The NBA has always done a great job of marketing its players, especially its rookies, who enter the league at such a young age, that the bright lights and glamour could be overwhelming for. Ever year a new class of rookies enter the league, looking to reach superstar status and dominate all-star games, but as a fan, it’s interesting to see them grow. You watch a player from when he was a rookie, and when he wins an NBA championship, it feels like you’ve won, we’ve all had the feeling. It’s what basketball and professional sports is all about. Now in a way to get to this year’s illustrious class of rookies, the NBA has hosted a survey so you can get to know a little bit about them and what they think about the NBA.
One question they were asked was who will win the NBA Rookie of the Year Award and despite not being the 1st overall pick in the draft, the Timberwolves 5th overall pick, point guard Kris Dunn was selected as the most likely recipient. Dunn was also selected as best playmaker and best defender and although most rookies said Dunn would win the award, most put Brandan Ingram over him as the most likely to have the best career. With this draft class, I could see any of the top 8 picks being contenders for rookie of the year. Another interesting result was that Kevin Durant’s arrival to Golden State hasn’t hurt his reputation among rookies, earning him the spot of their most favorite player by a big margin. Check out the full list of questions per John Schuhman of NBA.com:
Who will be the 2016-17 Kia Rookie of the Year?
1. Kris Dunn, Minnesota — 29.0%
2. Brandon Ingram, L.A. Lakers — 25.8%
3. Ben Simmons, Philadelphia — 19.4%
Others receiving votes: DeAndre Bembry, Atlanta; Joel Embiid, Philadelphia;
Which rookie will have the best career?
1. Brandon Ingram, L.A. Lakers — 26.7%
2. Kris Dunn, Minnesota — 16.7%
3. Buddy Hield, New Orleans — 13.3%
T-4. Dragan Bender, Phoenix — 6.7%
-Jaylen Brown, Boston — 6.7%
-Jamal Murray, Denver — 6.7%
-Ben Simmons, Philadelphia — 6.7%
Which rookie was the biggest steal at where he was selected in the Draft?
1. Dejounte Murray (29), San Antonio — 16.1%
2. Tyler Ulis (34), Phoenix — 12.9%
T-3. Malcolm Brogdon (36), Milwaukee — 6.5%
-Jaylen Brown (3), Boston — 6.5%
-Kay Felder (54), Cleveland — 6.5%
-Skal Labissiere (28), Sacramento — 6.5%
-Thon Maker (10), Milwaukee — 6.5%
-Isaiah Whitehead (42), Brooklyn — 6.5%
Which rookie is the most athletic?
1. Jaylen Brown, Boston — 38.7%
2. Brice Johnson, L.A. Clippers — 16.1%
3. Marquese Chriss, Phoenix — 9.7%
T-4. Malik Beasley, Denver — 6.5%
-Kay Felder, Cleveland — 6.5%
-Gary Payton II, Houston — 6.5%
Which rookie is the best shooter?
1. Buddy Hield, New Orleans — 65.7%
2. Jamal Murray, Denver — 20.0%
Which rookie is the best defender?
1. Kris Dunn, Minnesota — 23.5%
2. Gary Payton II, Houston — 20.6%
3. Malcolm Brogdon, Milwaukee — 17.6%
4. Tyler Ulis, Phoenix — 8.8%
T-5. Jaylen Brown, Boston — 5.9%
-Kay Felder, Cleveland — 5.9%
Which rookie is the best playmaker?
1. Kris Dunn, Minnesota — 29.4%
2. Ben Simmons, Philadelphia — 26.5%
3. Tyler Ulis, Phoenix — 20.6%
4. Denzel Valentine, Chicago — 8.8%
5. Kay Felder, Cleveland — 5.9%
Which rookie is the funniest?
1. Kris Dunn, Minnesota — 15.2%
T-2. Diamond Stone, L.A. Clippers — 12.1%
-Denzel Valentine, Chicago — 12.1%
T-4. Brice Johnson, L.A. Clippers — 6.1%
-Taurean Prince, Atlanta — 6.1%
-Ivica Zubac, L.A. Lakers — 6.1%
What will be the biggest adjustment for you, playing in the NBA?
1. Speed or pace of the game — 40.9%
2. Physicality (size and strength of opponents) — 21.2%
3. Lifestyle & time management — 18.2%
4. Length of season — 6.1%
Who is your favorite player in the league?
1. Kevin Durant, Golden State — 29.7%
T-2. Carmelo Anthony, New York — 9.4%
-LeBron James, Cleveland — 9.4%
-Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City — 9.4%
T-5. LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio — 6.3%
-Kobe Bryant (retired) — 6.3%
-Paul George, Indiana — 6.3%
-Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers — 6.3%
T-9. Kevin Garnett, Minnesota — 4.7%
