The Smoking Cuban
FanSided

Top 10 NBA Rookie Rankings, Part 3

By Kohl Rast

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Front Row (L-R) - OG Anunoby, Dennis Smith, Malik Monk, Luke Kennard, Lonzo Ball, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Markelle Fultz, De'aaron Fox, Frank Ntilikina, Justin Jackson, Back Row (L-R) Bam Adebayo, Jonathan Isaac, Justin Patton, Lauri Markkanen, Jayson Tatum, Josh Jackson, Zach Collins, Donovan Mitchell and TJ Leaf pose for a portrait prior to the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Front Row (L-R) - OG Anunoby, Dennis Smith, Malik Monk, Luke Kennard, Lonzo Ball, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Markelle Fultz, De'aaron Fox, Frank Ntilikina, Justin Jackson, Back Row (L-R) Bam Adebayo, Jonathan Isaac, Justin Patton, Lauri Markkanen, Jayson Tatum, Josh Jackson, Zach Collins, Donovan Mitchell and TJ Leaf pose for a portrait prior to the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 26: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heathtb. against the Orlando Magic on December 26, 2017 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 26: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heathtb. against the Orlando Magic on December 26, 2017 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

10. Bam Adebayo

(Last month’s ranking: unranked)

A newcomer to the Top 10 list, Bam Adebayo is finally starting to produce more like a lottery pick and it is being noticed. Known as a great defensive prospect, Adebayo is starting to show his offensive prowess as well.

Despite playing with two of the more highly touted players from this year’s draft class, Adebayo was still able to make his name known in Kentucky. Many credit this to the team and to Coach John Calipari, but Bam is out there to prove to people that he deserved to be selected when he was.

For Adebayo to have a shot at moving up on the list, he will really have to pick up his production. Playing for the Miami Heat will not move him up the list too far in itself, so he needs to be more of a standout player than he currently is. Still, Bam Adebayo earned his spot on this list.

Adebayo’s stats: 6.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg, .598 FG%

DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 29: Josh Jackson #20 of the Phoenix Suns looks to the sidelines during the third quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 29, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit defeated Phoenix 131-107. 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 Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 29: Josh Jackson #20 of the Phoenix Suns looks to the sidelines during the third quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 29, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit defeated Phoenix 131-107. 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 Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

9. Josh Jackson

(Last month’s ranking: 9)

Continuing on the theme so far, Josh Jackson continues to be mostly underwhelming so far in his career. Although he has had reasonable production for the first three months of his career, he certainly has not had the production that was expected of him as a 4th overall pick.

The good news for those who support Josh Jackson is that he still has a long way to go before he reaches his potential. He does seem like the kind of player that will grow each year and that would be nice for him and for the Phoenix Suns who have a lot of solid young talent.

For Josh Jackson to move up in the standings, he will need to show more regularity in his scoring and rebounding. As a forward in the league, and especially at 6’8″, you should be getting more than 3.5 rebounds per night. I realize that he is on the same team with Tyson Chandler and a few other solid rebounders, but his numbers are lower than they should be. I still expect him to move up in the rankings some time this season.

Jackson’s stats: 9.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.0 spg