The Miami Heat have a rookie atop the NBA Rookie Ladder, but not the one most expected.

Kendrick Nunn was listed at the top position in Week 1 of the latest rankings.

“The biggest surprise of the first week has been Kendrick Melvin Nunn, who spent last season in the G League after going undrafted in 2018.”

Zion Williamson will have his say once he’s healthy enough to step on the court, but until then other rookies will get their due recognition.

“For now, the starting job seems to be Nunn’s. Whether he keeps up this hot start will be something to watch, but he’s already winning over fans and his underdog story will only help his case.”

Nunn’s stellar start may be an advantage for the Heat as teams scheme to stop Nunn in his chase for the Rookie of the Year award.

Jimmy Butler may benefit because he was perceived as the overwhelming focus of attention for opponents to game plan against.

Now though Nunn, along with the emergence of Bam Adebayo, gives Butler some help diverting the attention to other members of the Heat cast.

With 78 games remaining in the season the future for Nunn to produce at such high levels consistently isn’t a given, but Heat fans can relish living in the moment with their latest find.