Banchero, Mathurin Lead Latest NBA Rookie Ladder

Paolo Banchero and Bennedict Mathurin are the early leaders in the latest NBA Rookie Ladder.

The latest NBA Rookie Ladder is up and running, with Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero and Indiana Pacers’ Bennedict Mathurin taking the top two spots. This doesn’t come as a surprise, with Banchero and Mathurin leading the pack in scoring and showing how ready they are to take the NBA challenge. Keegan Murray of the Sacramento Kings, Jaden Ivey of the Detroit Pistons, and Jabari Smith Jr. of the Houston Rockets round out the Top 5 of the NBA Rookie Ladder.

Banchero, the top overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, is putting up a tremendous stat line of 23.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.9 blocks per contest. With a 6-foot-10 frame and the mobility of a guard, Banchero also has the skill set that allows him to score in a variety of ways. The three-point shot needs more fine-tuning, but the Magic power forward is still shooting a respectable 46.1% overall clip from the field, while also showing the propensity to will himself to the free-throw line (8.3 FT attempts per game).

Mathurin has also made a name for himself at this early stage of his rookie season. Through his first 10 games for the Pacers, the 6-foot-6 combo wing is averaging 19.4 points, 3.7 boards, and 2.4 assists. Mathurin has also been very efficient with his shooting, as he’s currently hitting 40.3% from the three-point line (6.2 3P attempts) and 86.4% from the charity stripe (5.9 FT attempts). Mathurin’s scoring has been a tremendous addition to the Pacers’ wing arsenal, joining forces with fellow young guns Tyrese Haliburton and Chris Duarte.

Along with the names mentioned above, the rest of the NBA Rookie Ladder includes Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons, Shaedon Sharpe of the Portland Trail Blazers, Jeremy Sochan of the San Antonio Spurs, Tari Eason of the Houston Rockets, and Jake LaRavia of the Memphis Grizzlies.