NBA rookie rankings: Kon Knueppel, Cooper Flagg and Derik Queen are on the rise: who is number 1?
We’re about a quarter of the way through the NBA regular season and it’s time to check out the rookies. This is where things get interesting from a valuation perspective. If the start of the season is full of hope and optimism, this part of the program brings a bit of reality.
Form, opportunity and context will rule the day with young players, but now we can see how the league has adapted to the rookies and how the rookies are reacting to how the league has adapted to them.
Announcement
Scouting reports have been updated. What are these beginners asked to do every night? Is the game slowing down for them? Do their opponents treat them differently? Let’s take a look at the top 10 rookies.
1. Kon Knueppel, Hornets
Consistent, high-level production isn’t always the hallmark of a rookie campaign, but that’s exactly what made Knueppel’s start stand out. Knueppel is the first player in NBA history to make 50 3-pointers in his first 15 career games, and the first Hornets rookie to score 20 points in at least 10 of his first 20 career games. The shooting technique speaks for itself, but he is using those skills to open drives.
Announcement
On dribble passes or pick-and-rolls, a quick look at the rim keeps defenders off-balance. His confidence continues to grow as he looks to initiate contact when he turns the corner. Whether with or without the ball, he works to get out of the blocks tight to open up space to attack. It was fun watching Knueppel fight as a screen, creating flat angles to slide into space with defenses working to rotate and take him away.
2. Cooper Flagg, Mavericks
Growth is the name of the game for Flagg, who faced some early season struggles and turned things around for the better. The 18-year-old, who is fourth in the NBA in scoring (52 points on 13-of-27 shooting from the field), has found greater comfort and confidence over the past month.
Announcement
In November, 26.1% of Flagg’s field goal attempts came in the restricted area (where he shot 75.4%). He’s working on getting his head down and getting to his spots, and showing more patience in waiting on screens and positioning his defender. And if the defense cuts him off on those drives, he’s working to turn, hit and finish. Dallas has him attack more mismatches as the season progresses. The more help he gets from these impulses, the more he can show his passing ability. This aggressiveness will improve how Dallas can use Flagg in different offensive ways.
3. Cedric Coward, Grizzlies
The 3-point shooting Coward showed early in the season has slowed (30.7% from 3s in November), but his confidence and impact have remained high. Coward has worked his way into the starting lineup and his versatility on and off the ball has helped the team grow.
Announcement
The nature of Memphis’ offensive flow led to more opportunities for Coward to attack in pick-and-rolls or handoffs. Even if he gets to his spot in the mid-range, I’m intrigued to watch his mentality on drives. He has the size and length, but looks like he could be even more physical as he gets deeper into the paint. His passing ability on drives has stood out though, as he finds ways to make late passes when engaging the defense in space.
4. VJ Edgecombe, 76ers
Edgecombe’s score dropped. It could be that multiple teams are working to take his shot away. It could be the returns of Paul George and Jared McCain. It could be his return from injury. Or it could simply be the fact that his 3-point shot isn’t falling at the same clip. Either way, everything should balance out, and it’s clear he remains a key piece for this Sixers team.
Announcement
One good thing is that he’s still willing to let it fly from the depths. He just needs to remember that it was the mix of shots and shots that led to the hot start (10.6 shots per game in October, 6.4 shots per game in November).
5. Derik Queen, Pelicans
Since James Borrego took over as interim coach, the Pelicans have been more than willing to play Queen, who has shown his unique versatility during this time. Allowing him to operate at the top of the key highlights his true strength: passing. If you haven’t seen Queen’s death, it will quickly rise in your “that cute guy” ranking. And when defenses work to eliminate cutters, he’s also not afraid to attack 1v1 and drive.
Announcement
Even though it seems like you can pressure him on the perimeter, he’s physical, understands angles and can turn the corner. He also has good footwork, with the ability to turn and finish if you cut him. One area of opportunity comes on the defensive end, where he needs to do his job upfront. This will push him to make multiple efforts and avoid fouls.
6. Jeremiah Fears, Pelicans
When it comes to rookies, Fears has the longest streak of 10+ points scored (19 games). He may also unofficially lead all rookies in tackling whoever (looking at you Luka Dončić and Jimmy Butler). The lightning speed with which Fears operates on the court speaks for itself, but you can see how the Pelicans have embraced it. Fears used quick rebounds or outlets from made baskets as opportunities to attack before defenses were set. And his extraordinary mid-court explosion serves to manipulate defenders.
Announcement
What struck me most is his constant physicality. He launches himself at defenders in the area. And to add to the “Zero Miedo” bucket, Fears’ passing to Julius Randle and direct guarding Anthony Edwards last week was fun.
7. Dylan Harper, Spurs
Harper’s return to the lineup comes with a minutes restriction to ease his return, but it also presents an opportunity as Spurs await the return of Victor Wembanyama. My favorite rookie trivia is that the Spurs are 9-1 this season when Harper plays 15 or more minutes (gotta use him while I can).
Harper’s poise and composure continue to shine. If defenses give him space, he is determined to take what he is given. Being a patient driver and astute ball handler, he gets to his place without needing to use top speed. He also pushes back in the pick-and-roll to throw defenses off balance, employing a steady pace to scout the floor. Defenders aren’t sure if he’s trying to turn the corner or set up to get a mid-range shot. I’m curious to see how his middle game grows and how he handles multiple teams trying to pressure him.
Announcement
8. Ryan Kalkbrenner, Hornets
As of this writing, Kalkbrenner is the only player in the NBA to have four or more blocks and four or more steals in a single game. His defense continues to stand out, as he showcases a mix of communication and rim protection every night.
Kalkbrenner also found his way as a screener, making sure to get contact and rolling toward the basket. While he isn’t the fastest player, he knows how to get into position to get lobs or passes around the dunk spot. If he can continue to improve on both ends, the Hornets can’t help but be pleased with their young core.
Announcement
9. Ace Bailey, Jazz
Since entering the starting lineup, Bailey is shooting 52.6 percent from the field, 40.3 percent from 3, and demonstrating the scoring ability many believed in entering this season. The movement of the Jazz’s offense gives Bailey the opportunity to score in a more structured manner. The wide pindowns allow him to execute the pull-up jump shot with ease.
Instead of the dribbles that many imagined, there is a mix of passes and cuts to bring him downhill. Others’ drive-and-kicks also open up cleaner 3-point looks. The more he can get involved in these types of quick plays, the better it is for Utah and Bailey’s overall growth.
Announcement
10. Ryan Nembhard, Mavericks
Nembhard is the first undrafted rookie in NBA history to score 25 points and have 10 or more assists with zero turnovers. He is the first undrafted rookie with 15+ consecutive points and 10 assists. And his presence helped steady the Mavericks ship.
The rookie point guard consistently gets the ball where he needs it, lets the play come to him and doesn’t force plays. He probes the defense by changing speeds, but his vision of the field is what opens things up. If you show help, the ball will go to the open man.
Don’t let the direction fool you either. The goal mentality is there and he immediately found comfort in shooting against drop defenses. If you don’t believe me, find the film that puts him side by side with Andrew Nembhard Secchi. It’s disturbing and you won’t be able to unsee it.