NBA Rookie Ladder ranks: Tatum #1, Fultz #4, Nader #10, Ball unranked

[CelticsElite]

http://www.nba.com/article/2017/07/08/kia-rookie-ladder-boston-celtics-jayson-tatum-impressive-start


Article written before game on Saturday:
1. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Not merely the best rookie in Salt Lake City, Tatum was one of the best players at any experience level, averaging 18.7 points and 9.7 rebounds while shooting 46.8 percent in three games. That put him fourth in scoring and second on the boards. The Celtics were off Friday, but Tatum, the third pick in the draft, will be right back in the spotlight Saturday against the Lakers and Lonzo Ball, the second selection, even if they won’t be matched up.

10. Abdel Nader, Boston Celtics
The experience of 2016-17 as one of the top prospects in the D-League while playing for the Celtics affiliate in Portland, Maine, was obvious in Salt Lake City. Nader averaged 14.7 points, shot 48.6 percent and defended multiple positions. Anything helps in the attempt to fight through the Boston depth chart to avoid another full season in the minors.

[aefgogreen]

I've been saying from day one he's the best choice.  I mean, saying it in my head.  In public, I was saying they should have kept the first pick and drafted Fultz so my cover wasn't blown.

[kozlodoev]

That's it, the 76ers should have picked Luke Kennard. Fire Colangelo now. 

[obnoxiousmime]

Tatum was always a popular choice for rookie of the year before the draft due to his advanced offensive game and maturity, though that may not happen now that he won't play as many minutes as he would on a lottery team. The real question is who will be best a few years down the road.

[Vermont Green]

Tatum has looked great.  No doubt.  Too early to be trying to draw conclusions though.  I think both Tatum and Fultz are going to be good so that particular debate will rage for years.

Let's see who we get with the Lakers/Sac/Philly pick though.  There is a not entirely unrealistic chance that we get two players that both end up equal to or better than Fultz.

[saltlover]

To be fair to Ball, these rankings were based on the Utah and Orlando summer leagues.  The Lakers are only playing in Vegas this year, so Ball didn't have a chance to show himself in time for this round.

I'm sure they'll update the rankings again after Vegas and he'll appear, but I would be surprised if anyone passed Tatum, given his continued performance in Vegas.

[SHAQATTACK]

Ball is Rondo repeated

where did Rondo rank his rookie season?

[Big333223]

However premature and however little stock I put into something like this, I can't say it's not comforting.

[johnnygreen]

Like everyone else, I've been totally impressed with Tatum. On this Celtics team this upcoming season, I see him getting consistent minutes on the second unit. I really like how Brown seems to be easing the transition for Tatum.

The guy that has pleasantly surprised me is Nader. He looks like he can handle the ball and pass really well for a guy of his size.

I know Zizic hasn't lived up to expectations, but I assume he is still trying to get accustomed to an NBA style of play. Summer league won't necessarily help in this regard. Training camp and learning from a veteran like Horford will ease the transition and provide a huge benefit.

[CelticsElite]

However premature and however little stock I put into something like this, I can't say it's not comforting.

lol agreed

[A Future of Stevens]

Ball is Rondo repeated

where did Rondo rank his rookie season?

Minus the length and above average defense for his size/age

[The One]

***UPDATE***


As of 7/12/17 - Jayson is still #1...


http://www.nba.com/article/2017/07/12/kia-rookie-ladder-collins-dennis-smith-jr-make-strong-showings

[CelticsElite]

***UPDATE***


As of 7/12/17 - Jayson is still #1...


http://www.nba.com/article/2017/07/12/kia-rookie-ladder-collins-dennis-smith-jr-make-strong-showings

nice!

Ball still unranked. ****