NBA Rookie Analysis

This year’s NBA rookies have shown a lot of talent. However, most of this talent is represented by the big men. Kristaps Porzingis, power forward of the New York Knicks, is having a stellar rookie campaign and is a primary candidate for Rookie of the Year. At 7’3”, Porzingis creates a huge mismatch to whoever is guarding him. On top of that, it makes it harder to guard Porzingis because of his ability to shoot and make threes, an attribute that is very rare in such a tall man. Porzingis shoots a respectable 34% from the three point range. This ability allows the Knicks to stretch the floor and create more scoring opportunities for his teammates. Jahlil Okafor, center for the Philadelphia 76ers, is also having a great year thus far. Okafor, a true big man, is averaging 18.4 PPG, 8.0 RPG, and 1.7 BPG. Numerous critics thought that Okafor was not ready for the NBA, as he was not in shape – they couldn’t be more wrong. Okafor plays 33.4 MPG for the 76ers which is crucial given the 76ers atrocious start. Okafor can increase his impressive average further by improving his free throws. Okafor shoots only 64% from the free throw line, a percentage that is not going to cut it in the NBA. Karl-Anthony Towns, the center for the Minnesota Timberwolves, is also having an incredible year averaging 15.3 PPG, 9.8 RPG, and 2.4 BPG, an outstanding statline for just a rookie. Emmanuel Mudiay, point guard for the Denver Nuggets, is averaging 12.5 PPG, 6.3 APG, and 3.7 RPB. Although these stats are competitive for a Rookie of the Year candidate, he will not win the award due to the fact that he averages 4.2 turnovers per game, a stat that kills the Nuggets. He also is not a great outside shooter, only hitting 27% from three point range. The rookies this NBA season are terrific, to say the least, and are going to be entertaining to watch as the season progresses.