NBA.com Rookie Ladder
The Rookie Ladder is a free-flowing, constantly updated chart that ranks the 2013-14 rookies. If a rookie plays well, he climbs the Ladder. Play poorly, and he'll slide down a rung ... or two or three. The rankings are updated by NBA.com's Drew Packham. If you have an issue or have a question or comment, send Drew an e-mail. You can also follow him on Twitter.
• Past Seasons: 2012-13 | 2011-12 | 2010-11
2013 NBA Draft
BENNETT GOES NO. 1
Learn all about the 2013-14 crop of rookies by reliving the 2013 NBA Draft, complete with video highlights, player prospect pages, statistics and much more, at NBA.com/draft.
ROOKIE VIDEOS: BEST OF THE BEST
NBA Rooks: Porter
NBA Rooks: McCollum
NBA Rooks: Burke
NBA Rooks: McLemore
NBA Rooks: Zeller
NBA Rooks: Noel
Leaving Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS, July 22 -- Before Las Vegas started, I wrote that it would take something special for someone to pass up Kelly Olynyk for the top rung.
Well, Las Vegas came and went, and the Celtics' top rookie remains in the top spot. While more eyes may have been on the games in Las Vegas (due to later start times and actual crowds at the games in Orlando), what the rookie out of Gonzaga did in his five games stands out.
Olynyk averaged 18.0 ppg (most in Orlando) and 7.8 rpg, while hitting 58 percent of his shots. From Day 1, in which he broke out for 25 points, the 7-footer showed an ability to score in a variety of ways. When opponents put a bigger, slower defender on him, he stepped out and hit the midrange jumper. When the defender decided to step out to stop the shot, Olynyk used a quick first step and variety of moves -- up-and-under, baby hooks across the lane -- to get his buckets.
It was an impressive performance and the Celtics have to be pleased with the crop of young talent they now have in their frontcourt. It was at the same tournament last year that Jared Sullinger opened eyes by averaging 13.8 ppg and 8.3 rpg and went on to have a respectable rookie season (6.0 points and 5.9 rebounds in 19.8 minutes per game) that was eventually cut short by injury.
Olynyk may not carry his play into a run at Rookie of the Year, but for now, he sits as the top dog of the Summer.
Honorable Mentions
Cody Zeller, Bobcats: Zeller looked like one of the most polished and NBA-ready players in Las Vegas. In four games, Zeller dominated inside, banging hard every game and controlling the boards to the tune of 9.3 rpg (first among rookies) to go along with 16.3 ppg. He showed nice touch from the outside and should be able to chip in from Day 1 in the frontcourt either backing up or playing alongside new acquisition Al Jefferson.
Victor Oladipo, Magic: The No. 2 pick looked like the real deal while transitioning to the point guard position. Oladipo, who primarily played off the ball at Indiana, averaged 19.0 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 5.0 apg (albeit against 4.8 TOs) in four games. He also knocked down a memorable game-winner and should be considered a front-runner for ROY, especially considering he'll see a lot of playing time right away.
C.J. McCollum, Trail Blazers: McCollum proved in Las Vegas that he can score, leading all rookies at 21.0 ppg. He also averaged 4.0 rpg and 3.4 apg in his four games and looked good running things for the Blazers. He'll probably play more off the ball in the season, possibly pairing with Damian Lillard at times, making for one of the younger, more exciting backcourts in the League. When I asked him about playing off the ball or running the point, McCollum said, "I'm a chameleon." It might be hard for "The Chameleon" to see much playing time so a Rookie of the Year run might be a longshot, but he could be a nice option for the Blazers off the bench.
-- Drew Packham
Just missed the cut: Mason Plumlee, Archie Goodwin, Dwighty Buycks, Dennis Schroder
As always, feel free to email me with any comments, questions or suggestions. I'm also on Twitter, if that's your thing.
Current Rankings
| Rank | Status | Player |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | -- | Kelly Olynyk |
| 2 | | Cody Zeller |
| 3 | -- | C.J. McCollum |
| 4 | -- | Victor Oladipo |
| 5 | | Jack Cooley |
| 6 | NR | Reggie Bullock |
| 7 | | Michael Carter-Williams |
| 8 | | Kentavious Caldwell-Pope |
| 9 | NR | Ben McLemore |
| 10 | -- | Ray McCallum |
Rookie Poll