Draft Digest Rookie Ladder: Williams Making Late-Season Push

With the end of the 2022-23 NBA season on the horizon, the league’s newest class are putting the finishing touches on their debut campaigns.

It’s been a long and winding road for many. After second overall selection Chet Holmgren saw a preseason injury and third overall pick Jabari Smith Jr. got off to a lackluster start, a few of the headlining spots were up for grabs.

Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin quickly rose through the ranks, and OKC forward Jalen Williams and Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler saw mid-season boosts in opportunity that saw their stock soar.

One spot that hasn’t been up for grabs is Paolo Banchero’s, who has maintained the top odds for the 2022-23 Rookie of the Year since he was selected first overall by Orlando.

He’s had an award-winning debut year with the Magic, and will likely take home the hardware. But Williams is doing his best to oppose.

In his last 20 games, the Thunder forward is averaging 18.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.0 steals per game while shooting 55 percent from the field, 46 percent from three and 88 percent from the line.

Most importantly, Williams has tangibly helped the Oklahoma City Thunder stay afloat in a heated Play-In race in the Western Conference. He hasn’t yet overtaken Banchero for the top spot. And with just seven games left on the OKC schedule, it might not happen. But he’s making a run, all the same.

The full Draft Digest rookie ladder can be found below:

1. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

2. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder

3. Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers

4. Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz

5. Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons

6. Keegan Murray, Sacramento Kings

7. Jeremy Sochan, San Antonio Spurs

8. Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets

9. Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons

10. Malaki Branham, San Antonio Spurs

Want to join the discussion? Like Draft Digest on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest NBA Draft news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.