3 rookies making their mark in the NBA

This year's rookie class is a perfect example of why being patient is such an important quality to have in professional sports, as only a handful of players - if that - have separated themselves from the pack and made much of an impact out of the gate.

That's not to say we're looking at a group of busts, as it's far too early to tell how this crop will ultimately end up looking. Sure, it doesn't appear as though it will be on par with the 1996 or 2003 rookie class, but the potential is there for some names to grow into All-Stars or even more.

For now, the following three players have proven to be the major standouts, providing their respective teams with steady production and optimism for the future.

Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

2016-17 averages: 19.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.3 blocks

The only thing thing keeping Joel Embiid from strutting his way to Rookie of the Year honors would be an unforeseen injury, and when factoring in his history, there will always be a sense of worry surrounding him every time he takes the floor.

Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown has done a tremendous job managing Embiid's minutes, though, getting the most bang for his buck under a structure that doesn't overexert his young star while keeping his surgically repaired feet healthy and fresh.

Averaging more than twice as many points per game as the second-ranked rookie while also leading first-year players in rebounds, rejections, and double-doubles, the 22-year-old big man has backed up his endearing social media presence with stellar on-court play that's been unmatched by anyone from this year's class, making him one of the Association's most popular talents just months into his career.

The return of 2016 No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons should cut into his production a tad, but not enough for him to fall off the map. If anything, not having Simmons around has provided Embiid more opportunities to build his confidence and develop his game. Upon the Aussie's return, a greater understanding of what Embiid is capable of will be in place, with the two hopefully finding a perfect balance so that they and the team as a whole can continue finding success.

"The Process" has delivered the franchise a star in the making in Embiid, and just like that former Sam Hinkie-driven blueprint, feel free to put your trust in the 7-footer.

Malcolm Brogdon, Milwaukee Bucks

2016-17 averages: 9.1 points, 3.9 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 0.9 steals

It's not often that teams find game-changing talent in the second round, but it appears the Milwaukee Bucks have found themselves an absolute steal in 24-year-old shooting guard Malcolm Brogdon.

Chosen with the 36th pick in last year's draft, Brogdon has quickly emerged as one of the bright, young guards in the game today and looks poised to play a significant role in the Bucks' potential playoff run this postseason.

While a good but not great three-point shooter in college, Brogdon has found a way to improve his stroke at the pro level, shooting a very respectable 42.4 percent from deep.

Unlike most young players, the 6-foot-5 shooting guard is far from a liability on the other end of the floor, boasting a defensive win share of 0.8.

Most importantly, Brogdon has continued to improve as the weeks progress, boosting his scoring average from 5.3 points in October to 14.6 points in January.

Brogdon's impressive play has not gone unnoticed by Bucks head coach Jason Kidd, who hasn't looked back after inserting the young guard into the starting lineup last month.

Dario Saric, Philadelphia 76ers

2016-17 averages: 9.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.5 steals

Dario Saric may be overshadowed by his frontcourt partner in Philadelphia, but the 22-year-old has quietly put together a solid season for the Sixers.

Saric has stuffed the stat sheet since coming over from Croatia this summer, ranking second among rookies in points, second and rebounds, and third in 3-pointers.

Like most NBA neophytes, Saric will need to work on his efficiency, but he's shown flashes of becoming a dependable stretch four - something every NBA team covets.

While he's currently in the midst of a slump, he's likely already shown enough this season to land a spot on the NBA All-Rookie team.