It’s been said again and again that this year’s NBA rookie class is one of the best we’ve had in a long time.
There is no denying the unparalleled talent that has recently entered the league – it’s off the charts.
However, even with all the skill that we are seeing from these youngsters, there are two that are constantly duking it out for the honor of Rookie of the Year.
While we won’t know who will win the prize for a few months, we have a pretty good idea that it will come down to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Evan Mobley and the Detroit Pistons’ Cade Cunningham.
Updated NBA Rookie of the Year Ladder, via @NBA:
1.) Evan Mobley
2.) Cade Cunningham
3.) Scottie Barnes
4.) Josh Giddey
5.) Franz Wagner
6.) Herbert Jones
7.) Chris Duarte
8.) Ayo Dosunmu
9.) Jalen Suggs
10.) Jalen Green— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 26, 2022
These two guys have been putting on a clinic and showing the rest of the NBA just how ready they are for primetime.
Of course, there can only be one who comes out on top.
So who will be the top rookie of this year when it’s all said and done: Mobley or Cunningham?
Mobley The Master
Perhaps what’s most impressive about Mobley is that he doesn’t play like a rookie.
When you watch the Cleveland center play, he looks like someone who has been participating in the NBA for years now.
His stat line is wild for a rook – 15 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks a game.
Those blocks are particularly impressive because you have to remember that he is blocking guys who have been in the league for years, true experts at basketball.
To convert college skills into a professional level of play in such a short time is downright astounding.
But Mobley isn’t just a great defender, he’s a great all-around player – another reason why he’s such a startlingly strong rookie.
As coach J.B. Bickerstaff told NBA.com, “It may not seem that way because of his demeanor, but he’s got a burning desire to do whatever it takes to win basketball games. And he knows that he’s got the skill to go get it done.”
And he really is getting it done every single game.
Cunningham Makes The Cut
For one brief moment in the beginning of the season, some people thought Cunningham wasn’t going to live up to his potential.
There is of course always a lot of pressure on the number one overall pick in the draft.
However, Cunningham has put those fears to rest and is now in commanding control of the Pistons.
You see his skills as he moves down the court, averaging 16.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists a game.
Cade Cunningham tonight:
34 PTS (career high)
8 REB
8 AST
6-9 3PHe passes Isiah Thomas as the youngest Piston ever with a 30/5/5 game. pic.twitter.com/TYHNDfs2Gm
— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 26, 2022
The Pistons are a troubled team, there is no doubt about that but Cunningham is one of the bright spots that show the future could be quite promising.
If Cunningham was on a stronger team – like Mobley is – his talent would shine even brighter.
There is hope that in the years to follow, the Pistons will beef up and become better – and there is little doubt that Cunningham will be at the center of the squad.
The Pistons made a great choice with Cunningham – now it’s just about them surrounding him with a team that can go far.
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