Just a hair past the midway point of the 2021-22 season, we’re seeing a bit of a hierarchy established in the race for Rookie of the Year. Frontcourt standouts Evan Mobley and Scottie Barnes appear likely to duel for the award down the stretch, while point guards Cade Cunningham and Josh Giddey eye first-team All-Rookie spots. It’s still too early to assess the ceilings for each player in this impressive class, but as for rookie honors, the cream is beginning to rise to the top.
Let’s hand out some midseason awards, highlighting the best of this deep class of contributors.