NBA Rookie Ladder
By: Andrew Felton
This is always one of the most exciting awards come to the end of the season, with a chance to see which rookies proved themselves over the season and prove the worth of their draft pick or to show that it was a big mistake for teams to sleep on them during the draft. With recent winners such as Ja Morant and Luka Doncic, plus some of the best in the game like Lebron, KD, Kyrie, Shaquille O’Neal, and Micheal Jordan winning this prestigious award, who names will be called next for rookie of the year.
6. James Wiseman - Golden State Warriors
The second overall pick in the NBA 2020 draft was Centre James Wiseman, who was picked up by the Golden State Warriors. No doubt the Warriors had high hopes for Wiseman, however, with an inconsistent, up-and-down season, Steve Kerr looks to limit the minutes of the rookie and look for a longer development, without trying to force improvement through extra minutes. With a full summer league and training camp, Wiseman could become a force at the center position in the future.
Stats: 11.4 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 0.6 APG
5. Saddiq Bey - Detroit Pistons
Saddiq Bey was originally drafted to the Nets but was traded to the Pistons, which the rookie star may look back on and ponder what could have been for his rookie year. However, in going to the Pistons it has allowed Bey minutes on the court, racking up 102 3-pointers in 44 games, which ranks 3rd all time and is currently second out of the pistons team for double-digit scoring games, showing off his potential.
Stats: 10.6 PPG, 4 RPG, 1.3 APG
4. Jae’Sean Tate - Houston Rockets
An undrafted rookie, taken on by the Rockets to bolster their young core, is now looking like a very good decision. With their franchise star moving on and an injury-plagued season causing the Rockets to go backwards, Jae’Sean Tate is proving himself on both ends on the court and showing why he can be a big part of the Rockets future.
Stats: 10.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.9 APG
3. Immanuel Quickley - New York Knicks
Drafted to the Thunder, Quickley was traded to the Knicks, in a deal that also included the Timberwolves. The Knicks drafted Obi Toppin with their first pick but with a slow start to his rookie career, Quickley has stepped up for the Knicks, showing what he can produce with limited minutes. With Quickley talked about as one of the best drafts steals in New York history, can he push himself down the home stretch to win this award and be given the minutes to do so?
Stats: 12.4 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 2.3 APG
2. Tyrese Haliburton - Sacramento Kings
Tyrese Haliburton, currently one of the best in form rookies, has edged his way into the number two spot. The No.12 draft pick has recently stepped up his game producing three doubles-doubles and is playing for one of the most exciting young teams in the NBA, with the Kings. With his work on both ends of the court and ranking second amongst rookies with his offensive rating (only behind Lamelo Ball), can he take the top spot come to the end of the season?
Stats: 13.2 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 5 APG
1. Anthony Edwards - Minnesota Timberwolves
Currently, the best rookie in the league and the No.1 overall pick is Anthony Edwards. Edwards has shown from the beginning of the season why he went to the Timberwolves as the best player coming out of college. With already putting a highlight reel together of some monster dunks in his first season, this rookie race is in his hands to lose. Having moved into this No.1 spot due to an injury to Lamelo Ball, Edwards has the rest of the season to prove he truly deserves this award.
Stats: 17.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.5 APG
We cannot talk about this award without mentioning Lamelo Ball. The No.3 draft pick to Michael Jordan's Charlotte Hornets, would have arguably run away with this award, if it wasn't for his recent wrist injury which has Ball sidelined, for what is believed to be the rest of the season. Ball was putting up 15.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG, and 6.1 APG, starting the majority of the season on the bench with limited minutes. Lamelo has a bright future in the NBA and will be looking to win MVPs and Championships during his career.
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