The Early State Of The NBA’s Rookie Of The Year Race
Nearly a month into the season, rookies are beginning to cement their starting points in the league. At this point, most top selections have earned the opportunity to showcase their current skill level. Some players already bring all-star-level impact, while some still look lost on the NBA floor.
There’s plenty of time for rookies to find their footing and take significant leaps, but a clear hierarchy has already defined the Rookie Of The Year race.
Leading the race, Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren are already making convincing all-star cases. They are head and shoulders above their peers, and it’s hard to imagine this changing any time soon.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Wembanyama has added value on both ends of the ball. To this point, he has averaged 19.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 2.6 blocks per game. The 7-foot-4 Frenchman has excelled as a play finisher while mixing in intriguing flashes of pull-up shot-making. Defensively, the Spurs big man has displayed impressive mobility and deterred a high volume of shot attempts.
Holmgren has done a lot of the same for Oklahoma City. Surrounded by guards, he’s finished plays all over the court and fortified the Thunder’s defense.
After these two, a handful of rookie players have already established themselves as positive players.
In Detroit, Ausar Thompson has made significant noise with his defense and rebounding. He’s shutting down some of the league’s best perimeter players while wreaking havoc to the tune of three stocks (steals plus blocks) per game. He’s also dominated the boards, averaging 10.5 of them, with 4.2 coming on the offensive end. He’s still working on adding value as a scorer, but he’s chipping in in other places in the meantime.
Brandon Miller has also played good basketball in Charlotte. Known for his outside shooting, the Hornets forward has earned easy buckets inside the arc and explored his mid-range game. He’s also provided valuable defense on while taking the squad’s toughest defensive assignments.
Jordan Hawkins has found his place in New Orleans, with his movement shooting ability making him a dangerous compliment to the creation ability of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. The Pelicans have frequently used him as a screener to apply pressure on defenses. He even nailed seven deep shots en route to 31 points against the Denver Nuggets.
In addition to Holmgren, Cason Wallace has also added value for the Thunder. He’s played sound defense and shot the ball efficiently. The former Kentucky Wildcat hasn’t explored his offensive game as much, but has impacted winning in his limited role.
It's a loaded rookie class, with many already starting to shine.
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