Tuesday, 14 May 2024

Kia Rookie Ladder: Chet Holmgren holds steady; Jamie Jaquez Jr. soars

New Orleans basketball player Jordan Hawkins may not have outperformed Chet Holmgren to become the Western Conference’s top rookie for October/November, but he has a unique opportunity that sets him apart from the other rookies on the Ladder. Hawkins will be playing in the NBA’s new In-Season Tournament games in Las Vegas this week, experiencing the bright lights and big stage. It’s a significant milestone for both Hawkins and the Pelicans as they work towards returning to the playoffs. Hawkins’ potential playing time in the Semifinals against the Lakers on Thursday is something to look out for.

Weekly Recap

  • Chet Holmgren has solidified his position as the top rookie in the West, receiving the monthly award for his outstanding performance. He has been leading the Oklahoma City Thunder with an average of 17.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 53.7% from the field.
  • Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat, drafted 18th overall in the East, has earned his conference’s first rookie prize with 12 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and one steal per game. He has been shooting at an impressive 52.9%, including 39% from beyond the arc.
  • Despite a close competition, Victor Wembanyama couldn’t surpass Holmgren this week. The NBA recognized Holmgren as the number one rookie for November. Wembanyama rested in the Spurs’ only game so far in December.
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Storyline to Watch

One storyline to keep an eye on is the delayed launch of several top 20 draft picks. Due to various factors such as injuries, roster logjams, and gradual development, we have yet to witness consistent contributions from these prospects. Some of them include Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore from the Houston Rockets, Jarace Walker from the Indiana Pacers, Taylor Hendricks from the Utah Jazz, and Jett Howard from the Orlando Magic. With three-quarters of the regular season remaining and opportunities for G League experience, there is still ample time for these rookies to make an impact.

Latest Ranking

  1. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder

    • Season stats: 17.6 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 2.2 bpg
    • Last Ladder: 1
    • Draft pick: No. 2 (2022)

    Holmgren continues to impress as he leads the Thunder with his exceptional scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities. He recently recorded his seventh double-double of the season against the Dallas Mavericks, along with four blocks.

  2. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

    • Season stats: 19.3 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 2.7 bpg
    • Last Ladder: 2
    • Draft pick: No. 1

    Wembanyama has been a consistent scorer, averaging over 21 points per game in his last four outings before sitting out due to rest. Despite initial concerns about his playing time, he has been proving his worth on both ends of the court.

  3. Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets

    • Season stats: 14.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.0 apg
    • Last Ladder: 5
    • Draft pick: No. 2 overall

    Miller’s usage rate has increased in the absence of LaMelo Ball, and he has shown great poise and playmaking abilities. As he continues to gain more minutes and a bigger role, his contributions to the Hornets are expected to grow.

  4. Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat

    • Season stats: 12 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.6 apg
    • Last Ladder: 6
    • Draft pick: No. 18

    Jaquez has been making a significant impact for the Heat, demonstrating the value of four-year college experience. He ranks in the top five in nine individual categories and has shown his reliability by playing the entire fourth quarter in multiple games.

  5. Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons

    • Season stats: 10.7 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 2.7 apg
    • Last Ladder: 4
    • Draft pick: No. 5

    Thompson has faced some challenges, including the Pistons’ losing streak and a facial fracture. However, he continues to contribute with his rebounding and playmaking abilities. As he adapts to the NBA, his growth potential remains promising.

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FAQs

  1. Will Jordan Hawkins play in the NBA’s new In-Season Tournament games in Las Vegas?

    • Yes, Hawkins will be competing in the tournament, offering him a chance to showcase his skills on a big stage and under the bright lights. His playing time and performance will be worth watching.
  2. Who is the current top rookie in the Western Conference?

    • Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder is currently the top rookie in the Western Conference. He has been consistently delivering impressive performances and recently received the monthly award for his outstanding play.
  3. Which rookies have shown promising potential but have yet to make significant contributions?

    • Several top 20 draft picks, such as Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore from the Houston Rockets, Jarace Walker from the Indiana Pacers, Taylor Hendricks from the Utah Jazz, and Jett Howard from the Orlando Magic, have faced obstacles that have delayed their impact. However, with ample time remaining in the season, there is still an opportunity for them to showcase their talents and contribute to their respective teams.

Summary

In this article, we discussed the latest updates on the Kia Rookie Ladder, focusing on Chet Holmgren’s continued dominance and Jamie Jaquez Jr.’s impressive performance. We also highlighted the delayed launch of several top 20 draft picks and their potential for growth in the coming months. The rankings provided insight into the top-performing rookies in the league, including their statistics and draft positions. Overall, the rookie class of this season has shown great promise, and we look forward to witnessing their development as the season progresses.

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Remember to visit the official website of Osceolagarage.com for more articles and updates on the NBA rookie landscape.

Sources: Osceolagarage.com