Week 21 NBA Rookie Ladder: A three-man race for first

MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 07: Jalen Green #0 of the Houston Rockets dribbles against the Miami Heat during the first half at FTX Arena on March 07, 2022 in Miami, Florida, Week 21 NBA Rookie Ladder: A three-man race for first. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Rookies across the NBA continue to put on a show on a nightly basis. This rookie class has been incredible, and they are making it increasingly hard to choose who the best of the bunch is.

While the top-three rookies have pretty much solidified themselves as the best, the last two spots in the top five are a real toss-up. Usually, the same couple of rookies occupy those spots, but from now on, we’ll use them (as well as the honorable mentions) to honor some rookies on a tear lately.

But with all that being said, what rookies have broken onto the scene in the past week? Who sits stop the ladder, and who’s cracking into the top five?

Week 21 NBA Rookie Ladder: Honorable mentions

Josh Giddey: It’s important to note – Giddey is a top-five rookie this season. He could very well even win the award. However, he’s missed some time since the last ladder, for at least for this week, he drops down in order to make room for some other rooks. (Rank last week: 3)

Moses Moody: The Golden Warriors have been struggling lately, but Moody deserves some credit for putting up a 30-point bomb this past week. He hasn’t played particularly well, but he’s beginning to show some potential as of late. (Rank last week: N/R)

Herbert Jones: As the New Orleans Pelicans continue their surge, Jones has played a crucial role on the defensive side of the floor. He averaged over two steals and a block a night over the past week. (Rank last week: HM)

Trendon Watford: If you haven’t gotten the chance to read Watford’s story, go check it out. His journey to the league is inspiring, and he’s also been playing super well over the past week. (Rank last week: N/R)

Brandon Williams: Another Portland Trail Blazers rookie makes his way onto the list. Williams came out of nowhere to be a serious contributor in Portland’s rotation. He’s scoring efficiently and making a real name for himself. (Rank last week: N/R)

Jalen Green: The Houston Rockets have actually been playing better than usual as of late. And in turn, Green has been playing insanely well. He’s been shooting mort efficiently, which has been the main knock on his game. (Rank last week: HM)