NBA Rookie Rankings: Who is the best pure scorer?

MEMPHIS, TN - NOVEMBER 19: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 19, 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) /

4 of 5

MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 27: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks in action against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on November 27, 2018 in Miami, Florida. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

2. Trae Young

Inevitably, a lot of people will argue with Young not being on top of this list. Admittedly, he’s a terrific scorer with the ball in his hands. The Hawks have handed him the keys to the offense and he’s shown a plethora of high-quality moves.

Unfortunately for Young, he looks better on offense than he actually is at the moment. He’s forced to carry a heavy burden for the Hawks offense, but he just hasn’t shot the ball well. Young is too pure of a shooter to be shooting under 25 percent from 3 on the season.

Part of Young’s struggles at the moment just come down to his lack of physical strength. Almost every defender in the NBA can knock him off his spot without really trying to body him up. That’s forced Young to take a ton of contested, off-balance jumpers.

That’s obviously not a recipe for NBA success. The Hawks are smart to live with Young’s mistakes this season, but they will want to see his efficiency increase as the season goes along. After all, Young is a player who gets almost all of his value on the offensive end of the floor. If he can’t make shots at a high clip, he’s not going to make it.

As for now, he’s high on this list because of the potential he flashes, not the plays he actually produces.

Home/NBA