Draft Digest Rookies of the Week: Paolo Banchero and Jalen Williams Shine Bright
Each week, the Draft Digest team picks an NBA rookie from each conference as the best player of the week.
The lottery of the 2022 NBA Draft has been extremely impressive early on, as many of these prospects have impacted winning at a high level. As the season goes on, quite a few rookies have emerged as legitimate contributors and are beginning to make the case as one of the best first year players in the league.
Who brought home the hardware this week?
Eastern Conference
Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic)
Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Stats Since Last Week: 3 GP | 25.3 PPG| 7.3 RPG | 4.7 APG | 84% FT
Not only has Banchero been an elite scorer this season, with 20-point outings becoming common, but he's also been a great facilitator. In fact, he wrapped up the week with an outstanding performance that included seven assists.
While his shooting has been somewhat inconsistent, Banchero hits shots when it matters. Over the past week, he's hit several big shots down the stretch that helped put Orlando in a situation to win the matchup.
He's emerging as a clear alpha on the Magic roster and is starting to run away with the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
Western Conference
Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Stats Since Last Week: 3 GP | 14.0 PPG| 3.7 ARPG | 3.7 SPG | 50% FG
Although he can play upwards of four positions, Williams has been tasked with being a facilitator of late. He's produced 10 assists over his last two games, being a primary piece of Oklahoma City's offense. Furthermore, he's scored in double figures in seven of his last eight games.
Defensively, Williams is also starting to hit his stride. He notched 11 steals this week through three games, which included five in a single contest. He's earned a 70 DSI according to Cerebro Sports, which is impressive for a first year player.
As he continues to get more minutes, the rookie is starting to make the case for being a lock for an NBA All-Rookie nod.
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