NBA Rookie Rankings: Collin Sexton and Wendell Carter rise up

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 6: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is seen against the Boston Celtics during a pre-season game on October 6, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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MEMPHIS, TN – OCTOBER 12: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Houston Rockets during a pre-season game on October 12, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Jaren Jackson, Jr.

Jackson is the only guy on this list who plays for a winning team at the moment. The Grizzlies have surprised a lot of NBA observers by sprinting out to an 11-5 start. Their rookie big has managed to contribute to winning basketball from day one.

None of his offensive stats are going to blow you away at this stage of his career. He’s only averaging 12.8 points and 4.6 rebounds every night out. That doesn’t tell the whole story though. Jackson’s offensive game is much more diverse than anyone expected.

He does a lot of his work by running the floor and establishing early post position. That was expected. His ability to put the ball on the floor and go by traditional centers is a significant surprise. If he continues to expand that part of his game, Jackson has a chance to become the No. 1 offensive option for Memphis in time.

Defensively, he’s been a really effective rim protector. His foul rate is much too high for a starter, but that’s something that can be fixed with coaching. Jackson just has a lot of defensive talent you can’t coach. His natural ability to block shots coupled with his excellent lateral quickness gives him a chance to develop into a defensive nightmare for opponents.

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