Photo From Clutch Points
This season has undoubtedly been much more difficult for the incoming rookies, with no summer league and a shortened pre-season, they barely had any preparation time. But, I personally have seen some things I love from these rookies, and also some things I don't love. Today, I want to go through some of my favorite rookies thus far, and some rookies who I was expecting some more from.
Photo From Reddit
I obviously have to start out with my Florida State boys, let's kick off with the No.4 pick of the 2020 draft, Patrick Williams. From the first day I watch Williams play at FSU, I would constantly comment on his athleticism, mobility, and how defensively sound he is, and it is safe to say that he has taken all of that and kicked it up a notch in the league. Williams has already gathered 11 steals and 10 blocks, we have seen him matched up with some of the best the league has ever seen, like Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James. He has also shown us how versatile he is by being a constant offensive competitor. Williams has sunk 14 out of his 28 threes, making him 50% from the perimeter. Not only has his shooting improved tremendously from college, we have seen his handles, attacks, and finishes also upgrade. Overall, I do believe Williams is one of the most mature rookies this season, and I cannot wait to see him continue to grow.
Photo From San Antonio Express-News
Now, to our next Florida State rookie, Devin Vassell. As an FSU fan I can say that I really do feel the absence of Vassell this college season, but what he has done thus far in the NBA is more proof of the players Florida State’s basketball program can develop and transform. Initially, in almost every single mock-draft Vassell was listed to be drafted before Williams, with the excitement and surprise of Williams being drafted earlier, Vassell landed with the San Antonio Spurs. In college, Vassell was mostly known for two things, his defense and his perimeter shooting. So far with the spurs, we have seen Vassell shoot 36% from the perimeter, and 39.3% from inside the arc. Although he still has a long way to go, the effect he already created on the Spurs is tremendous and exactly what they needed.
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Anthony Edwards, first to be drafted in the 2020 NBA Draft, we clearly had a lot of expectations for this young man. Did he deliver? Edwards leads all first-year players in scoring as he comes off the bench for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The one thing I have noticed about Edwards is the consistency, his shots have been unpredictable, but he did present a good start as he sunk 16 threes in 11 games. I do have to say he started on a way higher level of play than he is playing right now. We have seen Edwards struggle with his jumper where he presented completeness of 18.2%. This is something also he struggled with in college, fortunately, his shooting off the catch has had better luck with 34.5%. He obviously is extremely athletic and dominant but his inconsistency has been a common trait we have seen, lots of improvement will need to be done as he adjusts to the league.
Photo From The Rookie Wire- USA Today
With the No.2 pick in the draft, James Wiseman got drafted to the Golden State Warriors. I think most people expected Wiseman to go to the Warriors, he is fourth in scoring and seems to be playing well with the Golden State offense. With just a short time in the league, Wiseman has produced many monster dunks that prove his elite play. Wiseman has a long way to go with defense as he averages 3.3 fouls a game.
Photo From ChapelBoro
Cole Anthony was predicted to go way higher at the start of his college career but slowly dropped as he showed inefficiency. How is he doing in the league this far? He is the starting point guard on the Orlando Magic, considering Markelle Fultz has been out and will continue to be out for the remainder of the season. I always admired his confidence and grit, he's an aggressive player who plays very mature. He is known to have a sharp jumper, but this season it has failed him. Anthony is 9-44 from the three, 17.9% off the catch, and 30.2% on dribble jumpers. Anthony not being a consistent finisher is no surprise, we have seen it before, but I do think with a little more time and guidance he will find his groove. Also, did y'all catch his game winner last night against the Timberwolves? CRAZY!
Photo From Photo From The Rookie Wire- USA Today
The next rookie I want to bring up is Washington Wizards Deni Avdija, from the start we have seen his calm, mature approach to the game. He doesn't take unnecessary shots, he likes to set up his teammates, and presents a good shot. His shot of the catch is 46.9%, while he is 45.7% from the perimeter. He still has a long way to go, his shot selection, pull-up game will need to step up for him to be less of a predictable player. I am excited to see him grow and mature throughout this season.
Photo From The Athletic
My pick for rookie of the year LaMelo Ball currently leads the league in steals, rebounds, and assists as he averages 25.2 minutes per game. I was probably most excited to see Ball in the league compared to all other rookies. Along with his insane passing game, Ball averages 11.8 points per game and 38.3% in assists which ranks him No.8 in the NBA. He has shown the exquisite plays he can create for his teammates, displaying unselfishness. Ball is the youngest player to record a triple-double, very impressive. Defensively, he still has ways to go, but that will come with time.
Photo From Forbes
There are so many other rookies that deserve to be acknowledged such as Desmon Bane, Tyrese Haliburton, Tyrese Maxey, Issac Okoro, and Payton Pritchard but those rookies that I wrote about in this article, would be considered my top rookies this season. I am excited to see how each one of these men grow and continue to adjust to the league. Who is your top rookie?
