NBA Rookie Ladder 1.0: Evan Mobley has lived up to the hype for the Cavs

4. Chris Duarte, G, Indiana Pacers

Chris Duarte is probably not a player that you would’ve expected to be this high on this list at any point this season, but he’s been quite impressive to start the season for the undermanned Indiana Pacers.

During the first few weeks of the season, Duarte is averaging 17 points and five rebounds per game on 44 percent shooting from the field and 42 percent shooting from 3-point  range. Heading into the draft, the knock on Duarte was his age. Duarte is a 24-year-old rookie, but that pre-draft knock on him has paid off for the Pacers.

Duarte has been a savior for the injured Pacers and will only be an asset for the team once they are fully healthy again. Duarte probably won’t ever develop into a star but there’s no question he’s well on his way to a long, productive NBA career.