Keia Rookie Ladder: Chet Holmgren assumes the top position

Oklahoma City’s star big man moves to the top thanks to efficiency and his team’s success.

At the 2023–24 Kia Rookie Ladder, Victor Wembanyama—an NBA rookie to remember—won’t be winning every game.

After four weeks of play, Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren has surpassed San Antonio’s improbable long project player in terms of rookie performances that have been both efficient and effective. Still, the impossibly long project player leads the league in fascination among casual fans. The Thunder 7-footer has taken the top spot in this week’s rankings because of this.

Weekly overview

• Although Holmgren has filled the void at center for OKC with poise and composure, Wembanyama still has the advantage when “counting stats.” As of right now, Holmgren stands as the benchmark for all great NBA shooters—56.5% FG, 46% on 3-pointers, and 90.7% FT, to be exact. He is a 50-40-90 shooter.

• Lastly, there is the victory. While the 3-11 Spurs appear intent on securing the top pick once more in June of next year, the 10-4 Thunder are riding a five-game winning streak. Team records are not usually used to evaluate rookies. It is a fair tiebreaker, though, if the W-L difference is large.

The committee will allow others to argue Holmgren and Wembanyama as “redshirt rookies vs. true newbies,” respectively. Considering all the variations between first-year players historically and currently, it seems a little silly, to be honest. Good luck weighing the benefits and drawbacks of going from prep school to the professional ranks, one-and-done, four years in college, overseas pro experience, and NBA G League seasoning.

• Portland and Houston fans, as well as those who follow the rookies in general, are still in the mood for more from Amen Thompson and Scoot Henderson. Ankle injuries have kept the third and fourth picks in the Draft, respectively, out of action since November 1.

Watchable plot

If you said you knew anything about Craig Porter Jr. of Cleveland before, oh, last weekend, the majority of you would be lying. The point guard from Terre Haute, Indiana, who began his career at Vincennes University before spending three seasons at Wichita State, was an unsigned free agent who signed a two-way contract with the Cavaliers. For what it’s worth, he turns 24 in February and doesn’t appear to be related to any other NBA Porters, including Howard, Terry, Otto, Michael, or either of the Kevins.

But in the last week, he has been Cleveland’s greatest surprise. Porter, who was used as an insurance plan because Ty Jerome and Ricky Rubio were out, scored 12 points against Detroit, 21 against Denver, and 12 against Philadelphia. He contributed 18 assists, made 17 of his 28 shots, and saw the Cavs win all three.

Before that? 51 minutes, six appearances, and 19 points.