With NBA All-Star Weekend in full force, we're taking a different approach for ESPN's third Rookie Power Rankings. While the top-10 ranking is still based on which rookies have been most valuable so far this season, we're including an All-Star comparison. This comparison is what each rookie projects to be when he's at his peak, if said player indeed maximizes his potential.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley's upside compares favorably with an eight-time NBA All-Star, while Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey has the potential to mirror another former teen starting point guard who made his first All-Star team this season.
It's unprecedented to have 10 All-Stars (let alone five) from a single draft class, even one as highly touted and impressive as the 2021 crop. Keep in mind, this is not a re-draft or a ranking based on future potential, but rather a fluid list that spells out which rookies have been most valuable up until the All-Star break.