The 2023-24 Rookie of the Year race is gearing up and we have one of the closest races in years. Headlining the race are Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren, two big men who will soon dominate the NBA for the foreseeable future. Armed with length and plenty of skill, these two players are two of a kind. However, even they have competition.
Brandon Miller and Jaime Jacquez Jr. are showcasing elite offensive skill for their teams while Keyonte George is slowly becoming an impressive force in the Rookie of the Year race. We have broken down the full comparison between all five of these rookies until we get the favorite for the end-of-year award.
Points Per Game (PPG)
1. Victor Wembanyama – 20.7 (5 Points)
2. Chet Holmgren – 16.9 (4 Points)
3. Brandon Miller – 16.9 (3 Points)
4. Jaime Jaquez Jr. – 12.8 (2 Points)
5. Keyonte George – 12.3 (1 Point)
Victor Wembanyama emerges as the leader, averaging an impressive 20.7 points per game. His scoring output showcases his ability to make a significant impact on the offensive end, whether it’s through post-up moves, mid-range jumpers, or finishing around the rim. He leads all rookies in scoring.
Chet Holmgren follows closely behind with 16.9 points per game, demonstrating his scoring ability despite facing stiff competition. Holmgren’s versatility as a scorer is evident, as he can score from inside and outside the paint, and he is scoring well alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Brandon Miller shares the same average as Holmgren, also averaging 16.9 points per game. Miller’s scoring ability highlights his offensive versatility and knack for putting the ball in the basket. Whether it’s through drives to the rim, perimeter shooting, or scoring in transition, Miller proves to be a reliable scoring option for his team, contributing significantly to their offensive production.
Behind them, Jaime Jaquez Jr. maintains a solid scoring average of 12.8 points per game. While his average may be lower than the top contenders, Jaquez Jr. still demonstrates the ability to contribute offensively with his scoring ability and offensive versatility. He has been a steal for the Miami Heat as the No. 18 overall pick.
Lastly, Keyonte George rounds out the list with an average of 12.3 points per game. Despite being at the bottom of the list in terms of scoring average, George’s contributions should not be overlooked because he is getting better as the months go by.
Rebounds Per Game (RPG)
1. Victor Wembanyama – 10.3 (5 Points)
2. Chet Holmgren – 7.8 (4 Points)
3. Brandon Miller – 4.2 (3 Points)
4. Jaime Jaquez Jr. – 4.0 (2 Points)
5. Keyonte George – 2.8 (1 Point)
When it comes to rebounding, Victor Wembanyama solidifies his dominance with an impressive average of 10.3 rebounds per game, earning him the top spot and the maximum five points. Wembanyama’s ability to control the boards demonstrates his impact on both ends of the floor, providing his team with crucial second-chance opportunities while limiting opponents’ offensive possessions.
Chet Holmgren follows behind with an average of 7.8 rebounds per game, a number which will be higher in just a few years. Holmgren’s rebounding ability complements his defensive skill set, as he secures rebounds to initiate fast breaks or prevent second-chance points for opponents, contributing significantly to his team’s record.
Brandon Miller maintains a respectable average of 4.2 rebounds per game, earning him the third spot in the category. While his rebounding numbers may not match those of the top contenders, Miller’s contributions on the glass are still noteworthy although he is a scorer.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Keyonte George round out the list with averages of 4.0 and 2.8 rebounds per game, respectively. Despite their lower rebounding averages compared to the top contenders, both Jaquez Jr. and George demonstrate the ability to contribute on the glass, albeit to a lesser extent.
Assists Per Game (APG)
1. Keyonte George – 4.4 (5 Points)
2. Victor Wembanyama – 3.4 (4 Points)
3. Chet Holmgren – 2.7 (3 Points)
4. Jaime Jaquez Jr. – 2.6 (2 Points)
5. Brandon Miller – 2.4 (1 Point)
Rather unsurprisingly, Keyonte George emerges as the leader with an impressive average of 4.4 assists per game, earning him the maximum five points. George’s ability to distribute the ball effectively highlights his playmaking skills and basketball IQ, as he consistently creates scoring opportunities for his teammates and facilitates ball movement within the offense as a combo guard.
Following closely behind is Victor Wembanyama, showcasing his versatility with an average of 3.4 assists per game. Wembanyama’s passing ability adds another dimension to his game, as he demonstrates the capacity to find open teammates and make plays in addition to his scoring and rebounding prowess. We could be seeing just how dominant the Frenchman can be across all categories.
