Jalen Williams Ranked No. 2, Josh Giddey Re-Ranked No. 4 on NBA Rookie Ladder
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With the 2022-23 NBA season nearing it’s end, there are only a few rookie ladders remaining. To that end, the official NBA rookie ladder took a trip down memory lane to check back in on the 2021 NBA Draft class, in addition to its usual 2022 ranking.
Oklahoma City was busy in each of the last two drafts, coming away with premier talents in Josh Giddey and Jalen Willliams, each of which ranked within the top-four of their respective classes.
Trailing only Cleveland’s Evan Mobley, Orlando’s Franz Wagner and Toronto’s Scottie Barnes, Giddey ranked fourth among 2021 draftees. Averaging 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game this year all on improved efficiency, it’s easy to see how he’s on of the class’s top players.
Giddey currently ranks above Houston duo Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green at No’s five and six, respectively, as well as New Orleans’ sharpshooter Trey Murphy III at No. 7.
In 2022, Oklahoma City landed yet another gem in Williams, who has been on a tear to end the year, skyrocketing his ranking all the way up to No. 2.
In his last performance versus Charlotte on Tuesday night, Williams posted 31 points on 11-for-16 shooting, four assists and four steals. In his last 10 games, he’s posted 18.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.6 steals while shooting 53 percent overall and 40 percent from beyond the arc.
Williams only trails Orlando’s Paolo Banchero on the rookie ladder, the likely runaway favorite for the 2022-23 Rookie of the Year Award.
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