Current rookie ratings

NBA first-timers take time to adjust to the professional game. They struggle with their plays and are too eager to impress their respective teams and fans, to the point where errors and ill-advised plays are made. But there are a few who break thru the rookie wall and become solid contributors to their teams.

Rankings are based on their performances the past several games. This year’s #2 pick Lonzo Ball and #3 pick Jayson Tatum are on the top ten rookie performers as well as last year’s top pick Ben Simmons who came back from a foot injury and is officially playing his first NBA season.

Also appearing on the rookie list is Milos Teodosic of Serbia who joined the draft in 2009 but was undrafted. Another Serbian, Bogdan Bogdanovic, was drafted in 2014 but decided to play in the NBA just this season.

Confidence by the coaching staff gave these guys the ability to put up consistent numbers and as of the past week here’s the list compiled by Colin Ward-Henninger of CBS Sports but I ranked them according to their per game averages.

KYLE KUZMA (LAL, pick #27) – Because coach Luke Walton gave him the license to score, sometimes forcing his shots, this year’s steal of the draft averaged 21 points and 8 rebounds. He makes most of his shots thus he attracts defenders and taking this into consideration, he has to learn to find the open teammate.

DONOVAN MITCHELL (Utah, pick #13) – Coming back from a toe injury, Mitchell is lighting up the scoreboard with almost 20 points a game coupled with 5 rebounds and 3 assists. The Jazz are not sailing smoothly but Mitchell is welcome news with Rudy Gobert still out with a knee injury.

JAYSON TATUM (Boston, pick #3) – His play of late had become aggressive earning him per game averages of 17 points, 5 rebounds and a steal. He used to be selective with his shots but he’s now attacking the basket more often, getting contact and bringing him to the free throw line more often.

LONZO BALL (LAL, pick #2) – As of this writing, Ball still has to recover from a shoulder injury. Improving much on his shooting, he now averages 17 points per outing and dishes out a team-leading 8 assists per game. He must maintain his new-found shooting touch when he comes back from sick bay to help his struggling team.

BOGDAN BOGDANOVIC (Sacramento, 2014 pick #27) – As the highest paid rookie ever with a $36m, 3-year contract, the Serbian national player is giving justice to his salary. Known widely for his shooting, he has of late shown great court vision, his ability to work off pick-and-rolls. Bogdanovic averages 13 points and 4 assists the past week.

JOHN COLLINS (Atlanta, pick #19) – The power forward came in strong from a shoulder injury. He has helped the Hawks with defensive presence with almost two blocks a game, 7 rebounds and 12.3 points. His improved play will earn him additional minutes on the floor.

BEN SIMMONS (Philadelphia, 2016 top pick) – A foot injury sidelined Simmons for the whole of last season but he’s come to prove that he’s no draft bust. He’s a tall point guard at 6-10 and sometimes alternate at the small forward spot. Averaging 12 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists per game, defenders now take notice of his production

BAM ADEBAYO (Miami, pick #14) – He has become an able backup to Hassan Whiteside and is putting up impressive numbers each outing. As an offensive/defensive force inside the paint, Adebayo has become an important part of the Heat’s rotation. His per game averages of 10 points, 8 rebounds and a block helped his cause.

JORDAN BELL (GSW, pick #38) – He earned his spot on the Warriors’ rotation with his rebounding and hustle. The power forward is averaging a double-double in points and rebounds (10 points and 10 rebounds) plus 3 assists. He could be playing more minutes than Zaza Pachulia.

MILOS TEODOSIC (LAC, 2009 undrafted) – Coming from the Euro league after 8 seasons, Teodosic has freed Austin Rivers and Lou Williams from point guard duties which allows them to score more. Like most European players, he has good 3-point shooting that draws defenders and thus allows room for his accurate passes.

A few more rookies to watch are the Lakers’ Josh Hart, Chicago’s Lauri Markkanen, Zach Collins of Portland and OG Anunoby of Toronto.