Even past the quarter mark of the 2023-24 NBA season, rookies are appearing on the Draft Digest rookie ladder for the first time with more opportunity and rapidly progressing games.
And there's still plenty of time for things to shift.
Here is the official Draft Digest rookie ladder through Jan. 10:
1. Chet Holmgren, OKC Thunder
Holmgren continues to have a stranglehold on the No. 1 spot here, averaging 18.4 points on a blistering 63% shooting overall in his last five games.
In that same stretch, he shot 50% from beyond the arc while adding 1.8 blocks per game in helping the Thunder take down the No. 1-seeded Boston Celtics.
Victor Wembanyama is hot on his heels and only getting better, but Holmgren appears to be doing the same.
2. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Wembanyama had a great week in his own right, averaging 23.0 points on 51% shooting in his own last four games.
He’s missed time here and there due to minor injuries, but has posted a whopping 3.8 blocks per game in that same span.
Despite gaudy stat-lines night in and out, he’s going to have to put his foot on the gas to catch Holmgren.
3. Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat
Jaquez Jr. has now firmly put himself at No. 3 behind the two 7-footers, scoring in double-digit scoring in eight of his last nine games.
Most importantly, he’s become a pivotal piece to a good Miami Heat team (one that takes on Holmgren and the Thunder tonight.)
At 22 already, there’s no guarantee Jaquez gets drastically better. But he’s unquestionably already very, very good.
4. Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets
5. Dereck Lively II, Dallas Mavericks
6. Keyonte George, Utah Jazz
7. Bilal Coulibaly, Washington Wizards
8. Scoot Henderson, Portland Trail Blazers
9. Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons
10. Trayce Jackson-Davis, Golden State Warriors
More must-reads: