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NBA Top-10 Rookie Rankings: Has Mario Hezonja Moved Up?

By Brett David Roberts

Feb 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Orlando Magic guard Mario Hezonja (23) reacts after scoring against the Atlanta Hawks during overtime at Philips Arena. The Magic won 117-110 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Orlando Magic guard Mario Hezonja (23) reacts after scoring against the Atlanta Hawks during overtime at Philips Arena. The Magic won 117-110 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves
February 3, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts after scoring a three point basket against Los Angeles Clippers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Karl-Anthony Towns

Last Rank: 1

Karl-Anthony Towns retains the top spot in the rookie rankings. Towns continues to post big numbers and is averaging a double-double with 16.7 points per game and 10.1 rebounds per game entering Wednesday’s games. Towns is highly efficient and does not have a problem with turnovers (just 2.1 per game).

The Minnesota Timberwolves have one of the best young cores in basketball when Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine are factored in.

One thing that could hurt Towns in Rookie of the Year voting though is Kristaps Porzingis and the New York Knicks are in contention for the playoffs, while Minnesota lingers near the cellar of the West.

But Towns was not expected to change Minnesota’s fate radically this season. Seldom do rookies even play as well as Towns, but the Wolves lack of perimeter shooting dooms them regularly.

Towns should likely attempt more triples as a 37.5 percent shooter who averages just 0.9 attempts per game. The opportunity to be a great passing stretch-5 is there for him. He has the skills to make it work.

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