NBA rookie rankings: Scottie Barnes, Evan Mobley in early race at the top

December 7, 2021 Sports

This rookie class is playing surprisingly well six weeks into the season and living up to the hype as one of the most talented and deepest draft classes in recent memory.

There’s a two-way race for the top spot between Toronto Raptors small forward Scottie Barnes and Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley. Cade Cunningham, the No. 1 pick in the 2021 draft, is starting to find his way after a slow start, and Oklahoma City point guard Josh Giddey is dishing out dimes, leading the rookie class in assists.

Here’s a look at Yahoo Sports’ updated NBA rookie power rankings.

1. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors
Previous ranking: No. 3

2021-22 stats: 15.1 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 3.2 apg

Barnes was plugged into the Raptors’ starting lineup from day one and is electrifying to watch with his long strides in the open court, no-look passes in transition and posterized dunks.

The 6-foot-9 wing struggled with his 3-point shot early, but he’s started to find his rhythm from deep, knocking down 10 3-pointers in the last four games. Barnes has already recorded three double-doubles and is 10th overall in offensive rebounds with 63 so far this season. He’s averaging over 35 minutes per game (13th most in the NBA) and is shooting 49% from the field.