Quarter-Season NBA All-Rookie Teams
This week, we passed the quarter-season mark of the 2023-24 campaign in the NBA's regular season. As teams begin to find their identities, so are the league’s newest players. The 2023-24 rookie class has already made their imprint on the association. While the Rookie Of The Year race seems to be two-legged, many vie for a spot on one of the two All-Rookie squads.
However, only ten guys can make the cut. Here are the players who deserve the nod thus far:
First Team
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
To the surprise of few, the first overall pick is already tearing up the league. He’s averaging 19 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks as he builds a convincing Rookie Of The Year case. He’s a lock for the first team.
Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
Holmgren also finds himself as a shoo-in for the first team. Last year’s second pick has been going head-to-head with Wembanyama as the league’s top rookie. He’s averaging an efficient 17 points while anchoring the Thunder’s terrific defense.
Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets
The second overall pick has quietly been one of the best rookies. From his 3-point shooting, to his off-the-dribble scoring, to his defense, the 15-point per game scorer has already functioned as a good complimentary wing while displaying star flashes.
Dereck Lively II, Dallas Mavericks
Playing next to Luka Doncic. Lively II’s candidacy spurs from his two-way play. He’s done a great job protecting the rim and finishing plays at the basket. He’s also moved the ball well.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat
Surprising many, Jaquez Jr. quickly found his stride as a versatile bucket-getter. Averaging an efficient 13.2 points, he easily makes his way into the first team.
Second Team
Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons
The fifth overall pick, Thompson’s defense has been phenomenal. He’s already one of the league’s best wing defenders and rebounders. However, he’s still figuring out how to help Detroit on offense, so he finds himself on the second team.
Anthony Black, Orlando Magic
Black isn’t producing up the biggest numbers on the box score, but his impact stretches far beyond the stat sheet. He’s been a key cog in Orlando’s elite defense as an every-game starter. He knows his role on offense, and hasn’t strayed far from his strengths. However, he’s still had some very good offensive games.
Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City Thunder
Another steady contributor, Wallace has been a great backup for the Thunder. He plays good defense and finishes plays from deep.
Jordan Hawkins, New Orleans Pelicans
Hawkins is already an elite shooter. He’s helped the Pelicans win games behind his marksmanship and has already formed great synergy with the team’s stars.
Bilal Coulibaly, Washington Wizards
Coulibaly earns an All-Rookie spot primarily because of his impressive defensive impact. His offense has been solid too though. He’s exploring his off-the-dribble repertoire while knocking down triples at a steady rate.
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