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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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 05: Malik Monk #1 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball down the court against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on November 5, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 05: Malik Monk #1 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball down the court against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on November 5, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

10. Malik Monk

Malik Monk was one of those players that people knew they should be excited about going into the draft, but then fell when draft day finally came. His shooting was unquestionable and his athleticism was really put on display regularly while at Kentucky, yet he was overshadowed by his running-mate, De’Aaron Fox.

During the first few games of the season, Monk did not show what he was capable of, shooting the ball poorly despite heavy minutes. Combining for 13 points on 18% shooting through the first three games was certainly not how Monk pictured his NBA debut going. Since game three, however, Monk has definitely found his stride, averaging 13.4 points per game and shooting over 41% from the field.

Monk was on the outside looking in for a large part of the first month of the season, but his final game on November 1st put him over the edge, despite his semi-inconsistent play. In that game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Monk scored 25 points, including 5 three-pointers, on his way to a 59% shooting night. This just shows what Monk is capable of and something we will see more regularly from him as well.

Monk stats: 10.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.6 apg

MEMPHIS, TN – OCTOBER 26: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on October 26, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – OCTOBER 26: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on October 26, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

9. Dillon Brooks

One of the best surprises from the NBA draft so far this season, Dillon Brooks has been a great addition for the Memphis Grizzlies, who have utilized him well so far. His averages have been reasonable but already better than what many people believed he would be capable of this early in his career.

Brooks had a great, 3-year career at the University of Oregon where he was a key contributor to their success in all three seasons. He finished his junior year averaging 16.1 points per game, shooting nearly 50% from the field on his way to being named the Pac-12 Player of the Year. He was selected 45th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Brooks has definitely proven that he deserves the minutes that he gets from the Grizzlies and does not look to be slowing down any as the season continues. Keep an eye out for this young forward in the monthly rookie standings.

Brooks stats: 8.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.3 spg