Way-too-early NBA Rookie of the Year rankings

The 2022 NBA rookie class has been impressive. Two weeks into the season, here are the way-too-early NBA Rookie of the Year rankings.

We are now officially two weeks into the NBA season. This year’s rookie class has made a big impact early. Paolo Banchero and Bennedict Mathurin are both averaging over 20 points per game, while players like Shaedon Sharpe, Jeremy Sochan, and Jake LaRavia are playing key roles on teams with winning records.

Here are the NBA Rookie of the Year rankings through two weeks

5. Shaedon Sharpe, Portland Trail Blazers

Stats: 9.3 PTS, 3.0 REB, 50% FG, 42.9% 3PT

Entering the NBA Draft, Sharpe was viewed as a prospect with a high ceiling. At 19 years old, he is an excellent shooter with 6-foot-6 size, who can create his own shot off the dribble. However, there was some skepticism about his potential year-one impact. Sharpe graduated high school early, and never played a single game of college basketball.

Well, Sharpe has quickly put those doubts to rest. Among rookies, he is sixth in scoring (9.3), fifth in true shooting percentage (58.4), and while playing only 18.5 minutes per game.

Sharpe is a perfect fit in Portland’s offense. Playing off the ball, he is a nice complement to Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons. Sharpe is making a blistering 60 percent of his catch-and-shoot 3s. His size and athleticism make him an effective finisher inside, as well. On this play, he makes a nice cut to the basket for an open dunk. The Blazers immediately came up with the steal, and he was able to finish the lob in transition.

https://twitter.com/KevinOConnorNBA/status/1586197339370242048

The Blazers are off to an impressive 5-1 start, and Sharpe has been integral to that success.