NBA Rookie of the Year Watch: Week 2
It’s just two weeks into the NBA season, but some rookies have had great starts to their NBA careers.
These are the top rookies so far in the NBA.
Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
Paolo Banchero has already proven that he was worthy of being drafted first overall by the Orlando Magic.
Through six games, Banchero is averaging 23.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.
He has also been fairly consistent, putting up at least 20 points every game so far. This is extremely impressive for a rookie, showing he can be a force every game for the Magic.
Banchero is the centerpiece of the Magic’s young core, making it clear he is the future of the team as he leads them in scoring.
The Magic may be just 1-5 this season, but they have shown promise with tons of potential.
It will be a while before Banchero is in a winning situation, but he proves to be the most impressive rookie that can continue to develop as he works on his already solid game.
Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers
Bennedict Mathurin has been an excellent player for the Pacers for far this season, scoring 21 points per game and shooting lights out from deep, making 43.2% of his 3-pointers.
He has solidified himself as an excellent option off the bench, being the sixth man on the roster with 27.7 minutes per game.
The plan for the future will be to start Mathurin with Tyrese Haliburton in the Indiana backcourt, but for now he remains the top option on the second unit.
There is still room for improvement, as Mathurin is mainly just a scorer and needs to add more to his game to compete with Banchero as the top rookie.
Regardless, Mathurin has been impressive thus far and can add to his game as he receives more touches throughout the year.
Keegan Murray, Sacramento Kings
Just four games into the season, Murray has proven to be one of the most important players on the Kings, leading his team and all rookies in minutes per game with 36.5.
Murray has been a very efficient No. 2 option for the Kings behind De’Aaron Fox, averaging 18.8 points per game on just 13 field goal attempts per game.
The No. 4 pick in the draft has already earned a starting spot in the lineup, and he will likely get more shots as he gets used to the NBA.
Murray is also a versatile defender, able to guard players of different heights and sizes. He is averaging a block a game and has limited his fouling, which is a good sign for a rookie defender.
For now, Murray is an efficient role player, but look for his role to expand as he becomes a bigger piece of the team’s offense.
Christopher Reynolds is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email him at clr5971@psu.edu.
