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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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Emmanuel Mudiay, Denver Nuggets, E'Twaun Moore, Chicago Bulls
Feb 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls guard E’Twaun Moore (55) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Bulls 115-110. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Emmanuel Mudiay

Last Rank: 5

The Denver Nuggets have won three of their past five games, and Emmanuel Mudiay really seems to know how to pass a basketball.

The rookie point guard has averaged 7.2 assists and just 2.0 turnovers per game in the Nuggets’ last five game. On the season, his shooting percentage is fairly horrible at 33.6 percent, but Mudiay is a guy who can take the keys to the engine and get a team going.

Mudiay’s effect can be seen most profoundly on Danilo Gallinari who has averaged 22.6 points per game during the Nuggets’ streak. He is helping Denver get into transition which is where Gallinari excels. The Denver Nuggets may implode their roster, but Mudiay is likely off limits for suitors.

The Nuggets know getting him at No. 7 in the draft was a steal, and Nuggets fans can live with his shooting until he gains a reliable jumper. For now, his maturity and defensive talents alone justify him.

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