It's been a month since my last Rookie EFF update. According to myth, this is the time of year when first year players hit the so-called rookie wall. But, do they really? Or, are the top rookies just hitting their stride and adjusting to the pro game? It depends on the player, but as in years past, the top rookies, the real cream of the crop, the class of their class, are playing the best ball of their young careers come March. Damian Lillard, Anthony Davis and Bradley Beal are all averaging EFF > 20 over their last 5 games. That's impressive performance for anyone, but especially a rookie. At the bottom of the Rookie EFF rankings, things are moving in the other direction. Alexey Shved and Andrew Nicholson have both dipped below EFF = 9.0, and have been dropped from my rankings. Meanwhile, Kyle Singler and Harrison Barnes are barely hanging on at EFF = 9.0. With both Andre Drummond and Jared Sullinger out long term due to back injuries, it will be interesting to see how 1st Team and 2nd Team All Rookie shake out. Prior to the injuries, there was a pretty clear cut top and second five. It will be interesting to see how the injuries to Drummond and Sullinger impact their chances of making the All Rookie teams. I suspect Drummond will still make at least 2nd team, if not 1st team. But, Sullinger may get bumped from the 2nd team by someone coming on strong, like Houston's Donatas Motiejunas who has been getting much more PT since Patrick Patterson was traded to Sacramento at the trade deadline. Here's the latest Rookie EFF Rankings: BNM
