NBA Rookie Rankings: Cameron Boozer, Yaxel Lendeborg lead early list of first-year phenoms

We’re only a little over two weeks into the NBA regular season. It may seem a bit early to check in on this year’s collection of rookies, but if we are being honest … this group of talent is that good.

To me, the early part of the season is all about curiosity. Teams don’t have all of their “go-tos” in place, game plans are not quite as firm, rotations are expanded, and teams are figuring out which combinations and schemes work. Why not apply that to these young players trying to find their way?

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What feels unique this year is that there is so much new talent being asked to contribute right away on so many different teams. Taking a glimpse this early in the season allows us to see what is working well and to understand the areas of opportunity. Then we can track where growth takes place, where consistency solidifies, and what happens when some of these scouting reports get updated.

(Bruno Rouby/Yahoo Sports Illustration)

I am always one to gently tap the patience button with young players. A slow start can still bring important reps that aid in development down the line. A quick rise can be met with resistance and stagnation.

The best thing you can do as a rookie is showcase a knack for something you bring to the table every single night. The more you do that, the more opportunity you will have to showcase the other things you can do.

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Here are my top 10 rookies early in the season:

1. Cameron Boozer, Grizzlies

If you’re wondering why the Grizzlies were the league’s last undefeated team standing and matched their best start in franchise history, you can point to Boozer, who last week became the second-youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double. The versatility of his game, mixed with what the Grizzlies have wanted to do offensively, has been a hand-in-glove fit.

Boozer can be used at both the 4 and the 5. At the 4, his ability to space and keep things flowing allows Memphis to run actions on both sides of the floor. If teams want to switch, Boozer has no issue going right to the post. His ability to win mismatches has been key: patience on his catch, an effort to get to his…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/nba-rookie-rankings-cameron-boozer-yaxel-lendeborg-lead-early-list-of-first-year-phenoms-170811004.html

Author : Steve Jones

Publish date : 2026-11-05 16:56:00

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