National Basketball Association

NBA Rookie Rankings: Joel Embiid begins 'The Process'

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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With the NBA season about two weeks in, how have the rookies performed so far?

Who stands out from the newest class of NBA rookies is always something worth watching for. Some may do so right off the bat, while others could need time to adjust to the game. Just two weeks in, a few of the rookies have done the former, including a player in action for the first time since being drafted in 2014.

The season is early, but a handful of rookies are already worth noting. Some are from the 2016 NBA Draft, while others may have waited to make their debuts.

With this in mind, here are the best ones through a short time of NBA action.

Oct 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (7) stands on the court in the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. The Celtics defeated the Hornets 104-98. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Jaylen Brown

Last week: N/ALast rank: --

The Boston Celtics somewhat surprised everyone when they took California’s Jaylen Brown in the 2016 NBA Draft. He had been a projected top-10 pick, but Kris Dunn had been mocked to them in almost every scenario.

Unlike most rookies taken at the top of the draft, Brown got to join one of the Eastern Conference’s best teams. So far, he’s proven to be a worthy addition to the rotation.

Through four games, Brown is averaging just 6.8 points per game, but is doing this efficiently. He’s 11-for-20 shooting and isn’t attempting threes as much as he did in college. This saw the 20-year-old average 3 threes per game, but only hit 29 percent of them.

If Brown can remain efficient, he’ll gain a larger role in Brad Stevens’ rotation. It won’t grow too much this season, especially if Jae Crowder continues to be a mainstay. However, if Crowder goes down (like he is now for one week), Brown may be in line for a chunk of minutes.

Nov 2, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Marquese Chriss (0) boxes out Portland Trail Blazers forward Meyers Leonard (11) and guard Evan Turner (1) during the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

marquese chriss

Last week: N/ALast rank: N/A

The Suns spent the 2016 NBA Draft adding to their frontcourt at power forward. They already had Tyson Chandler and Alex Len at center, but with the Morris twins having been out of Phoenix since last season, they didn’t have much to replace them. So, first round picks were spent on Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss.

Through five games, it’s become clear that Chriss has the edge in playing time over Bender. The Washington product hasn’t lit up the stat sheet yet, but has a steady 7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game in 16 minutes played.

It’s going to be a process for Chriss to develop and potentially hit the Amar’e Stoudemire ceiling that got placed on him. This is a lofty expectation, sure, but the athleticism and size are there to fit the mold. He just needs to receive the proper time to grow, which will be something to watch throughout the season for the rebuilding Suns. It’s a good insurance policy if Bender doesn’t pan out as well.

Oct 21, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Kris Dunn (3) against the Charlotte Hornets at Target Center. The Timberwolves defeated the Hornets 109-74. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Kris Dunn

Last week: N/ALast rank: N/A

Selecting a point guard caused many to raise an eyebrow at what the Timberwolves were doing. They had Ricky Rubio already, but through five seasons, he never broke out like once hoped. This includes never shooting above 38-percent and not taking it to the next level in his production, despite always hovering around 8 assists per game.

Well, his potential replacement, Kris Dunn, has flashed early upside in limited minutes. His best game most notably came with Rubio out as well, putting up 10 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, and 5 steals. While the latter stat isn’t going to be a nightly thing, it’s indicative of Dunn using his nearly 6-foot-10 wingspan to defend the point guard position.

Along with this performance, Dunn is averaging 7.3 points per game, 3.7 assists, and 3 rebounds, all among the best in the NBA’s 2016-17 rookie class. This should only go up as the weeks continue too, especially with Rubio out indefinitely with a sprained right elbow. The Providence product’s career may have just begun, but he may already have his first golden opportunity to rise and take the starting job.

Oct 6, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) in action against the Washington Wizards at Wells Fargo Center. The Washington Wizards 125-119. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Dario Saric

Last week: N/ALast rank: --

One part of former Sixers executive Sam Hinkie’s “The Process” was drafting and stashing. In the 2014 NBA Draft, he traded for Croatian star Dario Saric, who continued to play in Europe for two more seasons. Hinkie resigned before the 22-year-old could come to the league, however.

Now in his rookie season, Saric is getting the chance to shine, and in significant minutes (28.5 per game) immediately. Through four games, he’s averaging 11.3 points per game and 5.3 rebounds. His most recent two were his best as well, including putting up 21 points against the Magic.

With 2016 No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons out indefinitely, Saric has received the chance to start like an NBA regular and not see limited time. It’s best for his development, especially as the Sixers are headed for another rebuilding season.

The one knock on Saric will be his shooting percentage. He’s shot above 40-percent just once and under 30-percent twice. Despite this, he remains one of the NBA’s best rookies through the first set of games.

Oct 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) punches the back post in reaction to his foul against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Joel Embiid

Last week: N/ALast rank: --

Joel Embiid’s story has been known for the past two years. He came into the 2014 NBA Draft as one of the top prospects, but dealt with issues heading into the event. This included a handful of back and foot problems, which caused him to sit out the 2014-15 season. A second surgery on his right foot led to the 22-year-old missing all of 2015-16 as well.

However, two and a half years after being drafted, Embiid finally stepped onto an NBA court, something that once seemed impossible. He would become the talk of Philadelphia basketball and got a rousing ovation anytime he touched the ball in his debut vs the Thunder. It wasn’t just a feel-good moment, though, as Embiid has looked like a more than capable basketball player coming off the injuries, and has arguably been the best rookie by a decent margin.

Embiid has put up double-digit points in all three games he’s played, including 20 in just 22 minutes in his debut. He also had 14 points in 15 minutes against the Hawks.

Potentially the most promising sign if the former No. 3 overall pick is able to get off his feet to block shots. After the issues he dealt with his feet over the past two years, there could have been an adjustment period to being a proper rim protector. He may have been concerned about landing awkwardly on his right foot, but that’s clearly not the case as he had eight blocks in three games played.

The Process is just beginning. He’ll be in a limited role throughout the season, but these numbers in short time should be a positive for a franchise that hasn’t had many good moments lately.