NBA Rookie Report – Top rookie performers through January 1, 2017
With the flip of the calendar, it’s time to update the NBA Rookie Report.
In this updated rookie report I focus on rookie action over the past 3 weeks. Specifically it features my top 10, insight on the Thunder rooks and their peers, and offers the National pundits rookie ranking over this period.
First up let’s dive into the top 10 of yours truly.
RELATED: be the first to get Thunder content
Tamberlyn’s top 10:
As per usual, my top 10 has specific caveats for which I give precedence. Most notably, rookies playing and contributing to playoff seeded teams with secondary focus on consistency. Those factors tip the balance for my selections, especially when there isn’t palpable separation.
Barring injury, Joel Embiid aka ‘the Process’ is unquestionably the leading Rookie of the Year candidate. And, I’m fully in agreement, but I’m placing another rookie at the top of the list in this rookie report. By virtue of seizing an opportunity and forcing a decision regarding how the team proceeds in my opinion merits his top berth, at least once this season.
The Top Tier:
Number 1B – Malcolm Brogdon:
The surprise member who joined the triad of New Years Eve, triple-double achievers was rookie Malcolm Brogdon. Pedestrian in comparison to Harden’s 50+ point and 15+ assists/rebounds or Westbrook’s first half triple-double it was none-the-less impressive.
Pre-draft I cited Brogdon as a hidden gem, but he’s quickly ascended to the upper echelon of rooks. As fate would have it, landing in Milwaukee was a best-case scenario for the Virginia Senior. Under the tutelage of Jason Kidd, the point guard is thriving.
Since becoming the Bucks head coach, Kidd has seemingly been on a mission to find a protege or hidden talent he could turn into the next great point guard. To that end, Milwaukee has been a turnstile for point guards; in less than 3 seasons the list of exiting PG’s is extensive:
- Nate Wolters
- Kendall Marshall
- Brandon Knight
- Jorge Gutierrez
- Tyler Ennis
- Michael Carter-Williams
- Jerryd Bayless
- Greivis Vasquez
At its apex, Kidd looked at 8 different point guards (2014-15). Knee-jerk trades brought in coveted players (Carter-Williams) only to be sent packing in short order. Finally, Kidd chose to be creative and turn Giannis Antetokounmpo into the Buck’s guard of the future. To make the transition easier he added Matthew Dellavedova to assist in the Greek Freak’s modification.
When Brogdon was drafted most assumed it was to fulfill depth at the position. But, in a strange twist of fate Brogdon seemingly became the guard Kidd was originally searching for. Circumstance and luck played a role in the rookie’s rise when Dellavedova got injured.
MUST READ: Trade of the day – Kyle Korver
Once Brogdon joined the starting line-up, the Bucks suddenly became relevant and began to stack up wins. Moving forward Delly’s return will force Kidd to decide if he wants to mess with the chemistry of the new starting unit.
An oft-repeated adage of coaches is “next man up”, Brogdon took the challenge seriously and now he’s proven everyone should take him seriously!
Number 1A – Joel Embiid:
While the NBA loving community has become enamored with ‘The Process’ there are quantifiable reasons for why they have. The light at the end of the tunnel is moving forward at breakneck speed – akin to a passing car headlights.
That light is growing in diameter and sharpness as Embiid progresses to increased playing time and subsequently increased production. Like previous seasons the Sixers are a lottery team, but unlike recent history, Embiid has given the rabid 76ers fan base something to cheer about for the first time since Allen Iverson exited the court.
Number 3 – Dario Saric:
Another rookie I forecast to have a big impact was Saric who is vacillating between good, great and mediocre performances. That said, Saric has consistently been the best rookie rebounder, has potentially the best and most consistent shot and sure seems to be reveling in the shadow of Embiid.
One thing is certain, while Embiid delights the masses, it’s hard not to be chock full of excitement for the future Sixers frontcourt once Ben Simmons returns.