NBA: 2014-15 Rookie of the Year Predictions

Photo Credit: USA Today

From a draft class that is supposed to one of the better classes in a long time, the Rookie of the Year race will have competition all year long.  A lot of rookies that were drafted will have plenty of opportunities to show they belong in this league and possibly show that they have the potential to be a superstar in the NBA.  Here is my projection for what should be a tight race for the Rookie of the Year award:

1. Andrew Wiggins – Guard / Forward – Minnesota Timberwolves

This prediction was solely swayed because Andrew Wiggins was traded to Minnesota. With teammates like Ricky Rubio, Thaddeus Young, and Nikola Pekovic, they should be able to compliment him well.  He will also have a good amount of shot attempts since the T’wolves don’t really have a  natural scorer other than Kevin Martin.

2. Nerlens Noel – Center – Philadelphia 76ers

Even though he hasn’t played yet, Nerlens Noel has experienced a whole year of the NBA which will give him an upper hand. He has had time to mature and worked with NBA trainers longer than any other rookie. He was a very talented player at Kentucky and if he’s healthy he should make a big impact for a Sixers team that needs him to play a lot of minutes. Because of that he will have a great chance to win this award.

3.  Jabari Parker – Forward – Milwaukee Bucks

These top three picks almost have an equal chance of winning it and that is what makes it so exciting. The reason why Jabari Parker isn’t one or two is his team situation isn’t better than the other two to put him atop the leaderboards. The gifted scorer will definitely put up great numbers his first year, but how will his team look? How efficient will he be?  The Bucks have a lot of young talent but the roster is sort of a mess right now, especially when they were expected to make the playoffs last year and failed miserably. Parker is such a great talent that he may get hot and take this award away, but his team may hold him back.  At least with the Sixers you know what you’re going to get; can’t say the same thing about the Bucks.

4. Marcus Smart – Point Guard / Shooting Guard – Boston Celtics

The darkhorse to win this award, Marcus Smart is a NBA-ready guard who can contribute to his team immediately. His aggressive game translates to the NBA well and has already been through a lot with his two tumultuous years at Oklahoma State.  What makes him the darkhorse though is the future of Rajon Rondo.  I don’t expect Rondo to be on the team at the end of the year so his departure can be a big factor. Smart’s all-around game will gain attention and appreciation from the voters.

5. Julius Randle – Center – Los Angeles Lakers

A beast at Kentucky, averaging a double-double per game, Julius Randle is a type of player who should contribute early on in his career. At the worst, Randle will be a good rebounder to a Lakers team that needs all kinds of help. Randle has a soft touch around the rim and should be able to get a few easy shots per game.  The Lakers definitely need his minutes, which makes him a good candidate for to win the Rookie of the Year award.