the Warriors onslaught despite no Bradley Beal. Lakers’ forward Maxwell Lewis was the only rookie to see action on opening night, taking the court for around a minute near the end of the game.

There will be 12 matchups on Wednesday, with most of the top rookies, including all 14 lottery picks, likely seeing their NBA debuts.

Here are the rookie power rankings before play officially kicks off for the rest of the league:

1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

The clear favorite to win the Rookie of the Year Award and an easy top choice for us on this list, the basketball world is waiting with bated breath as Victor Wembanyama is set to make his official NBA debut on Wednesday against the Mavericks.

The 7-foot-4 phenom dominated preseason play, and only stands to improve on both ends of the court as his debut season progresses.

2. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder

Holmgren — Wembanyama’s 7-foot counterpart — was drafted second overall in the 2022 draft, but unfortunately missed his initial season due to a Lisfranc injury in his foot.

Now, he’ll look to insert his elite rim protection, interior presence, floor stretching and more to a blossoming Thunder squad.

3. Scoot Henderson, Portland Trail Blazers

One key component to rookie success is opportunity. And with Damian Lillard’s departure from Portland, dynamo Scoot Henderson now has the point guard role shored up.

Now, we’ll see what he does with it. And if his high-flying, rim-rocking days with the G League Ignite tell us anything, we should be in for a show.

4. Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons

Ausar Thompson, selected fifth overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, looked to be one of the breakout rookies from preseason play. He started, displayed his innate athleticism early and often, hit a good amount of 3-pointers (a concern coming in) and generally looked the part.

He led all rookies in rebounds with around nine per game, and found ways to stuff the stat sheet in every contest he played. Ausar’s seamless fit and pathway towards replicable production lands him high on this list.

5. Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets

On the flip side, Amen Thompson, selected fourth overall, saw a bit more turbulent preseason. The talent bleeds through in obvious ways — athleticism, playmaking and more — but his fit with an already good Houston backcourt isn’t perfect.

Still, Thompson’s preternatural skill is going to shine through regardless of situation, so he’s a safe bet in the top five here. He capped his final preseason game with an impressive 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals.

6. Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets
7. Cam Whitmore, Houston Rockets
8. Keyonte George, Utah Jazz
9. Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat
10. Jarace Walker, Indiana Pacers

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