It’s that time again where we rate those “NBA FROSH” in our weekly rookie meter.
What’s become a bit of the norm in our weekly rankings is we always end up in Charlotte where LaMelo Ball continues to be a show-stopper and make his case for NBA Rookie Of The Year.
He currently leads all rookies in points per game, rebounds per game, assists per game, steals per game, total rebounds, total steals and total points. He’s even forced Carmelo Anthony to address who has proper ownership of the nickname “Melo.”
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He’s electric and the Hornets seemed to have solved the dilemma as to how they’d approach their guard rotation with him as a starter now. He makes everyone better and the’s scary good already.
Immanuel Quickley continues to rock out for the new-look NY Knicks and if not for a crowded guard rotation would be challenging LaMelo for ROY. He got off again in a recent loss to the Spurs, but he’s a big reason why the Knicks, a team that hasn’t won a playoff game in more than a decade, sits comfortably at 18-18 and in fifth place in the Eastern Conference entering the All-Star break.
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https://youtu.be/YlzcWmx02Kw
Another trip to “SacTown,” the Bay area and back down, is necessary as we give props to Tyrese Haliburton and his all-around skillset. It’s absolutely amazing he fell as far as he did in the draft. He doesn’t play like most young guards, meaning he isn’t turnover prone and he takes quality shots. Kings may look to move sharpshooter Buddy Hield, and having Haliburton makes that much easier because the rookie is in full-time starter mode.
Couple of weeks ago we shouted out Pistons rookie Saddiq Bey for his monstrous week, and yes he’s still playing solid but his teammate Saben Lee has been outstanding as of late.
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His opportunity came by way of trades and injuries and he’s pounced on the situation and made the most of it. He’s averaged (15 PPG, 5 APG, 3 RPG and 2 SPG).
https://youtu.be/sblllildmEk?t=36
With the trade of Derrick Rose, expect Lee to join the rotation for Dwayne Casey moving forward. He also has the potential to be a part of the rotation for years to come going forward.
Warriors rookie James Wiseman was out for awhile with a wrist injury. He returned to play and all things considered, he played well. And although he didn’t put up eye-popping numbers his presence alone was a welcome sight for the “Dubs” who’ve pretty much played Draymond Green at center almost exclusively. His rhythm will take awhile to return but one thing about him is when it does he’s shown to be very effective and efficient for the guys from “San Fran” by way of “Oaktown.”
Anthony Edwards was the #1 overall pick by the Timberwolves and with good reason. They saw elite athleticism and defensive capabilities which I also see.
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His dunk on Yuta Watanabe of the “Tampa Toronto Raptors” was the highlight of the first half of the season and unless something unreal happens (KAT gets traded to the Knicks), there will be no highlight greater than that dunk for Minny.
That play alone gets him in the Top 5 for the rest of the year, although he continues to play better each time out for the “Twin Cities” guys.
On The Radar
Patrick Williams – Bulls
Isaac Okoro – Cavaliers
Jae’Sean Tate – Rockets
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Facundo Campazzo – Nuggets
