This season's NBA rookie rankings are out, and Victor Wembanyama is almost the obvious choice for Rookie of the Year, but who will be selected for the rookie team?
The list of the top five NBA rookies this season and who should be selected to the NBA rookie first and second teams is as follows.
1. Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio Spurs
2023-24 stats: 71 games, 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.6 blocks, 1.2 steals, 46.5% shooting, 32.5% three-point shooting
What a season it has been for Victor Wembanyama, who is about to become Rookie of the Year to score at least 20 points in 71 games and seems to have a quadruple-double every other night. In fact, he was able to do so almost every night in the final games of the season, averaging 25.0 points, 12.8 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 5.6 blocks per game to finish the season with a quadruple-double.
Wembanyama ended the regular season leading all rookies, including points (1,522), field goals (551), rebounds (755), blocks (254) and steals (88). Perhaps the craziest statistic associated with Wembanyama is that he shoots 46.2 percent from the field on step-back three-pointers, the highest of any man in the league (no less than 50 three-point attempts).
It's no joke, the step-back three-pointer that made James Harden the MVP is such an iconic move that it changed the landscape of his career and the NBA.
At his peak, in 2020, 30% of Harden's shots were step-back three-pointers, while he shot 37% from the field.
Holmgren and Miller's seasons may have merit, but at the end of the day, Wembanyama must be the unanimously recognized Rookie of the Year this season. The league has never really seen a player like him, and it's a disturbing thought that the French phenom could get even better.
2. Chet Holmgren – Oklahoma City Thunder
2023-24 stats: 82 games, 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, 53.0% shooting, 37.0% three-point shooting
Many tend to think of Holmgren as just a role player, but he, like Jalen Williams, is the second-most important player on the Thunder team behind Shai Gilgeos-Alexander. Averaging more than 16 points per game and approaching eight rebounds per game is no easy feat. Just like his job as a basket protector on the defensive end.
Regarding the Thunder's rookie, the truth is that his team wouldn't have been able to claim the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference without his role. Kyrgios-Alexander and head coach Mark Dynho played a major role in the Thunder's growth from 40 to 57 wins, but with Holmgren on the lineup, they immediately became a title threat.
He can make a difference from any position on the court, and his shooting confidence will only grow as he matures. Although Wembanyama will be an All-Star in San Antonio, he won't be with the Thunder for long, and we'd say the same is true for Chet on the Thunder.
3. Brandon Miller – Charlotte Hornets
2023-24 stats: 74 games, 17.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 44.0% shooting, 37.3% three-point shooting
At the start of the season, Brandon Miller was still figuring out his role with the Hornets. He didn't get many shots and seemed to struggle to adapt when playing next to LaMelo Ball. But once Ball was injured, Miller rose to the occasion and became the heart of the Hornets' offense.
The rookie's scoring average has increased month over month, and his shooting percentage has improved. Miller's composure on the ball is also evident. Entering a new era of Hornets basketball, Miller will clearly be the centerpiece of the team, alongside Ball.
Given his height and arm length, Miller can do just about anything on the court. He definitely has the potential to become an All-Star caliber player.
4. Aiman Thompson – Houston Rockets
2023-24 stats: 62 games, 9.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals, 53.6% shooting
When he's healthy, Ayman Thompson is a key factor for the Houston Rockets. He's played a big part in their astonishing 11-game winning streak, and he's shown to be able to do both ways throughout the season.
What's more, when the ball is in his hands, the Rockets' offense flourishes. In the final four games of the season, Thompson averaged 15.8 points, 11.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game. He also recorded three double-doubles at the end of the season and a triple-double in the final game.
Because of his size, Thompson can handle players in any position on the defensive end, and he has all the makings to be an all-defensive player. That's why he's in the top five of the NBA's rookie rankings this season.
5. Brantin Potstimsky – Golden State Warriors
2023-24 stats: 74 games, 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 45.4% shooting, 38.5% three-point shooting
Nothing can describe the impact Brandin Potstemski has had on the Golden State Warriors this season. He may not always score as many of his peers as he does in the game, but Potstimski is always willing to give everything for the team.
When the ball misses, Potstemyski pounces desperately. When a 50-50 ball bounces off the rebound, Potstimsky goes for it. When the Warriors need a defensive stoppage, Potstekinski steps up. In fact, Potstimsky has attracted 38 fouls from all players this season.
From starting to bridging the gap between the first and second teams, Potstemisky has proven himself to be the best "glue man" for the 2023 draft. He's definitely on the rookie team and should be among the NBA rookie rankings.
Rookie First Team: Victor Wembanyama (SAS), Chet Holmgren (OKC), Brandon Miller (CHA), Ayman Thompson (HOU), Brandin Potstekyski (GSW)
Rookie Team 2: Hammer Hakiz Jaquez (MIA), Derek Levy II (DAL), Kioent George (UTA), Scout Henderson (POR), G.G. Jackson (MEM)