MarShon Brooks' 17 points vs. the Hawks Tuesday is the second highest one-game total for a rookie in the first few days of the NBA season. Only Norris Cole's 20 points for the Heat, also Tuesday night, are higher. And a lot of players taken above Brooks at #25 have had disappointing starts.

Drew Packham, who ranks rookies for NBA.com, puts the 6'5" shooting guard at #5 on his Rookie Ladder this week, noting that in 36 minutes over two games, Brooks has scored 23 points. He's shooting 8-for-19 (with five misses from deep) and has grabbed five boards.

Meanwhile, David Thorpe of ESPN puts Brooks at #13, noting his quick first step and his activity on both sides of the call, but also his ball-stopping.

• Rookie Ladder - Drew Packham - NBA.com
• 2010-2011 NBA Rookies - Top 50 - Week 1 - David Thorpe - ESPN Insider