Chet Holmgren maintains a respectable average of 2.7 assists per game, underscoring his ability to contribute as a facilitator despite his primary role as a scorer and defender. Holmgren’s passing skills complement his versatile skill set, as he can initiate offense and create opportunities for his teammates while also impacting the game on the defensive end.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Brandon Miller round out the list with averages of 2.6 and 2.4 assists per game, respectively. Although their assist numbers may be lower compared to the top contenders, both Jaquez Jr. and Miller demonstrate the ability to contribute as secondary playmakers within their respective offenses, showcasing their versatility and willingness to involve teammates in scoring opportunities.
Steals Per Game (SPG)
1. Victor Wembanyama – 1.3 (5 Points)
2. Jaime Jaquez Jr. – 1.1 (4 Points)
3. Brandon Miller – 0.9 (3 Points)
4. Chet Holmgren – 0.6 (2 Points)
5. Keyonte George – 0.5 (1 Point)
By far the most dominant defensive rookie, Victor Wembanyama emerges as the leader with an average of 1.3 steals per game, earning him the maximum five points. Wembanyama’s defensive instincts and length allow him to disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers, and he has a high basketball IQ as well.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. follows closely behind with an average of 1.1 steals per game, demonstrating his defensive prowess and ability to generate turnovers. Jaquez Jr.’s active hands and defensive awareness make him a valuable asset on the defensive end, and that part is underrated in his game.
Brandon Miller maintains a respectable average of 0.9 steals per game, highlighting his ability to contribute defensively and generate turnovers. Miller’s defensive effort adds another dimension to his game, even if the Hornets rank a putrid 20th in defense in the league.
Chet Holmgren and Keyonte George round out the list with averages of 0.6 and 0.5 steals per game, respectively. While their steal numbers may be lower compared to the top contenders, both Holmgren and George demonstrate the ability to contribute defensively and make an impact on that end of the floor. Holmgren specifically is an elite defensive player but his steals numbers haven’t been the major talking point of his game.
Blocks Per Game (BPG)
1. Victor Wembanyama – 3.4 (5 Points)
2. Chet Holmgren – 2.5 (4 Points)
3. Brandon Miller – 0.5 (3 Points)
4. Jaime Jaquez Jr. – 0.2 (2 Points)
5. Keyonte George – 0.1 (1 Point)
Leading all players in the NBA in blocks, Victor Wembanyama once again asserts his dominance with an impressive average of 3.4 blocks per game, earning him the maximum five points. Wembanyama’s shot-blocking ability is unmatched among his rookie peers, as his length and timing allow him to swat away shots and deter opponents from attacking the rim. We could be seeing a future Defensive Player of the Year in the making.
Chet Holmgren follows closely behind with an average of 2.5 blocks per game, showcasing his defensive presence and rim protection skills. Holmgren’s ability to alter shots and protect the paint adds a valuable dimension to his team’s defense because very few players have a quick bounce at his size.
Brandon Miller maintains a respectable average of 0.5 blocks per game, demonstrating his ability to contribute defensively despite playing a different role than the top shot-blockers. Mainly due to his athleticism, Miller can get up to block shots as needed which is a plus for the Hornets.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Keyonte George round out the list with averages of 0.2 and 0.1 blocks per game, respectively. While their block numbers may be lower compared to the top shot-blockers, both Jaquez Jr. and George still showcase their defensive capabilities and contribute to their teams’ defensive efforts in other ways such as playing passing lanes more than blocking shots.
Shooting Percentage (eFG%)
1. Chet Holmgren – 60.9 (5 Points)
2. Jaime Jaquez Jr. – 54.6 (4 Points)
3. Victor Wembanyama – 52.2 (3 Points)
4. Brandon Miller – 52.2 (2 Points)
5. Keyonte George – 49.8 (1 Point)
In the Shooting Percentage category, Chet Holmgren stands out with an exceptionally effective field goal percentage (eFG%) of 60.9%. Holmgren’s efficiency on the offensive end is evident, as he consistently converts scoring opportunities while making a significant impact for his team at a 53.8% clip from the field and 38.5% from three.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. follows closely behind with an eFG% of 54.6%, showcasing his ability to score efficiently and contribute to his team’s offensive success. Jaquez Jr.’s knack for making high-percentage shots highlights his offensive versatility and effectiveness within his team’s offensive schemes, shooting 50.0% from the field.
