An updated KIA Rookie Ladder is here: Could any of these players stop Victor Wembanyama?

Thursday, 29 February 2024 at 23:31

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The first update of the KIA Rookie Ladder after the All-Star break is here, and now it's safe to say that all of these young players have been around this new NBA world for several months. As we're approaching to the last stretch of the regular season, we'll take a look to analyse who's the favorite to win, and which are the Rookie of the Year contenders with seven weeks of competition left.

Two weeks of full NBA Action following the All-Star weekend, and we can see some newcomers to the ladder. The 4th and 5th pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, the twins Amen and Ausar Thompson, playing with the Houston Rockets and the Detroit Pistons respectively, are tied in the 10th spot. This is the first time that Amen joins the ladder. Ausar fell one spot regarding the last ladder update.

Another newcomer is OKC's Cason Wallace, who's been around the ladder all season long, but has now finally entered. His role as a sharpshooter has earned him this spot.

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Scoot Henderson, Portland Trail Blazers' 3rd pick of the Draft, will not be part of this top due to a hamstring injury that has kept him out since the All-Star.

Victor Wembanyama is still at the top of all the rookies and it looks like it will be nearly imposible for the rest to catch him. Holmgren has a tiny chance but if we check Victor's stats it's going to be very difficult for him to not win the ROY. 31 games of 20-plus points, 31 double-doubles, league-leader in shots blocked, the 5×5 game against the Lakers, it's just too much. Wenbanyama has become must see TV, or maybe must see in social media videos, where he reached 1 billion social-media video views.

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Chet Holmgren's arguments are legit, OKC's rookie is averaging 17.1 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 2.7 bpg. His plus/minus is way higher than Wemby' (+319/-178) and of course his impact combined with the record difference between San Antonio and Oklahoma City.

The top three rookies has maintained, this meaning that the third spot in the ladder is still owned by Charlotte Hornet's Brandon Miller. Averaging 16.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.4 apg the second pick of this draft continues to improve. His minutes, points, shots made and shots attempted are were the highest of any rookie in February.

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Brandin Podziemski returns as number 4. The Golden State Warriors have a record of 12-6 when he starts the game. He's doing a little bit of everything, scoring, rebounding and assisting. He also leads the entire NBA in charges drawn.

Jaime Jaquez Jr also retains his previous spot, recovered from a previous injury, he dropped 26 points in the Heat victory over the Sacramento Kings. He's shooting with amazing efficiency for a rookie, 52.4%.