NBA Rookie Ladder: Ricky Rubio Still Trails Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving and Ricky Rubio continue to draw attention as Rookie of the Year candidates, but there are some seriously surprising names appearing in the ladder this week.

The impressive play from these first-year guys is highlighted by the fact that they didn't have a summer league or a full training camp. An ability to get acclimated on the fly is not something that should go understated.

Not all of these guys were lottery picks, nor do all of them speak English.

Basketball is a language that translates universally.

10. MarShon Brooks, G/F New Jersey Nets

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Brooks has cooled off from a scorching stint since dealing with a couple of injuries to his Achilles' tendon and toe, but there is still a lot to like about his game.

He's struggled with his shot selection and is forcing the issue a bit, but that's likely a result of a young player sitting on the sidelines for an extended period who is anxious to get back into the action.

Brooks has to do a better job of being more aggressive without the basketball in his hands in order to get more open looks.

9. Markieff Morris, F Phoenix Suns

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Morris' role has been inconsistent in his first season under Alvin Gentry, but the rookie has really taken advantage of increased playing time of late.

He's played at least 20 minutes in all but one game since February 4, and Morris hasn't been afraid to assert himself on the offensive end of the floor.

His impressive range has been a serious asset in getting him more playing time, as Morris is tough to defend at 6'10" when he's roaming the perimeter with incredibly efficiency.

He's shooting 42.2 percent from deep this season and has been integral in the second unit.

8. Iman Shumpert, G/F New York Knicks

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Shumpert was New York's darling long before Jeremy Lin burst onto the scene, but a rough patch had some doubting his ability to sustain success in the starting lineup.

A move to the second unit has been beneficial for Shumpert, who can now use his aggressive nature to his advantage without deferring to his teammates.

He's a really promising on-ball defender and is currently fifth in total steals (55), highlighting an ability to use his athleticism at both ends of the floor.

7. Kemba Walker, G Charlotte Bobcats

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Coach Paul Silas hinted that Kemba Walker is in for a backup role when D.J. Augustin (toe) returns, but the UConn product is starting to find his way in the league.

Still shooting just 36 percent from the floor, Walker's shot selection needs improvement, but it's also been partially the result of his team pressing for production without a lot of talent on the floor.

Miscast as a facilitator, Walker's best role is one which allows him to play his own game.

6. Klay Thompson, G/F Golden State Warriors

Thompson really struggled out of the gate for the Warriors, and after receiving considerable pre-draft hype as a fantastic shooter, he just wasn't looking the part.

Since February 4, Thompson has hit 14-of-19 shots from beyond the three-point line and has really looked automatic from downtown.

He's earning an increased role under Mark Jackson of late, and if he continues to shoot at a ridiculous clip, that trend should only continue.

5. Brandon Knight, G Detroit Pistons

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Brandon Knight seized a starting role for the Pistons in the beginning of January and hasn't looked back since that time.

He continues to struggle shooting the basketball and doesn't have a desirable assist-to-turnover ratio, but Knight's all-around game is one that the Pistons have embraced with open arms.

He's capable of contributing across the stat sheet, and the arrow is pointing up on his stock.

Once he gets more talent around him, Knight will be a very fun and intriguing player to watch on a consistent basis.

4. Gustavo Ayon, F/C New Orleans Hornets

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Gustavo Ayon doesn't get a lot of attention in the public eye because he's playing for a miserable Hornets team, but what a find this kid has been for New Orleans.

In three games as a starter, Ayon is averaging 1.0 steals, 1.5 blocks and shooting a very solid 52.2 percent from the floor. Additionally, Ayon is also averaging a very nice 2.8 offensive rebounds per game over that same stint.

What has been most impressive about Ayon is his commitment to doing work under the basket, especially on the defensive side.

3. Enes Kanter, F/C Utah Jazz

Kanter really needs to get more playing time in Utah with the impressive season he's enjoying.

The biggest problem with Kanter currently is that he doesn't have a polished offensive skill set, but he is a rebounding machine. An unbelievable 57 of his 146 total rebounds have come on the offensive glass.

At just age 19 and after sitting out last season due to being ruled ineligible by the NCAA, Kanter's per-36 minute averages are 12.4 points and 12.6 rebounds.

Once he evolves his game on the offensive end and in the low post, he's really going to be something special.

2. Ricky Rubio, PG Minnesota Timberwolves

Remember those concerns about Rubio's shooting stemming from his tenure abroad?

After shooting 36.7 percent during the month of January, Rubio has shot just 35.8 percent in February.

Rubio has improved in foul shooting and steals per game every month of the season, but opposing defenses are beginning to learn how to defend him with greater success.

A phenomenal passer and dynamite playmaker, Rubio has plenty of room to improve.

Considering how good he already is, that says a lot about his ceiling.

1. Kyrie Irving, PG Cleveland Cavaliers

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Irving is set to return from a concussion on Wednesday which had temporarily knocked him out of action, but the season he's enjoying has been a pleasure to watch.

Showing impressive poise as the unquestioned leader of his team, Irving has been able to find the bottom of the net with great consistency.

Unafraid to have the basketball in his hands when the game is on the line, Irving is the favorite for the Rookie of the Year award in a season where many questioned whether he was the right choice for top overall pick.