Way Too Early 2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year Candidates

After watching last year's group of young guns largely struggled to break free from the prison of anonymity, NBA fans have to be delighted with how quickly the rookie class of 2017-18 has managed to turn heads. Over the first month of this wild season, numerous rookies have flashed a level of playmaking potential that bodes very well for their future prospects in the league. Here are the five guys from this potentially special group of players that have emerged as early contenders for the NBA's top rookie honor.

Kyle Kuzma, forward (Lakers) (Stats through 13 games: 30.9 MPG, 15.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 51.6 FG%, 81.3 FT%):  A rookie has come in and given the Lakers stagnant offense a much-needed scoring boost and his name isn't Lonzo Ball. Kyle Kuzma's efficient shooting from inside the 3-point line and relatively active presence on the glass have made him a vital member of this hard-nosed young Lakers squad. Barring a late-season surge from someone whose been quiet thus far, Kuzma, who was selected 29th overall, should end up going down as the steal of this year's draft.

Lauri Markannen, forward (Bulls) (Stats through 11 games: 30.5 MPG, 14.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 43.3 FG%, 35.1 3P%, 0.6 BPG, 82.8 FT%): With Nikola Mirotic and Zach LaVine out of the lineup with injuries, someone needed to step up and deliver some offense for the rebuilding Bulls and until Bobby Portis returned from his well-documented suspension on November 7th, that man had been Lauri Markannen. The floor-stretching big has taken advantage of his early opportunity to pick up significant playing time in the pros by playing with a ton of confidence and displaying the deft shooting touch that made him a lottery pick this past June. While his playing time will likely be slashed once Mirotic gets back, Markannen has offered the Bulls a glimmer hope for the future in an otherwise bleak start to their 2017-18 campaign.

Ben Simmons, forward (76ers) (Stats through 12 games: 17.4 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 7.4 APG, 48.6 FG%, 1.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG) For the 2nd consecutive season, a 76ers rookie has come back from a major injury and subsequently taken the league by storm. Ben Simmons' terrific passing, willingness to consistently attack the rim and solid defense has given this long-suffering franchise another reason to believe that they're about to enter the next stage of "The Process".

Dennis Smith Jr., guard (Mavericks) (Stats through 12 games: 14.8 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4.9 APG, 40.5 FG%, 1.0 SPG)  Exciting young players can bring a morale boost to a terrible team and that's exactly what Dennis Smith Jr. has provided the 2-12 Mavericks through the 1st month of the season. Smith Jr. has shaken off a rough opening week to become a productive albeit not consistently efficient two-way guard that the Mavs could potentially focus their long-overdue rebuild around.

Jayson Tatum, forward (Celtics) (Stats through 14 games: 30.1 MPG, 13.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 48.9 FG%, 47.6 3P%, 0.8 BPG, 82.7 FT%): Jayson Tatum was touted as the most NBA-ready player by many scouts and analysts throughout this year's pre-draft process and through his first 14 games, he's proven them right. Tatum's strong basketball IQ, better-than-expected defense and strong shooting from inside and beyond-the arc has helped solidify him as a key contributor on the scorching-hot Celtics.


Also in the Mix: Donovan Mitchell, guard (Jazz), De'Aaron Fox, guard (Kings), John Collins, forward (Hawks)