NBA Rookie Report Cards: The Top Three

Grading the 2023 rookies’ debut seasons in the NBA.

With the postseason well under way, most of the league’s top rookies are beginning their first full NBA offseason. Keegan Murray is still out there battling for the Sacramento Kings, but other than that, most of the 2022-23 debut seasons have come to a close. This means it’s time to look back and reflect on these campaigns. The grades I assign to these rookies will not solely revolve around their first-year performance, but rather will focus on the level of optimism they’ve earned in regards to their future outcome relative to draft position.

Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic: A+

First Overall Pick

The top pick in last year’s draft was the heavy preseason favorite to win Rookie Of The Year. It’s safe to say that Banchero not only met expectations, but greatly exceeded them.

The runaway top rookie showed all the makings of a superstar in the midst of one of the best debut seasons in recent memory. The Magic’s young stud averaged 20 points, seven rebounds, and four assists while notching six games scoring at least 30. The 6-foot-10, 250-pound forward is a perfect blend of physical specimen and high-level skill.

He uses his physicality to bully his way to buckets on the interior and rack up free throw attempts. Additionally, his smooth pull-up mid-range shot and shrewd passing instincts make him a potent, versatile, offensive weapon. Banchero is already well on his way to stardom, and his skill set indicates nothing but even more upside. Awarding him anything lower than an A+ for his performance this season would simply be inaccurate.

Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder: N/A

Second Overall Pick

Holmgren didn’t play a second this season due to a foot injury suffered in the summer, so he can’t really earn a grade. Still, there’s good reason to consider this season a success for him. His Thunder greatly exceeded expectations, making the play-in tournament behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-level play. 

Furthermore, Josh Giddey and fellow rookie Jalen Williams displayed tangible all-star upside, expediting the organization’s rebuilding process. What Oklahoma City really lacked, though, was a center, which Holmgren will take care of once he suits up. The 7-foot-1 big man is a lockdown defensive player and brings a talented offensive game as well. He’ll get the chance to step in and be a franchise cornerstone for the Thunder in no time.

Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets: B

Third Overall Pick

Smith Jr.’s pre-draft experience was certainly something. For weeks, he was regarded as a lock to be the number one overall pick. Then just a day before the draft, rumors released that Banchero was truly Orlando’s top target, and those murmurs proved to be true. 

As a result, the former Auburn Tiger found himself in Houston, ready to join a talented, but disorganized young core. The 6-foot-10 shooter got off to a slow start in the league, which is nothing out of the ordinary. Particularly, his 3-ball, the calling card of his offensive repertoire, wasn’t falling. Through his first 61 games, he shot south of 30% from deep. 

However, in his last 18 games he converted 36.4% of these attempts en route to averaging 16.4 points per game. Additionally, the Georgia native played impressive defense throughout the season, exhibiting proficiency well beyond his years on that end of the floor. While Smith Jr. played some impressive ball down the stretch, he’s yet to display signs of real star upside the Rockets would like out of their third overall pick. Due to this, he receives a solid B grade.

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