Despite New Orleans’ losing streak, Yves Missi is progressing & moves up to No. 2 in this week’s rankings.
Guard Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs held onto the Ladder’s top rung, but the Top 5 tightened with Yves Missi, Jaylen Wells, Alex Sarr and Zach Edey all generating upward momentum in a week of risers.
The leading scorer from the Class of 2024 no longer appears here: Philadelphia’s Jared McCain drops off due to surgery on a torn meniscus that severely truncated and possibly terminated his promising season.
Unlike most of the NBA’s other awards, there is no minimum for games played to earn Kia Rookie of the Year acclaim. But it’s reasonable to believe the 23 McCain got…