Who’ll Be Named NBA Rookie Of The Year?

Three outstanding players are competing for the NBA Rookie of The Year award.

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As the NBA season comes to an end many people are speculating about who will win NBA awards.

While many fans are focusing on who’ll win the MVP race, let’s not forget another important award, namely, NBA Rookie of the Year.

The three finalists are Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid and Dario Saric, along with Milwaukee’s Malcolm Brogdon.

Who’ll win?

Malcolm Brogdon

This 24-year-old shooting guard was drafted 36th overall by Milwaukee. In 75 games he averaged 10.2 ppg. 4.2 apg, 2.8 rpg and shot nearly 46% from the field–impressive for a rookie. Brogdon is probably best known for his under-the-basket dunk over Lebron James. But he did much more than that this year.

Brogdon has a great nose for the basket with the uncanny ability to drive to the hoop. He can also drain the three-ball (.404% from beyond the arch). His passing ability is strong, too: he finds imaginative ways to locate the open man.

Brogdon’s defensive game could use some work, even though his defensive numbers are reasonable: 84 steals and 12 blocks.

Joel Embiid

A 7′ center from Cameroon, Embiid was drafted in 2014, but he wasn’t able to play for two seasons due to a foot injury.

During the sit-out Embiid’s physicality changed. Really changed! He’s more muscular now and that change has improved his game.

Even though Embiid played in only 31 games this season, his stats impressed: 20.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 2.1 apg, and 2.5 bpg. He also shot nearly 40% from behind the arc.

He can shoot off the dribble and hit from all over the floor. He draws fouls. He’s defensive-minded, too.

There just aren’t many big men like Embiid.

Dario Saric

 Dario was drafted by Orlando, nine picks after Embiid, in 2014. Saric was traded to the Sixers that night, along with a first round pick, for Elfrid Payton.

Saric stands 6’10 and has a great eye for the basket. He averaged 12.8 ppg with a shooting percentage of over 41%. He also averaged 6.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists a game. Saric has defensive abilities, too, including rebounding and man-coverage.

The really impressive part of his season is that he played in all but one game.

My Pick for NBA ROY

I would have picked Embiid had he played at least 60 games. But he didn’t. That leaves Brogdon and Saric. I think Saric had a stronger rookie year, so he’s my pick for NBA Rookie of the Year.

What do you think?