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NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Is Bilal Coulibaly top 5?

By Cem Yolbulan

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 01: Bilal Coulibaly #0 of the Washington Wizards drives against Saddiq Bey #41 of the Atlanta Hawks during the third quarter at State Farm Arena on November 01, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 01: Bilal Coulibaly #0 of the Washington Wizards drives against Saddiq Bey #41 of the Atlanta Hawks during the third quarter at State Farm Arena on November 01, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Coming into the 2023-24 NBA season, this year’s rookie class raised a lot of eyebrows. Led by once-in-a-generation phenom Victor Wembanyama, these rookies are supposed to be one of the best classes in recent history. The Washington Wizards rookie Bilal Coulibaly is trying to distinguish himself in this stacked group of young talents. Has he done enough to be one of the five best rookies so far? Can he in fact make the All-Rookie First Team? Let’s take a look at the Rookie Power Rankings.

Started slow and injured but might make a run:

Scoot Henderson, Portland Trail Blazers

Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets

The third and fourth-overall picks in the 2023 NBA Draft only played five and four games, respectively in the first month of the season. Henderson was already struggling immensely before he got hurt and Thompson had a relatively small role for the deep Houston Rockets team. It might take longer than expected but both of these young men will be heard from as the season progresses.

On the outside looking in:

Anthony Black, Orlando Magic

Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors

Marcus Sasser, Detroit Pistons

These three guards have been in and out of the rotation for their respective teams, but they have shown plenty of promise in the minutes they have played. Black has made an impact defensively for one of the best defensive teams in the league. Podziemski fit seamlessly into the Golden State’s offense with his passing, shooting, and basketball intelligence. Marcus Sasser could have easily made the top 10 if his role hadn’t diminished in the past few games. He has been a good pick-and-roll player and three-point shooter, despite the Pistons’ disappointing start to the season. Perhaps it’s damning with faint praise but he has been one of their better players.

Productive but inefficient:

10- Keyonte George, Utah Jazz

9- Jordan Hawkins, New Orleans Pelicans

Both George and Hawkins are playing significant roles for the Utah Jazz and the New Orleans Pelicans, respectively. They have started a handful of games and played heavy minutes through the first month of the season. George has made an impact with his playmaking and Hawkins with his three-point shooting. They are, however, both shooting less than 40% from the field and need to be more efficient to rise in the rankings.

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