The Rookie of the Year award is pretty much the most prestigious distinction any baller can get throughout his first season in the NBA, as the league is already starting to notice their potential to dominate basketball scene.
Over the course of years, some of the best hoopers in the world have been able to put together an amazing rookie season to take home this award, paving the way for a very successful NBA career.
Even though it’s still pretty early in the season, there have been several rookies that have put up a show to start the season, earning early ROY considerations. Today, we’re going to talk about them.
10. Collin Sexton
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUuRu8-yxpI
Everybody had such high hopes for Collin Sexton entering this year and so far, he’s been fairly productive according to the minutes he’s gotten, even though his stock isn’t going to rise until George Hill is finally dealt.
The Cavaliers have been a major disaster in both ends of the floor but Sexton has been aggressive and shown no signs of hesitation, posting averages of 11.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.
9. Miles Bridges
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz1S8rLLR1Y
Miles Bridges was a walking bucket in college and even though he hasn’t had much chance to prove his worth with the sluggish Charlotte Hornets, he’s still been able to show glimpses of a great scoring touch.
Bridges has been shooting the ball with great effectiveness and should only be more featured in his team’s offense as the season progresses. So far, he’s averaged 8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists on 58% shooting and 39% from three.
8. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is yet to become the team’s starter, but is just a matter of time before the Los Angeles Clippers hand the keys of the car to their star rookie, as he’s been extremely prolific off the bench so far.
Even though his averages of 8.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 0.9 steals per game haven’t been quite impressive, his impact in both ends has already been noted, especially in the defensive end.
7. Allonzo Trier
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuXqiEtAv0U
The fact that Allonzo Trier went undrafted is kind of surprising considering the kid is a major bucket-getter. He may not be as efficient as expected, but the upside is definitely there for the shooting guard.
The New York Knicks don’t have many things to brag about this season and they’re likely heading towards the bottom of the standings, so Trier should have a very long leash. So far, he’s averaging 10.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.
6. Jaren Jackson Jr
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkD8WZ51IWM
Well, even though Jaren JAckson Jr has mightily struggled with foul trouble early on his career, he’s definitely shown his upside as a top-tier rim protector and scorer through some stretches for the Grizzlies.
He needs to calm down a bit and get settled to the pace of the NBA in order to avoid foul trouble, but he’s going to be a stud for sure. Up to this day, he’s averaging 10.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists,1 steal and 1 block per game.
5. Wendell Carter Jr
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXkV5KJ5MoM
Wendell Carter Jr is already locked in as the Chicago Bulls starting center for the future and, following a bit of a slow start of the season, the rookie’s finally coming together as a prime modern big man.
Carter has shown his range from three-point territory while also being a solid rim protector and rebounder for the Bulls, averaging 11.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.9 blocks per game on 45% shooting.
4. Marvin Bagley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtfY2r2Z-w8
The fact that Marvin Bagley isn’t starting after being taken with the 2nd overall pick of the Draft is kind of bizarre for me, but the Kings got off to a hot start of the season so they have no reason why to rush him into the starting lineup.
Bagley has been solid in limited minutes and his role should only grow as the season progresses, although he needs to put a lot of work in the defensive end of the floor. So far, he’s averaging 12.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.
3. Trae Young
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-c1O-x6dD6M
Trae Young was one of the most hyped rookies entering the season, as everybody knew he had the offensive upside to become something of the likes of Stephen Curry 2.0 and so far, he has lived up to that hype.
Young has struggled with consistency but has also shown his unlimited range and crafty playmaking ability, already posting a 30+ points 10+ assists outing, and posting averages of 19.1 points, 7.9 assists and 2 triples per game.
2. Deandre Ayton
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5cZI5_d-pE
Nobody doubted Deandre Ayton’s ability to dominate both sides of the glass, as well as his offensive skill set as a prime modern big man and a better, stronger version of Karl-Anthony Towns.
So far, the rookie has proven why he was taken with the 1st overall pick, averaging a double-double with 16.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 0.9 blocks per game on a whopping 63% from the floor.
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1. Luka Doncic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr5fyUIO0so
Luka Doncic is not your average rookie, as he was by far the most experienced player of his class thanks to his Real Madrid tenure. Even so, he’s been the most impressive player in his class as well.
Doncic has filled up the stat sheet on a nightly basis and has already taken the reins of the Mavericks as their franchise cornerstone for the future, averaging 19.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 2.7 triples and 0.9 steals per game on 46% shooting.
