NBA Rookie power rankings: Does Houston Rockets' Amen Thompson crack top 5?

2. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder

Stats: 16.7 points per game, 7.9 rebounds per game, 2.4 blocks per game

Being an NBA rookie is all about opportunity. Still, every opportunity isn't born equal. Wembanyama has the opportunity to fully explore his game on the lottery-bound Spurs.

Holmgren doesn't have the same opportunity, but he's making the most of the chance he has gotten. Holmgren is a key cog in one of the most well-oiled machines in the NBA. He functions as a defensive anchor for this Thunder team.

So, his basic counting stats pale in comparison to Wembanyama's. Holmgren is the third option behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams in Oklahoma City. He's still been quite impressive as a play finisher and menacing defensive presence.

3. Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets

Stats: 17.0 points per game, 4.3 rebounds per game

Sometimes, you end up trading one opportunity for another. Miller may have thought he'd be helping LaMelo Ball lead the Hornets in a playoff run. Unfortunately, the star point guard has only managed to play 22 games this season.

In his absence, Miller has seized the day. His 17.0 points per game make for impressive production on rookie standards. It's also worth noting that Miller is shooting 37.0% on 6.6 three-point attempts per game.

Those aren't all open catch-and-shoot opportunities either. Miller is shooting off the dribble. He's hitting contested threes. Miller has been the focal point of opponents' scouting reports, and his efficiency has hardly suffered as a result.

In an ordinary class, that could be enough for Miller to garner some Rookie of the Year consideration. This year, it puts him third on our ladder.