Victor Wembanyama and Brandon Miller tie with an eFG% of 52.2%, demonstrating their ability to score efficiently despite facing stiff competition. Wembanyama’s scoring efficiency adds another dimension to his game, as he showcases his ability to score from various areas on the court while making a significant impact on his team.
Keyonte George rounds out the list with an eFG% of 49.8%, showcasing his ability to score efficiently despite facing tough competition. He will likely improve upon his 39.9% field-goal percentage and 36.0% three-point mark as he gets better with age.
Player Efficiency Rating (PER)
1. Victor Wembanyama – 22.9 (5 Points)
2. Chet Holmgren – 20.8 (4 Points)
3. Jaime Jaquez Jr. – 13.2 (3 Points)
4. Brandon Miller – 12.5 (2 Points)
5. Keyonte George – 11.4 (1 Point)
When it comes to arguably the most important advanced statistic, Victor Wembanyama emerges as the leader with an impressive PER of 22.9, as he wins another category. Wembanyama’s high PER reflects his overall impact on the game, combining his contributions in scoring, rebounding, defense, and other statistical categories to demonstrate his effectiveness on both ends of the floor.
Chet Holmgren follows closely behind with a PER of 20.8, showcasing his versatility and impact despite facing stiff competition. Holmgren’s PER highlights his ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game, including scoring, rebounding, shot-blocking, and playmaking, making him a valuable asset to his team. No surprise, these two lead the pack in PER.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. maintains a PER of 13.2, demonstrating his contributions to his team’s success despite a lower PER compared to the top contenders. Jaquez Jr.’s PER reflects his ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor, contributing in scoring, rebounding, defense, and other areas to help his team compete.
Brandon Miller and Keyonte George round out the list with PERs of 12.5 and 11.4, respectively. While their PERs may be lower compared to the top contenders, both Miller and George still showcase their ability to contribute to their teams’ success in various aspects of the game, including scoring, rebounding, defense, and playmaking.
Win/Loss Record (W/L Record)
1. Chet Holmgren – 45-19 (.703) (5 Points)
2. Jaime Jaquez Jr. – 35-29 (.547) (4 Points)
3. Keyonte George – 28-36 (.438) (3 Points)
4. Brandon Miller – 16-49 (.246) (2 Points)
5. Victor Wembanyama – 15-50 (.219) (1 Point)
In the Win/Loss Record category, Chet Holmgren leads the pack with an impressive record of 45 wins and 19 losses, translating to a winning percentage of .703, earning him the maximum five points. Holmgren’s success on the court reflects his impact on his team’s overall performance, although he is benefitting from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, and Jalen Williams as well.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. follows behind with a record of 35 wins and 29 losses, resulting in a winning percentage of .547, earning him four points in the category. The rookie is playing an important role for the title-contending Heat led by Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
In third place, Keyonte George maintains a record of 28 wins and 36 losses, equating to a winning percentage of .438, earning him three points in the category. Despite facing challenges, George showcases his resilience and impact on his team’s performance as one of Utah’s brightest players this season.
Brandon Miller and Victor Wembanyama round out the list with records of 16 wins and 49 losses (.246) and 15 wins and 50 losses (.219), respectively. Miller was never expected to win a ton of games with the rebuilding Hornets while the Spurs have been surprisingly poor despite Wembanyama dominating both ends of the court.
Rookie Of The Year Player Rankings
1. Victor Wembanyama – 33 Points (5 Categories Won)
2. Chet Holmgren – 31 Points (2 Categories Won)
3. Jaime Jaquez Jr. – 23 Points (0 Categories Won)
4. Brandon Miller – 19 Points (0 Categories Won)
5. Keyonte George – 14 Points (1 Category Won)
Victor Wembanyama emerges as the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, with a total of 33 points and victories in five categories. His versatile skill set, statistical performance, and impact on the court make him a standout candidate for the award. He is not only the best offensive rookie in the NBA but the most dominant defender.
Chet Holmgren closely follows with 31 points and wins in two categories. Despite trailing Wembanyama in total points, Holmgren’s impressive contributions in various aspects of the game solidify his position as a top contender for the award. It will likely be a two-horse race all season long between them with a very small margin separating them.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., Brandon Miller, and Keyonte George round out the rankings, each showcasing their talents and contributions throughout the season. While they may not have secured wins in individual categories, they will try their best to battle out for the third spot in the ranking because it seems catching Wembanyama and Holmgren seems to be out of the question.Â
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.Â
