The NBA season is heading into the back stretch of November and through a few weeks of games, some rookie players have started to distinguish themselves, including Karl-Anthony Towns, Jahlil Okafor, Emmanuel Mudiay, Justise Winslow and Stanley Johnson.
The 2015-16 draft class is shaping up to be a talented one and players like Karl-Anthony Towns, Jahlil Okafor and Kristaps Porzingis have taken the lead in the rookie of the year race. Towns is averaging a double-double for the Wolves, while Porzingis has become a fan favorite in New York.
Here is a look at the top rookies so far this season:
Karl-Anthony Towns, Timberwolves
Towns was the number one overall pick in the draft and he has lived up to expectations so far, averaging 15.8 points, 10.7 rebounds and two blocks per game for Minnesota. The future looks bright for Towns and Andrew Wiggins and if Towns keeps playing this way, he likely will be the favorite for the rookie of the year award. Towns put up six blocks against the Magic and he had another double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds.
Kristaps Porzingis, Knicks
Porzingis has played above expectations this season after being booed on draft night, averaging 12.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game for the Knicks. Porzingis has the fans chanting his name and he comes into the next game on Friday after scoring a career high 29 points and recording a double-double with 11 rebounds. Porzingis has been starting alongside Carmelo Anthony for Derek Fisher and he has helped the Knicks get off to a good start. The team has six wins already and they did not reach that total until January last season.
Jahlil Okafor, Sixers
Okafor has played well for the struggling Sixers, averaging 18 points, seven rebounds and 1.5 blocks while shooting over 48 percent from the floor. Okafor was always a polished offensive player and the main knock on him coming into the NBA was his defense and rebounding, but he has adjusted well to the pro game so far in Philly.
Emmanuel Mudiay, Nuggets
Mudiay was called a project by many draft scouts coming into the NBA, but he has been a solid NBA point guard to start his career, averaging 11 points, six assists and four rebounds in Denver. The Nuggets are giving Mudiay the chance to grow on the court and while he is shooting just 30 percent from the floor, the guard has shown athleticism and playmaking ability.