This year’s draft class is unlike any other because they didn’t get a summer league and have only been with their teams for about a little over a month. A lot of people are calling this draft class weak but I feel that’s because there aren’t really guys who scream star. Weak is too harsh of a term for the class and to me, I see a lot of good role players from this draft. A lot of the guys in the class went to teams that already have stars on the team so the opportunity might not be there every night.
Rookie of the Year is about having the most opportunity to put up the most/best numbers. Usually won’t see a Rookie of the Year come from a contending team or even in most cases, a playoff team.
Knowing that, that likely takes out guys like James Wiseman because he won’t get much opportunity to put up big numbers. Also likely takes out the number one pick, Anthony Edwards because baring injury, he’ll be the third option for the Wolves and the Rookie of the Year normally comes from a guy who is the first option.
So who does that leave?
Rookie Of The Year – LaMelo Ball
I kind of reluctantly picked Melo but he will more than likely have the most opportunity to put up the best numbers since he plays for the Hornets and is a PG so he’ll have the ball in his hands a lot. The Hornets aren’t really that bad and could be in position for a playoff spot which will help his case. He didn’t start any of the games in the preseason which could hurt his chances if he never starts but most are expecting that to change. Don’t draft a guy at 3 and bring him off the bench all year. Especially with a roster like the Hornets.
In The Hunt:
Killian Hayes
Hayes is my sleeper pick for ROY. He will be the starting PG for the Pistons so he’s going to have the ball a lot. He might struggle a little to start off but once he gets accustomed to the NBA game should thrive in his role.
Obi Tobbin
Obi is my favorite player in this draft so maybe that’s why I picked him to be in the hunt for ROY. He did’t start any game for the Knicks in the preseason but that could change for him as the season goes along. The Knicks are a young team and not much is expected out of them so Obi could end up getting plenty of opportunity to shine. Plus, it helps that he’s an exciting player to watch and will probably have a lot of highlights.
James Wiseman
I know I said that Wiseman wouldn’t win the award because he won’t have the opportunity to put up big numbers playing with the Warriors but I still like him in the role he’ll be playing. He will be able to get a lot of rebounds, putbacks, alley-oops, and could have a lot of open shots playing in the Warriors system. He’s a dark horse pick but if he’s a star in his role he could really take votes away from Melo or anyone else.
6th Man Of The Year: