NBA official rookie rankings updated: Achiuwa leads, Flagg rises to third, Hansen trade asset ranks second

On November 6th, Beijing time, the NBA official site updated the rookie rankings. The 76ers’ third pick Achiuwa continues to hold first place. The Grizzlies’ 11th pick Coward remains second; he was the key trade asset the Trail Blazers used for Yang Hansen. The top pick Flagg has moved up to third. Below are the specific rankings and analysis—

1. Achiuwa (Philadelphia 76ers)

Season stats: averages of 19.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game

Previous ranking: 1st place

Draft position: 3rd overall pick

Warriors star Draymond Green praised this smart young guard from the 76ers. It’s still early to judge the dunk contest lineup, and there remains a gap between “playing at an All-Star level” and being selected for next February’s All-Star weekend in Los Angeles. However, Achiuwa has already delivered many surprises—why stop now?

2. Coward (Memphis Grizzlies)

Season stats: averages 15.3 points, 5 rebounds, 2.5 assists

Previous ranking: 2nd place

Draft position: 11th overall pick

As a bench player, Coward consistently produces starter-level numbers during starter minutes—ranking third on the Grizzlies in both categories. Coward revealed that his journey from Division III Willamette University to Eastern Washington University, then Washington State University, and finally becoming a lottery pick and a high-ranking rookie is no coincidence. “I once found it hard to believe I’d make the NBA,” Coward recently told Andscape, “but I had to do it because I believe in the power of positive thinking and having a clear vision of my goals… You have to picture yourself on the court, or else your dreams will shatter.”

3. Flagg (Dallas Mavericks)

Season stats: averages 13.6 points, 6 rebounds, 2.9 assists

Previous ranking: 4th place

Draft position: 1st overall pick

Flagg improved last week in scoring, rebounding, and three-point shooting percentage (44%). Although his current performance hasn’t met some fans’ and analysts’ expectations, no one understands his form better than himself. “Honestly, my shooting touch hasn’t been great lately, and my efficiency isn’t where I want it to be, but I’ll keep trusting my work. I don’t think it’s anything to worry about, and I’m not in a rush at all.”

4. Knupel (Charlotte Hornets)

Season stats: averages 14.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists

Previous ranking: 6th place

Draft position: 4th overall pick

While not a legendary record, Knupel makes history every time he steps on the court. He has made 25 three-pointers in his first 8 NBA games, the highest since the league introduced the three-point line in the 1979-80 season. The Duke University alum shoots 41% from beyond the arc, tied for sixth all-time, and his highlights go far beyond that.

5. Dilan Harper (San Antonio Spurs)

Season stats: averages 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3.8 assists

Previous ranking: 3rd place

Draft position: 2nd overall pick

In the game against the Phoenix Suns, Harper suffered a non-contact left calf injury defending Nick Richards’ dunk and left the game early. He is expected to miss several games. This Rutgers University rookie’s immediate impact was key to the Spurs’ 5-game winning streak to start the season.

Rankings 6 through 10 are: 6. Fils (Pelicans), 7. Trey Johnson (Wizards), 8. Murray-Boyles (Raptors), 9. Kalkbrunner (Hornets), 10. Quinn (Pelicans).