CSL Rookie Ladder 1.2 edition

[Andrewu91]

With the trade deadline passing and half the season being over, who still stands out as the top 5 rookies on winning teams?
*To be eligible, players must player 15 minutes or more and contribute to the teams success.

1. Kofi Cockburn - This man is by far the best rookie this year. He's a big reason why the Kings are fighting for a playoff spot. Averaging 19.6 points and over 8 rebounds a game, this versatile forward/center is on a mission to cement his place as having the best rookie season in a long time.

2. Aaron Epps - His impact on the Nuggets have by far made a great difference. As one of the older rookies, he was ready to play from the gate. Since last rookie edition, Epps keeps improving more and more. Averaging 14.9ppg-6.7rpg-1.4bpg on 51% shooting.
Some say he could be the favorite over Cockburn just because his team is far ahead of the Kings.

3. Keegan Murray - Sure his stats don't stand out, but his impact sure does. Taken #6 and shipped to Atlanta, he has gotten the chance to shine for the winning Hawks. Only playing 23 minutes and averaging 10 points, what more can you ask from a #6 pick on a winning team?

4. Ben Sheppard - You think this guy deserves to be #4 on this list? Probably not stat wise. But his impact far outweigh the stats. Sure he averages 6ppg-3rpg-2apg-1.3spg on 49% shooting. But when you dig in and see his defense and how much he limits and stops opposing players, that's the reason he is here. Also, his recent play as starter was superb. Against the Celtics, Sheppard scored 16 points to go with 4 rebounds and 2 steals in a win. The game after, he just scored 18 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals against the champion Brooklyn Nets.

5. Blake Wesley - Remember, these are the best rookies that contribute and help their teams win games, without the empty stats. Wesley averages 7.4ppg-2.5apg in only 16 minutes.

Top 5 if winning didn't matter:
___________________

1. Kofi Cockburn
2. Aaron Epps
3. Yago dos Santos
4. Bilal Coulibaly
5. Cade Cunningham

[cb4raptorscb4]

Cockburn definitely has this one in the bag, and Epps is a clear second. While I agree winning is important to an extent, it's hard to not put Santos in the top 5.

[Andrewu91]

Cockburn definitely has this one in the bag, and Epps is a clear second. While I agree winning is important to an extent, it's hard to not put Santos in the top 5.

Yeah I agree. Santo's definitely could be my starter and probably be a top 3 candidate. The guy is a baller.

But everyone has different opinions which is why I made this article about the best rookies that play a significant role on winning teams. Something different

[hardenwithnod]

Good stuff. Nice to see some other rookies emerging like Shepherd and Murray as the year went on.

[Flaming Homer]

With Kofi not showing any signs of slowing down, he is still the clear favorite. Epps looks great but it seems he just has the wrong season to be a rookie.

Good to see Murray up there, I really like what he brings to the table for us but other rookies are outperforming him so far. It is hard for a rookie in Atlanta, I just don't trust them enough and always bring them slowly around.

March 20 is soon and some of this guys will get the boost ... Kofi after his strong TC is set imo. That is just scary.

[Marcos_Beck]

Rookies are not supposed to be on winning teams and contribute to winning overall. This is not MVP.

They are supposed to play well on their own and show good development. Stats, efficiency, growth, opportunity to handle a big role playing against other teams’ best players, all that should matter more than winning. This should be the last thing that separates two equally good rookies.

We just had Wemby dominate the NBA and win ROY with the 22-60 Spurs even though Chet started on a super strong 57-25 OKC with good numbers as well.

1. Kofi (best stats, playing against other teams starters, leading his team in scoring)
2. Epps (amazing impact as 6th man, only player to even come close to Kofi)
3. Yago (solid offensive numbers, impressive efficiency, playing against the best in a starting role)
4. Coulibaly (regressed a bit lately, but still solid scoring and overall contributions as starter)
T5. Murray (very efficient in limited minutes and scoring opportunities, good 2-way contributor)
T5. Cade (raw stats looks great but advanced stats are really bad. Still contributes in many ways, deserves a spot)

[OneNole]

Since changing our system 20 some games ago and moving Monk epps is putting up better numbers than Cofi. I'd have to tally it back up, but was around 21 and 9 in 20.some games.

I'll add it back up when I get time.

[Andrewu91]

Rookies are not supposed to be on winning teams and contribute to winning overall. This is not MVP.

They are supposed to play well on their own and show good development. Stats, efficiency, growth, opportunity to handle a big role playing against other teams’ best players, all that should matter more than winning. This should be the last thing that separates two equally good rookies.

We just had Wemby dominate the NBA and win ROY with the 22-60 Spurs even though Chet started on a super strong 57-25 OKC with good numbers as well.

1. Kofi (best stats, playing against other teams starters, leading his team in scoring)
2. Epps (amazing impact as 6th man, only player to even come close to Kofi)
3. Yago (solid offensive numbers, impressive efficiency, playing against the best in a starting role)
4. Coulibaly (regressed a bit lately, but still solid scoring and overall contributions as starter)
T5. Murray (very efficient in limited minutes and scoring opportunities, good 2-way contributor)
T5. Cade (raw stats looks great but advanced stats are really bad. Still contributes in many ways, deserves a spot)

Respectfully disagree. There have been plenty of times rookies came in the NBA and took their teams from the lottery to the playoffs.

I can start at Wes Unseld/Wilt to Magic Johnson/Bird/Drob all the way up to Jasson Kidd and Grant Hill, to Duncan, Melo, Wade and recently Tatum/Ben Simmons.

[mgtr81]

McBride with the highest net value on a 34-25 team and helping to keep the team afloat in Brown's absence. Not in the conversation for the ROY award but I couldn't be happier with him.