By Lamar Battle
Most predicted that the 2017-18 NBA rookie class would be one of the best and from the looks of things they were right.
Who are the Leaders in the race for Rookie Of The Year and team contributions?
Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers:
At the quarter mark the leader in the race for ROY is 3rd in rookie scoring 16.6 ppg, first in rookie rebounds at 8.6 rpg and first in rookie assist with 7.5 apg. At 6′ 10″ and with natural point guard skills Simmons is probably the closest thing to Magic Johnson that we have seen in a while. Along with center Joel Embiid the 76ers are looking like a team of the future in the Eastern Conference.
Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz:
The rookie scoring leader at 18.2 ppg Donovan came on late as a spectacular athlete who routinely gets the fans out of their seats (You did see that stupendous dunk against the Cavs right? ). He has the talent and ambition to be one of the best players in the league.
Kyle Kuzma L.A. Lakers:
Quite possibly the steal of the draft and 2nd leading rookie scorer at 17.9 ppg and 5th leading rebounder at 6.7 rpg. A 6′ 10″ slasher and quality shooter (39% 3 pointers) from Flint Michigan who gives Laker fans a reason to hope for a better future.
Lauri Markkanen, Chicago Bulls:
4th in rookie scoring, 14.6 ppg and 2nd in rebounding at 7.4 rpg and 2nd in free throw percentage at 83.3%. All of a sudden the Jimmy Butler trade is not looking so stupid. Lauri surprised everybody with his confidence and surprising athleticism. This kid has All Star written all over him as evidenced in a recent game against the Knicks where he took on the challenge to play the Knicks vaunted Kristaps Porzingas to a standstill and did just that.
Markkanen joins 2nd year players Kris Dunn (a sleeper for sure) and Zach Lavine (two time winner of the slam dunk contest) in what will become a solid nucleus on the Bulls for years to come.
Jason Tatum, Boston Celtics:
Boy did Boston G.M. Danny Ainge pull off a heist with this guy. Tatum 6′ 8″ with what may be an 8 ft wing span will be barring injury the starting Celtic small forward for a long time. Jason is 5th in scoring at 14.1 ppg and is shooting an incredible 47.1 percent from the 3 point line…That is correct 47.1 percent ! Boston penciled him in as a starter at 19 years old and they knew what they were doing.
Honorable mention:
Lonzo Ball, L.A. Lakers:
People who know me will say there he goes again drinking that purple kool aid and giving props to a player ESPN’s Steven A. Smith called a bust.
Lonzo started slow but is now starting to shoot better from the outside ( 10 ppg 34.9 fg%) even though you never hear as much conversation about the outside shooting regarding Rajon Rondo, Ben Simmons, Andre Miller or Jason Kidd.
The metric for Lonzo who among rookies is 2nd in assist, 4th in rebounds, 2nd in minutes and 3rd in blocks will be his impact on the culture of the team. Can he through the force of his unselfish nature transform the Lakers into a respectable team with a promising future ?
And the winner is:
Stay tuned to what will be one impressive race to the finish.
Stats courtesy of NBA.com
