The NBA season is being strongly hit by COVID-19. Canceling games, players being placed in protocols, it will be interesting to see how this affects the rest of the season and the extremes that could happen. COVID is now starting to affect our rookie rankings, placing Evan Mobley, Scottie Barnes, and Cade Cunningham on the COVID reserves list. With a brand new week done around the association, let’s look at some new faces who have performed well.
5. Corey Kispert, SF, Washington Wizards
Kispert finds his way to the list for the first time this season. The sharpshooter from Gonzaga is off to a slow start in his NBA career but this past week showed a glimpse of the possible future. The Edmonds, Washington native posted 20 points against the New York Knicks on an impressive 6-7 shooting. You can see that Kispert is a volume shooter. He just needs a couple, and then he’s off to the races. Once he becomes more comfortable playing in an NBA environment, I have no doubt he could become one of the league’s best shooters.
4. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder
Robinson- Earl makes the list for the first time, and it’s well-deserving. Drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round, the Kansas City, Missouri native has been an effective player off the bench. Averaging close to 22 minutes a game, Robinson-Earl makes all of them count. This past week he scored 14 points while also grabbing nine rebounds against the Denver Nuggets. He also scored 11 and then 15 against the Suns and Pelicans. A great leader and role player, Robinson-Earl has a bright career ahead of him.
3. Chris Duarte, SG, Indiana Pacers
Duarte finds his way back onto our list after headlining it for the first couple of weeks of the season. While he may have cooled off since his hot start, the shooting guard is finding his groove again with the Indiana Pacers. 16, 17, and 18 point performances this week against the Bulls, Rockets, and Heat gives Duarte a confident added boost he’s been missing from his game. He continues to shoot well, averaging 43 percent from the field. The future Is bright for the young Indiana rookie.
2. Josh Giddey, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder
An up and down week lands Giddey on our list. He started the week with two great performances against the Nuggets and Suns, combining for 31 points. Following Christmas, Giddey posted a double in the most Giddey way possible. While scoring 0 points on 0-8 shooting, the Melbourne Australia native found other ways to impact the court. He posted a double-double with ten rebounds and assist. One thing is for sure, if he can’t put the ball into the bucket, Giddey will find other ways to make an impact.
1. Franz Wagner, SF, Orlando Magic
Wagner is becoming one of the most reliable rookies in this draft class and most consistent as well. He has a true knack for doing all the intangibles, clearly showing so far into the season. Wagner continues his dominant form starting with a 25 point performance against the Atlanta Hawks. He followed that up with 20 against the New Orleans Pelicans and 13 against the Miami Heat. The Berlin, Germany native is filled with talent and continues to showcase it throughout the year with Orlando.
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