NBA Rookies Fill Up The Stat Sheets In Weekend Slate
Over halfway into the 2023-24 NBA regular season, this rookie class seems to be establishing itself as the league’s best in a very long time. At the top, it boasts near all-star caliber players already while numerous others consistently flash star qualities. This weekend offered some of the best rookie performances this season with many different names making waves.
The weekend kicked off with a Friday night to remember for the 2023 NBA Draft Class. As always, the San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama led the way. He stuffed the stat sheet with 16 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and three blocks. The Spurs fell victim to a Zion Williamson game-winner, but the first overall pick played his game in the loss.
Subsequently, Brandon Miller, last June’s second overall pick, also had a huge game. During his incredible scoring streak, he seems to be getting better every game. This one was no exception; the Charlotte Hornets' 6-foot-8 wing contributed 28 points with 5-of-8 shooting from deep.
Next in line, third overall pick Scoot Henderson had the best game of his young career. Coming off the bench, he scored 30 points on just 15 shots, for he converted 11 of 12 free throw attempts. With his potent explosiveness, Henderson demonstrated his superstar potential the day before his 20th birthday.
Fourth overall pick Amen Thompson also had maybe his best game for the Houston Rockets. He added 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists on 11 shots in a blowout win over the Toronto Raptors. Rookie Cam Whitmore also scored 25 points alongside Thompson Houston's win.
While the top picks certainly performed, they weren’t the only rookies making noise. Brandon Podziemski, the Golden State Warriors’ 19th overall pick, scored 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds on just eight field goal attempts. But more notably, he dished out 14 assists without recording a turnover. For the Detroit Pistons, 25th pick Marcus Sasser scored 21 points while converting five of his six triples.
On Sunday, this dominance continued. Brandon Miller led the way with a career-high 35 points, showcasing the special skills which gives him superstar potential. Ausar Thomspon, Detroit’s fifth overall pick, scored 17 points and blocked three shots. In the Utah Jazz’s big win over the Milwaukee Bucks, Keyonte George scored 19 points and corralled 10 rebounds. Additionally, in a double-overtime win, Chet Holmgren scored 22 points and played stout defense.
As the rest of this season unfolds, it’ll be fun to watch this loaded rookie class take on the rest of the league.
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