OKC Thunder 2018-19 Awards Special -Predicting winners with a view to potential OKC contenders

Rookie of the Year:

Our team honed in on two rookies although two worthy hot takes make the list.

Finalists in 2017-18: Ben Simmons (76ers), Jayson Tatum (Celtics), Donovan Mitchell (Jazz)

Winner: Ben Simmons.

Tamberlyn Richardson – Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

My top draft pick bolstered my belief with a solid Summer League and preseason. Luka Doncic arrives with a full tool box, but most impressively Dončić already possesses the ability to slow the game down like a grizzled vet. Dallas are the dark horse squad in the west  to make the postseason and this incredible rookie will be the catalyst to make that a reality. Besides, as another personal favorite (Dirk Nowitski) plays his 21st season the symmetry of passing the torch to the next great European feels perfectly fated.

Lawrence George – Jaren Jackson, Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies have an absolute stud in Jackson who plays on both ends of the court. At 6’10 with an enormous 7’4 wingspan, Jaren Jackson will get his chance to showcase his defensive skills on a defense-minded Memphis team. He is the new face of the grit and grind plus he’s shown a capacity to hit the long ball in Summer League and pre-season with a surprising strong conversion rate.

Rylan Stiles  – Luka Dončić, Dallas Mavericks

Luka Dončič-In the preseason, yes I know it is just preseason, Luka Dončič just has that “it” factor.

Austin Sternlicht – Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns

On a terrible Suns team, Deandre Ayton will get the chance to put on monster stats. He already has the body of an NBA vet, and will dominate the low post from day one.

Jordan Buckamneer – Wendell Carter, Chicago Bulls

If we’re being honest here, I never have a good gauge on rookies due to my lack of college basketball enthusiasm. I do know, however, Wendell Carter is a good player playing for a team that will be fighting to stay in the playoff hunt. If fate has a sense of humor, this will be the only pick I get right.

Asad Ali Jamal  – Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns

This pick was especially hard for me because this draft class was dripping with talent and potential, but alas, I must pick one. My pick is Deandre Ayton because he has looked great in preseason. Actually, scratch that. He’s looked dominant and I’d expect that to continue throughout his rookie season.

Gideon Lim – Luka Dončić, Dallas Mavericks

This one’s kinda boring, so let’s just get it out of the way. Rookie success depends on three things – tactical setup, national spotlight and “real” impact. Dallas is the perfect profile for Doncic to stand out without rookie defensive mistakes getting flamed.

Alex Mcewen – Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns

It will be a tossup between Ayton and Luka Doncic all season long, similar to the Ben Simmons Donovan Mitchell debate that ensued last season. In the end, Ayton will prevail over Doncic.