The Smoking Cuban
FanSided

Ranking the NBA Rookies After the First Month

By Kohl Rast

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 1: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Sacramento Kings on November 1, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 1: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Sacramento Kings on November 1, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – NOVEMBER 1: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Sacramento Kings on November 1, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – NOVEMBER 1: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Sacramento Kings on November 1, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

There have been some really incredible games by this rookie class already and there is a lot more in store for us. Here is a list of the top 10 rookies through the first month of the season, with some honorable mention. (This ranking ended at the end of the day on November 1st. All games after that day will be reflected in next month’s ranking).

For the sake of arguing the 2017 NBA Draft class, I have removed Ben Simmons from the ranking, but still want to point out that he has had some unbelievable performances in his first active NBA season. He would likely be at number one if included.

That said, the members of the 2017 NBA Draft class have made themselves known in the league early and often so far with excellent performances from a number of players. This class has not only shown that they can score, pass, and rebound in their own respective areas of expertise, but most of them have shown great versatility as well.

Some players have not panned out yet. It is still very early in the season and things are most likely going to change for them, but it does not change the fact that their teams were hoping for more right out the gate.

Others have crushed expectations, taking their lowered draft stock and making a name for themselves already. Some of these players have been quietly efficient while others have taken the NBA by storm. They still have a lot of time before we can see if they’ll come back down to earth but, for now, they find themselves included on this list.

Let’s start with some of the players who have not quite hit expectations yet.