Top 5 NBA rookie performances from the opening round of the 2021-22 NBA season

#3 Scottie Barnes

Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles against the Washington Wizards during the second half of their basketball game at Scotiabank Arena on October 20, 2021 in Toronto, Canada.

Scottie Barnes produced one of the standout performances of the NBA's opening round. Missing the likes of Gary Trent Jr and Chris Boucher, the championship hopefuls were shorthanded and failed to keep up with the Washington Wizards, who outplayed them in their first game at Scotiabank Arena since February 2020.

Despite the outcome of the match, they would have been delighted with the performances of their first-round NBA draft pick. Barnes announced himself to the league on his debut, leading the team with the most points scored on the night, alongside Fred VanVleet (12).

The small forward played 32 minutes on his debut, recording 12 points, nine rebounds, one assist and one steal while on the field.

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#2 Evan Mobley

Evan Mobley #4 of the Clevland Cavaliers poses for a photo during the 2021 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on August 15, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Evan Mobley failed to disappoint many of his supporters, carrying on a preseason spark that saw him deliver in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ uninspiring 132-121 NBA opening season loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.

The third overall pick of the 2021 NBA draft recorded 17 points, nine rebounds and six assists, providing a steal and block in 38 minutes of game time. Mobley injected pace into the Cavs’ play in the second quarter. He impressed with his defensive composure as he clamped down on Jaren Jackson Jr. for much of their match-up. Mobley also added timely shots from beyond the arc as his team chased the tie.

It was a commanding NBA debut from deep from the rookie, worthy of the number one spot. He would have earned it on most days, barring an exceptional performance from the next guy.

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#1 Chris Duarte

Chris Duarte #3 of the Indiana Pacers poses for a photo during the 2021 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on August 15, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Indiana Pacers shooting guard Chris Duarte comes first on our list of top rookie performances in the opening round. The rookie started the game for the Pacers and repaid the confidence of Coach Rick Carlisle. The rookie recorded 27 points, five rebounds, one assist, and a steal, finishing the game with a 9-of-15 shooting from the field and 6-of-9 shooting from three-point range.

Although the encounter ended in a loss for the Cavaliers, his debut saw him become the first pacer rookie since Jamaal Tinsley in 2002, to record at least 25 points and five rebounds in a game, shooting with five 3-pointers. The 13th overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft looks set to make a statement by the end of this season, as he hopes to play a huge role within the Pacers roster.