NBA First Month Recap: Rookie of the Year Rankings

Photo Credit: : Benny Sieu – USA Today

With one of the most hyped NBA Drafts in awhile, this particular rookie class has been a little underwhelming. Jabari Parker, the leading scorer of all rookies has averaged 12.2 points per game so far, which is the lowest scoring output by a  rookie scoring leader in a long time. The lowest scoring output by an eventual rookie of the year winner at this point was in 2004, when Emeka Okafor averaged 13 points in the first month.

The other rookie statistical leaders are :

Rebounds: Philadelphia 76ers’ Nerlen’s Noel – 6.3 per game

Assists: Orlando Magic’s Elfrid PAyton – 5.0 per game.

Field Goal Percentage: Houston Rockets: Tarik Black – 53%

Steals: Nerlen’s Noel – 1.6 per game

Blocks: Philadelphia 76ers’ K.J. McDaniels- 1.44 per game

Minutes per game: Brooklyn Nets Bojan Bogdanovic- 31.3

Even though the first month hasn’t shown to much spark from our rookies there are still a few that have been making noise in the league, here is the rookie rankings for the first month.

1. Jabari Parker – Small Forward – Milwaukee Bucks:

At number one in scoring and two in rebounding (6.1 per game), it is hard to not give the top spot to Parker right now. The Milwaukee Buck are off to a surprising 10-10 start as the young forward has been a big part of their competitiveness and success. Parker is also shooting a very respectable 47 percent from the floor (Kobe Bryant is shooting 45 percent by the way) and has had a few ‘statement games recently’. Against the LeBron James and Cleveland, Jabari put up a stat-line of 22 points, eight rebounds, and three assists on 11-15 shooting. The following game against Houston, the rookie had 19 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Parker also had two steals in each of those games as well.

2. K.J. McDaniels – Shooting Guard – Philadelphia 76ers:

You probaby havent been watching too many Philadelphia games this season, but one of the lone bright spots on their roster is their second round pick from Clemson, K.J. McDaniels. McDaniels made news this off-eason by opting to take a rare one-year rookie contract deal in hopes to playing well and earning a better contract this offseason (when he will become a restricted free agent). McDaniels has made many highlight plays in a gloomy season, but at least his dunks and highlight blocks reach the glory that is social media. McDaniels currently leads the rookies in blocks and is averaging 10.3 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. That may not look to impressive until you look at his previous four games. In order from most recent, McDaniels has scored 12 , 10 , 21, and 18 points as well as a rebound statline of 9, 9, 13, and 6. This is definitely an exciting player you want to keep your eye on this upcoming month.

3. Andrew Wiggins – Small Forward – Minnesota Timberwolves:

Andrew Wiggins has had an up-and-down season so far, as he is only shooting 39 percent from the field. But, he has shown he has the makings of being very good one day. Wiggins one-on-one game is fairly impressive, as he can get his shot off or draw fouls often. He just has to learn how to make shots and free throws (69 percent from the line). Nevertheless, on November 22nd against the Sacramento Kings, Wiggins went off for a career high 29 points, showing why he was drafted with the first overall pick. In his last 10 games hes averaging 13 points and four rebounds, an increase from his 11.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per games.

4. Nerlens Noel – Center – Philadelphia 76ers:

Just like Wiggins, Nerlens Noel has had an up-and-down season, but he still leads rookies in rebounding and steals. He is also second in blocks averaging 1.27 per game. The Sixers don’t have too many big men on their roster, so Noel has dominate at his position, which can be pretty tough for a rookie coming off a serious injury. Noel’s past five games resulted in him converting 58 percent of shots from the field. He is also an above average defender at his position. We know he had the capability of being an elite defender, but can he be a threat on offense? He must get to the line more as he only has 2.1 free throw attempts per game, shooting 40 percent in his opportunity at the line. Noel has to put more pressure to be a threat at all on offense. Good thing it has only been a month in his young NBA career.

5. Bojan Bogdanovic – Shooting Guard – Brooklyn Nets:

Bojan Bogdanovic isn’t doing anything really special, but he has played a big role for his Brooklyn Nets team. Bogdanovic has started all 17 games he’s played in. He also leads all rookies in minutes per game. Bogdanovic is there to stretch the floor for the Nets, currently shooting 43 percent from the floor and 33 percent from the three-point line.

Other notable rookies to watch: Dante Exum, Kostas Papanikolaou, Shabazz Napier, and Nikola Mirotic.