Draft Digest Rookies of the Week: Final Week of Action
Who were the most impressive rookies across the NBA over the past week?
Each week, the Draft Digest team picks an NBA rookie from each conference as the best player of the week.
it's the final few days of the regular season, meaning NBA All-Rookie teams have essentially taken shape. Even then, the final few weeks of the season generally provides more opportunity for players who are on non-postseason teams who want to give young players more reps.
As such, it's always a good time for rookies to showcase their talent this time of the year. Especially with less pressure, it's an exciting time for players who need an opportunity.
Who brought home the hardware this week?
Eastern Conference
Tristan Vukcevic (Washington Wizards)
Apr 7, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Kelly Olynyk (41) and Washington
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Stats Since Last Week: 2 GP | 14.0 PPG | 8.0 RPG | 3.0 APG | 2.0 BPG
He didn't get a chance to play NBA minutes until more recently, but Vukcevic has taken full opportunity of his time on the court. Over the past week specifically, he's really started to get more comfortable with the Wizards and this league's style of play.
While he's known for being a modern big with shooting upside, Vukcevic has earned a 67 DSI from Cerebro Sports, which is quite impressive for a rookie when it comes to defensive impact. If he can continue to make an impact on both ends moving forward in Washington, he should be a regular rotation piece next season.
Western Conference
Scoot Henderson (Portland Trail Blazers)
Apr 11, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (00) drives to the
Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Stats Since Last Week: 4 GP | 17.8 PPG | 10.5 APG | 2.5 RPG | 31.0% 3PT
It's been a rough rookie season for Henderson after being selected No. 3 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, but he has shown more consistent flashes of late. Most notably, he's averaged double-digit assists over the past week.
While those assists did come alongside more than six turnovers per contest, Henderson is processing things better with each passing game. He needs to also get much more efficient as a scorer, but even on that front he's looked better of late.
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