Way-too-early NBA Rookie of the Year rankings

1. Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers

Stats: 20.4 PTS, 4.3 REB, 2.1 AST, 45.6% FG, 42.1% 3PT

In a razor-thin race, Mathurin barely edges out Banchero to take the top spot. Among rookies, Mathurin is second in scoring (20.4), fourth in assists (2.1), and first in 3-pointers made (21). Astonishingly, his averages could be higher. He has not started a single game, and his 27.0 minutes per game should increase as the season progresses. According to StatMuse, Mathurin has scored more points off the bench this season than the entire Nets’ bench and the entire Raptors’ bench.

The tanking Pacers have surprisingly won three games, and Mathurin has been the leading scorer in two of those victories. On Oct. 22, he scored 27 points on 10-of-18 shooting to defeat the Pistons. On Oct. 29, he erupted for 32 points to lead the Pacers to a victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

Early on, it’s a two-man race at the top, and Mathurin is in the driver’s seat.