Thunderous Intentions
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Roundtable Sessions: OKC Thunder and NBA awards segment

By Tamberlyn Richardson

OKC Thunder Roundable: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Lakers Guard LeBron James (23) (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OKC Thunder Roundable: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Lakers Guard LeBron James (23) (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder
Could Zion Williamson be savior of small market teams like OKC Thunder? (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) /

Rookie of the Year:

Tamberlyn Richardson:

Zion had his name engraved on this trophy prior to season start but his injury and subsequent surgery make things more interesting.  Upon Williamson’s return, he could still be impressive enough to collect the hardware. It’s a guarantee every TV highlight reel will be peppered with his dunks and athleticism.

However, there are a few factors to consider. Can Zion stay healthy once he’s back and what if he gets banged up again? More importantly what position will the Pelicans be in upon his return and could that play a factor? As it is Zion will miss at least 20 games. A scan of the Pelicans’ early schedule shows 14 of those 20 games are versus last year’s playoff squads plus games against the revamped Lakers and Heat.

Ultimately, as much as New Orleans will be happy to witness Zion win RoY their priorities lie in keeping him healthy well into the future so I think they’ll adopt a cautious approach and for that reason I’m leaning to another player who’ll get ample playing time in a market who’ll blow up all his game highlights, especially since they won’t have much else to celebrate.

The 2019-20 Rookie of the year will be RJ Barrett

Rylan Stiles:

Zion Williamson, the narrative, and the story is already there. He would have to have an awful year to lose this award. Ja Morant will finish in that Trae Young range from a year ago. A distant second place but some NBA Media Members will make the case that he is better than Zion and say the media got it wrong.  I do not think Bazley will even crack the top 5 of ROY voting.

Noah Schulte:

NBA: Zion Williamson

Aidan E:

Zion, even though he’s currently injured. He’s going to dominate once he gets back on the floor. I don’t believe Bazley will make an all-Rookie team.

Chase Beal-Sharp:

NBA: Ja Morant

I believe that Darius Bazley will make the All-Rookie third team.

Matthew Hallet:

Zion Williamson

Kevon Stewart:

Ja Morant

Tyler Barger:

Brandon Clark or JA Morant.

Brandon’s summer league performance was one for the ages. The way Brandon Clarke moved without the ball and how he seemed to score at ease really makes me believe he can do that at the NBA level.  He also produced some pretty memorable dunks. Ja Morant is absolutely going to make a huge impact for the Memphis Grizzlies.

Darius Bazley will not make the All-Rookie team but he will have a huge impact on the OKC  Thunder.

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