We are exactly at the first quarter mark of the 2023-24 NBA regular season. Now that we have a sufficient sample size, it's time to take stock of the 2023 Draft class and see which rookies have impressed the most. In a stacked draft class, where does the Washington Wizards rookie Bilal Coulibaly fit? Who would make the All-Rookie teams if the season ended today?
On the rise:
Craig Porter Jr, Cleveland Cavaliers
Duop Reath, Portland Trail Blazers
Porter Jr and Reath have played well in the extended injury absences for their teams. Porter Jr has impressed with his heady point guard play and defense while the Cavaliers were dealing with backcourt injuries. Reath has started the past few games for the Blazers and provided size, scoring, and rebounding. They will likely not maintain this level of playing time but they are worth a shoutout.
Can't make shots but upside is there:
Scoot Henderson, Portland Trail Blazers
Toumani Camara, Portland Trail Blazers
Keyonte George, Utah Jazz
Scoot Henderson continues to struggle with efficiency and turnovers. With an abysmal 40% True Shooting and 3.3 turnovers per game, Henderson has been an extremely damaging player so far this season. Toumani Camara is similarly struggling with his shot for Portland, but he has been very impressive defensively. His ability to guard multiple positions with his solid 6'8 frame is intriguing. Keyonte George has similarly failed to score efficiently as he has only made 34.4% of his field goal attempts so far. However, his point guard play looks solid for the Utah Jazz. He can create shots for himself and his teammates, averaging over five assists per game as a starter. If the shot starts falling, he will climb up in these rankings.
Role players making an impact:
10- Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors
9- Jordan Hawkins, New Orleans Pelicans
Both of these players have had a consistent role in the rotations of their teams, perhaps even earlier than expected. Hawkins is playing 27 minutes per game, while Podziemski is increasing his playing time as he played over 20 minutes in each of the Warriors' last four games. They are both near league average in terms of scoring efficiency. Podziemski is a good decision-maker who can make plays off the dribble and set up his teammates. Hawkins is a dangerous off-ball shooter who helps space the floor for his teammates in New Orleans. They should both continue to be a major part of their teams' rotations going forward and that is more than enough for rookies on good teams.