The NBA season is officially past the quarter mark and that means there is a bit of foundation to take a look at the rookie class. The 2021 draft class was loaded with talent and many top picks have shown that to this point of the year.
Coming into the season, Cade Cunningham was viewed as the biggest can’t-miss prospect in the class. He missed a few games but has returned to action and is beginning to perform well. From the first overall pick to the second round, this class was loaded. Ayo Dosunmu and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl are examples of second-rounders who are taking shape nicely.
When looking at the early-season Rookie of the Year, there have been two candidates that have stood out above the rest — Scottie Barnes and Evan Mobley.
Mobley was one of the top prospects coming out of college and fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers at No. 3. Despite being one of the first players taken, the Cavaliers still might have gotten a steal. Barnes went the very next pick to the Toronto Raptors. They decided to take the Florida State product over Gonzaga point guard Jalen Suggs.
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There is a lot to like about Scottie Barnes. This draft selection is no longer controversial. He has the size and skill to play all five positions on the floor. He can score from all three levels and handles the ball like a guard. Barnes is extremely athletic with great vision. Barnes seems like a centerpiece player that the Raptors can build around moving forward.
Evan Mobley missed four games with a sprained elbow but might be the most impactful rookie to this point of the season. Mobley is already turning into a productive two-way player, which is rare for a player of his age.
Coming into the league, everyone knew about his offensive game. As a true seven-footer, Mobley has a soft touch from the midrange. He is strong post player that is comfortable with his back to the basket. All skills have been put on display this season.
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When looking at stats to this point, they are very similar. Mobley is putting up 14 points and 8.5 rebounds per contest while shooting 48.2% from the field. Barnes is averaging 15.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per game shooting 48.9% from the field. Barnes is dishing out over one more assist per game while Mobley averages over a block more per game.
There is little distinction between these two players as they both look like stars for the future. The only difference is team success. The Cavaliers came into the season expecting to be one of the worst in the league.
So far, Cleveland is 16-12 and sit seventh in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors are five spots behind them in the conference at 12-14. Toronto is likely to be aggressive at the trade deadline and they will put some pieces around the likes of Barnes and Fred VanVleet.
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When choosing a Rookie of the Year a quarter of the way through the season, there seems to be no clear answer. There is still over 60 games left in the season for Scottie Barnes and Evan Mobley to separate themselves. In a loaded draft class, they have climbed to the top and look like the best of the best to this point.
