Top 10 NBA Rookie Rankings, Part 3

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SAN ANTONIO,TX – NOVEMBER 27: LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs out rebounds Maximilian Kleber #42 of the Dallas Mavericks at AT&T Center on November 27, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. 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 Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

Honorable Mention

Maxi Kleber

Yet another team with 2 rookies making the list, and this time it is one we all like to see up there. Maxi Kleber has played great for the Dallas Mavericks over the past several weeks ever since being inserted into the starting lineup. His part in the starting lineup has helped make the Mavs a dangerous team once again.

While the Mavericks were in their tough early season stretch, there were a lot of concerns as to why it was happening. As it turns out, one of the main areas of concern was that Harrison Barnes was struggling being able to play on both ends of the court as a power forward. Dallas tried a few new lineups to move Barnes back to his natural position, but they struggled working side by side with Dirk.

Finally, Carlisle settled on the unknown rookie, viewing his size and athleticism as a perfect pair for Dirk that could keep Barnes at the 3. And it worked beautifully. Kleber deserves to be on this list thanks to his key contributions to the recent successes of the Dallas Mavericks.

Kleber’s stats: 6.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg, .527 FG%

Luke Kennard

For the first time so far this year, the former Duke sharpshooter is starting to bring his game to the NBA level. This shouldn’t come as a big surprise of course, as Kennard was a lottery pick with a whole lot of potential. It is nice to see the youngster getting some minutes out in Detroit though.

The main reason Kennard made honorable mention is because his three-point percentage is climbing to where it needs to be. He is a talented player in many aspects, but his strength in the NBA is going to be behind the arc, so it is refreshing to see that number going up.

Kennard’s stats: 6.3 ppg, 1.2 apg, .438 3P%

WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 13: Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Washington Wizards on December 13, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Dillon Brooks

Brooks has been one of the most consistent players on one of the most inconsistent teams so far this season. The Memphis Grizzlies are really struggling to find their identity as a team as they have fallen to 12-26 and nearly at the bottom of the western conference.

Despite that terrible team play, Dillon Brooks has been a nice addition from the 2nd round of the draft. Although he is not a major threat in any are of the game, he does a lot of things well and has been a versatile player for Memphis. As the team grows together, his presence will be even more helpful to the team.

Brooks’ stats: 7.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, .452 FG%

Frank Mason III

Mason has gone from a pretty strong college career to a non-existent stage at the beginning of the season and now to a regular contributor for the Sacramento Kings. It is time for everyone to take notice of this guy, who despite being a rookie, is a grown man and acts like it on and off the court.

Frank Mason III now has been honorable mention for back to back months and if he keeps playing the way he is, he could very easily move into the top 10 down the road. Nothing but respect for the former Jayhawk.