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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CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 26: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks puts up a shot against Robin Lopez #42 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on October 26, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Hawks 91-86. 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 Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 26: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks puts up a shot against Robin Lopez #42 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on October 26, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Hawks 91-86. 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 Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

6. John Collins

(Last month’s ranking: 6)

The excellent play of John Collins so far this season has been a real unexpected treat for the Atlanta Hawks. An athletic big man, Collins had a great sophomore season at Wake Forest before declaring for the NBA Draft. Although he was not an unknown talent, he certainly wasn’t talked about in the top 10 players to be selected. After the Hawks took Collins at 19th overall, no one was sure where he would fit in.

Well, it didn’t take long to find out that they had gotten a steal in the draft. The ceiling for Collins is hard to tell right now because he has been playing so well. I am not sure if he is going to settle down or settle in at this point, but 6th in the rookies seems to be a pretty good spot for him for now.

Collins’ weaknesses appear to be with his shooting which really isn’t that bad at all. He could make a slight improvement there but the next most important thing is opportunity, something he does not have a whole lot of yet, averaging a little over 7 field goal attempts per game.

Collins’ stats: 11.1 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.1 bpg

CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 26: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls moves against Mike Muscala #31 of the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center on October 26, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Hawks 91-86. 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 Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 26: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls moves against Mike Muscala #31 of the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center on October 26, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Hawks 91-86. 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 Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

5. Lauri Markkanen

(Last month’s ranking: 5)

If I could go back and take back my words about any rookie going into this season, it would undoubtedly be Lauri Markkanen. A player I viewed as overrated and a potential draft bust has proven me very wrong through the first three months of the season. When the Chicago Bulls made the trade to move up and select Markkanen, a lot of people questioned the move. No one is questioning it now.

As far as areas that Markkanen could improve on, there aren’t many. Lauri leads the team in total points and total rebounds and has shot the ball at a very reasonable clip. His defense is a bit lackluster at times but that was expected when he came to the league. Chicago just needs to clean house in the power forward spot so Markkanen can get the minutes he deserves.

Lauri has been great this year and 5 would seem kind of low if not for the 4 players in front of him. I expect Markkanen to stay in the top 5 at the very least for the remainder of the season, but don’t be surprised to see him move up.

Markkanen’s stats: 14.7 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.3 apg