Ranking the top-10 NBA rookies and sophomores: Where is Cade Cunningham?
Top-10 rookies and sophomores in the NBA: Cade Cunningham could be atop this list by next season
#6: Scottie Barnes- Toronto Raptors
Scottie Barnes is another guy who some people thought was a reach when he was drafted 4th by the Raptors, as many fans thought Jalen Suggs was the clear choice.
Suggs may end up better than Barnes, but right now, Barnes is one of the frontrunners for Rookie of the Year after a fantastic all-around start for Toronto.
We knew Barnes was going to be ready to defend right away but he has also showed the ability to run the offense and is a monster in transition.
He’s averaging 14.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists and up until recently was ahead of Cade Cunningham on the Rookie Ladder.
#5: Cade Cunningham- Detroit Pistons
As big of a Homer as I am, I can’t put Cade Cunningham any higher than this right now, though I think that could change by the end of the season, as he has really been coming on and reminding fans why he was the #1 pick.
light. Related Story. Cade Cunningham's ejection shows big problem with NBA refs
Cunningham was injured in the offseason and got off to a slow start, but over his last 18 games he has averaged 17.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists while shooting 44.4% overall and 39.6% from long range.
That has brought him up to 15.7/5.6/5.3 on the season and he has shown himself to be a leader who makes everyone around him better. He’s a underrated defender, averaging 1.3 steals per game, which is second among rookies.
The only thing holding him back on this list is his high number of turnovers and his inefficient shooting, both of which have been better of late and are mostly a result of him being asked to do pretty much everything for the Detroit Pistons on offense.
I think if we redo this list in a few years, Cade Cunningham will be number one.