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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PHOENIX, AZ – NOVEMBER 13: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts on the court during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 13, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – NOVEMBER 13: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts on the court during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 13, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

4. Lonzo Ball

When the NBA season began, all eyes were on new rookie sensation and Lakers (hopeful) new face of the franchise. Despite not turning heads immediately, Ball has proven one thing consistently thus far: he is a very well-balanced player. Ball appears to be a triple-double machine in the making as he has already been close to one on multiple occasions, struggling more with the scoring aspect than the other areas.

Lonzo Ball was not just the talk of the town when he came to the NBA, as the number two overall pick was a well-known player all through his lone season at UCLA. Of course, much of his publicity has come thanks to his very outspoken father but, you know what they say, “There’s no such thing as bad publicity.” That’s not to take away from his game though as he was quickly identified as maybe the best passer that NCAA basketball has seen in quite some time.

Ball may be slipping on this list as he hasn’t had a really strong showing over the past few games, but there is no denying his level of game. We will have to see if he gets overtaken by fellow rookie Laker Kyle Kuzma, who has been more impressive in many ways already. Ball is going to have a tough time living up to his reputation regardless of how he plays.

Ball stats: 10.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 7.0 apg

3. Lauri Markkanen

After a long road from college to draft to NBA, Markkanen has finally found his sweet spot and has earned the respect he has worked so hard for. Through the first few weeks of the NBA season, Markkanen has shown to be an efficient scorer from all over the court, as well as a good rebounder with his 7’0 frame.

Despite his early season success, Markkanen took a tough road to the NBA. Before the draft came around, Markkanen was presumed to be one of the better talents available, despite being just a freshman at the University of Arizona. As the draft drew closer, however, worries started to form about Lauri, who’s draft stock dropped nearly out of the lottery range. Then, on a whim, the Chicago Bulls traded up to take a chance on the big man and it has gone well for them so far.

Markkanen has landed himself in a pretty good situation with the Chicago Bulls who have been down a couple big men so far this season. He has definitely ironed out minutes for himself, no matter how quickly Bobby Portis and Nikola Mirotic come back to the team, but a clogging at the 4 and 5 positions would not help his numbers in any way. Only time will tell what Markkanen can do in a fully healthy roster.

Markkanen stats: 17.2 ppg, 9.3 rpg, .447 FG%