With the 2021-22 NBA season now in full swing, we’re watching Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Gianis Antetokounmpo and the usual suspects light up the league. This year isn’t just about the veteran superstars, but the next batch of upcoming stars. It’s just as exciting to see how NBA rookies are making impact on their teams and exciting their fanbase.
This is not only interesting but can work out well for betting on the NBA. Once you know who the top rookies are, you can factor this in when placing a bet on matches they are involved with. Just remember to find the best odds for any bets you place that involve top rookies. A good tip is using Odds Preview to help. This trustworthy site brings together the best NBA odds in one place to look at and choose from.
Before we get to ahead of outselves, let’s get acquainted with the top performing NBA rookies after the first 10 or so games.
Top NBA rookies of the 2021-22 season (10 games in)
Scottie Barnes Flashback to the 2021 NBA Draft a couple months ago and the selection of Barnes at #4 was surprised most observwers. It turns out the Toronto Raptors knew what they were doing when looking at the best NBA rookies from this year’s class. Playing as a small/power forward, Scottie has shown excellent form at both ends of the court to date. Many have been impressed with his offensive play for Toronto. For example, against the Magic, he had a 64.3% shot average and put up 21 points, a couple of steals, and nine rebounds.
His shooting so far has been so superb, and with a solid defense to his game, Barnes is having a fantastic rookie year to date. With a busy Raptor’s schedule to get through still, everyone in Toronto will be hoping Barnes continues to grow.
Evan Mobley Selected at third in the 2021 NBA draft by the Cavs, rookie Evan Mobley looks a star in the making. Giving us a modern-day Tim Duncan vibe, Mobley is not only efficient on the offensive end (~15 points on 52% from the field) but his defensive play (contesting the most shots in the league, defended field goal average, and blocking 1.3 shots a game) is elite. Full of energy, hustle, and agility, his performance paired with Jarrett Allen, the two towers are the driving force behind a surprising 7-4 Cleveland Cavaliers squard.
Jalen Green Though Green plays on the worst team among the rookies in this ranking, that can’t be put on the 19 year old. Out of all the players, Green has been the most-exciting; often making ESPN highlights with his high-flying dunks and step back threes. Green is averaging 13.6 points for the 1-9 Houston Rockets. He’s not shooting very well (35.3% FG% abd 28.6% 3FG%), but that’s to be expected for a new player on an unsuccessful team.
Franz Wagner Franz Wagner has enjoyed a solid first season in Orlando so far and is actually the rookie of note on the Orlando Magic outplaying #5 draft pick Jalen Suggs. Not only has he shown a knack for getting to the rim, but he is also slotting in 3 pointers like a more experienced player. Wagner also looks to have something special in his locker and a level of exciting unpredictability. His impressive dunk against the Timberwolves is an excellent example of this and will build his confidence even more for the rest of the year.
The 2021-22 roookie class is strong
One of the best parts of any season is looking at how the players drafted perform once the action starts. The current year is no exception, and the above players look likely to be on many peoples’ list of outstanding rookies already.
Even though some of the highest drafted players have yet to find their stride and rhythm, including #1 pick Cade Cunningham, #5 Jalen Suggs, and #7 Jonathan Kuminga, this class is looking to be one of the better and most-promising draft classes in recent memory.
