The regular season had just begun, but a lot of exciting things had already happened. Truly, the NBA hasn’t been this competitive for many years. This year, we’ve seen a new wave of talents test their skills against the best players in the league. Let’s take a closer look at the 2023-2024 rookie power rankings and where the first overall pick Victor Wembanyama is at right now.
5. Brandon Miller (Charlotte Hornets)
The No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft went to the Charlotte Hornets. Because it’s obvious that the first name that will be called that night will be Wembanyama, the Hornets had to choose between Scoot Henderson, the Thompson twins, or Brandon Miller. Well, as part of Michael Jordan’s final move as the majority owner, MJ picked Miller second overall as he seemed to be a better fit in the team compared to Scoot.
No. 2 Pick Brandon Miller showcased an array of skills tonight vs. the Nets 👀
22 PTS
9 REB
1 BLK pic.twitter.com/ZBVBNjW5XT— NBA (@NBA) October 31, 2023
Well, it might just have been the better choice as Henderson turned out nowhere to be found in his rookie year. The former G-League Ignite star isn’t living up to his potential so far. Meanwhile, Brandon Miller looks like a solid scorer alongside LaMelo Ball. He’s quick, strong, and agile, and has the tools to become a legitimate offensive threat. Currently, Miller is averaging more than 13 points in 30 minutes of playing time.
4. Dereck Lively II (Dallas Mavericks)
The biggest surprise in the 2023 draft class is 12th overall pick Dereck Lively II. The Dallas Mavericks caught a live one after the Duke standout proved that he is the player Dallas has needed for a long time.
This energetic big man faced off against Wembanyama during their NBA debut, and you could say Lively II had the better outcome. The 19-year-old center doesn’t look like a rookie at all. He’s a good pick-and-roll guy and even has that confidence in him. Hopefully, he’s going to help Luka Doncic and the Mavericks return to the playoffs this season.
3. Ausar Thompson (Detroit Pistons)
It was a fantastic year for the Thompson twins. The basketball siblings were selected in the top 5 (Amen went 4th while Ausar went 5th) after their exceptional time with Overtime Elite. However, Ausar may have a better early rookie run than his twin brother, Amen. Ausar Thompson was the 4th overall pick by the Detroit Pistons, a team that hasn’t seen much success in the league since the early 2000s.
Ausar Thompson in his first 3 NBA games:
6.3 PPG
10.7 RPG
4.7 APG
2.3 BPGLeading all rookies in rebounds. https://t.co/HMhtC5PJSG
— StatMuse (@statmuse) October 29, 2023
Detroit already has a long list of former top picks in their team like Killian Hayes, James Wiseman, Marvin Bagley III, Jaden Ivey, and Cade Cunningham, but Thompson already seems to have secured his spot. Despite being only 6-foot-7, this talented guard leads all rookies in rebound average with 9.6 RPG. He’s also top 4 in stocks per game (steals plus blocks), alongside Anthony Davis, Chet Holmgren, and Victor Wembanyama.
2. Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder)
If in any case, Wembanyama does not win the Rookie of the Year, it’s obviously going into the hands of 2022 2nd overall pick Chet Holmgren. Technically, Holmgren is still a rookie after he missed the whole 2022-2023 season due to injuries.
Chet Holmgren with the behind the back pass and another double-double: 16 PTS, 12 REB, 3 AST, 3 BLK
Last 3 games: 19.7 PTS, 10 REB, 3.7 AST, 2 BLK (51% FG, 40% 3PT, 100% FT)pic.twitter.com/X29okoavqS
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) November 7, 2023
The former Gonzaga star is putting up amazing numbers in his first official NBA season. And, for a guy of his stature, it’s very rare to see someone that tall move like a guard. Wemby is the only guy who is arguably better (at times) than Chet if we’re going to look at what they do. Chet Holmgren, 21, dueled with Victor Wembanyama during the preseason. It was probably a preview of a rivalry between two giants in Texas and everyone is here for it. One thing that Chet brings to the table is his shot-blocking, which some of his fans think he does better than the French rookie.
1. Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
This does not need any introduction anymore. There’s a reason why the French stud was selected first and he showed everyone why he is a future superstar.
In just five games, Wemby is already out there making records. The French star rookie not only led the Spurs past the Suns in a grueling back-to-back, but he also surprised everyone by putting up a 38-point double-double. He tallied 38 points, and 10 rebounds while shooting an efficient 50% from the three-point line.
Victor Wembanyama tonight vs. the Suns 😳
➤ 38 PTS (career-high)
➤ 10 REB
➤ 2 BLK
➤ 15/26 FG
➤ 3-6 3-PT FG pic.twitter.com/3bcedY8EJt— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 3, 2023
