NBA Rookie of the Year Watch: Mar. 25
Another week has gone by and yet again, the top candidates for the NBA Rookie of the Year award remain the same.
While most of these first-year players have not seen much team success, there have been many great individual performances that deserve to be mentioned.
Here’s an update on how the top candidates for the award are performing.
Evan Mobley, C, CLE
After what was arguably one of the best weeks for the Cleveland Cavaliers big man, Mobley was much quieter in his two games this week.
The week started well for Mobley as he recorded his second straight double-double while the Cavs picked up their second straight win.
Mobley scored 12 points while collecting 11 rebounds in a win over the Detroit Pistons.
Just a few days later, Mobley struggled against the Los Angeles Lakers with 13 points and five rebounds in a losing effort.
Cade Cunningham, G, DET
Cunningham made his return to the Pistons lineup on Saturday against the Cavaliers and performed well in his three games this week.
While he couldn’t extend his streak of 20-point games, Cunningham was able to score in double figures during all three games.
His best game came against the Portland Trail Blazers where the young guard scored 25 points while collecting seven assists in a Pistons loss.
Cunningham also recorded a double-double during his return game against the Cavs.
Scottie Barnes, F, TOR
Similar to Mobley, Barnes was also quiet this week during his two games played with the Toronto Raptors.
Barnes’ recent heavy usage finally caught up to him in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The forward played over 40 minutes for the fourth consecutive game and scored 13 points while also picking up six rebounds.
Barnes scored in single digits during the team's second game of the week as he only picked up eight points in a loss against the Chicago Bulls.
Franz Wagner, F, ORL
Wagner had a relatively consistent week as he helped lead his Orlando Magic to two wins during the team's three games this week.
The forward scored in double figures during all three games he played.
His best game came against the Golden State Warriors where Wagner scored 18 points in a victory that managed to even make Draymond Green salty.
Wagner has scored double-digit points in five straight games.
Logan Bourandas is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email lxb5412@psu.edu.
