{"id":37409,"date":"2021-02-17T11:05:04","date_gmt":"2021-02-17T16:05:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=37409"},"modified":"2021-02-17T11:05:04","modified_gmt":"2021-02-17T16:05:04","slug":"nba-rookies-rankings-february-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2021\/02\/17\/nba-rookies-rankings-february-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"NBA Rookies Rankings – February 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the league approaches the first third mark of its 2020-21 campaign, it\u2019s time to check out the current NBA rookies rankings. Teams and their respective rookies have played around 25-30 games, which equates to just about the one-third mark of the league\u2019s 72-game season. Rookies are beginning to carve out solidified roles while fans and media have enough of a sample size to make some early predictions on their young careers. For the most part, the top draft picks have played to or exceeded expectations while we\u2019ve seen a few players that may have been overlooked. Check out the NBA rookies rankings, February 2021 edition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

NBA Rookies Rankings: February 2021<\/b><\/h2>\n

LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets<\/b><\/h3>\n

Entering the middle of February, there\u2019s one name and one name only when considering Rookie of the Year Award favorites. That\u2019s LaMelo Ball<\/a> <\/strong>of the Charlotte Hornets<\/a>. Considered one of the most polarizing prospects entering the 2020 NBA Draft, Ball has completely changed the narrative. Through his combination of flashy plays and reliable statistics night in and night out, Ball is the top rookie in the NBA.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Through 28 games, Ball leads all rookies in points, rebounds, assists, and steals per game. He\u2019s averaging 14.6 points, 6.1 assists, 1.5 steals, and 6.2 rebounds each night. Perhaps the most surprising of these statistics has been his rebounding. Although the rookie stands at a modest 6-foot-6, Ball commands the point guard position and has shown a combination of ability and effort to grab so many rebounds each night.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With the third pick in the draft, it appears Charlotte has found its franchise centerpiece. The Hornets sit seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 13-15 record.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The only rookies in NBA history to make 7+ 3-pointers and have 10+ assists in the same game:<\/p>\n

\u25fe Steph Curry
\u25fe Jason Kidd
\u25fe LaMelo Ball<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfa5 @NBA<\/a>pic.twitter.com\/oNH1DKEEMN<\/a><\/p>\n

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) February 9, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n