Many speculations was on this years draft class. Many believed especially NBA General Managers that this was the year to tank. Everyone thought this would be the year just like 2003 when it produced the likes of Chris Bosh, Carmelo Anthony, Dwayne Wade, & Lebron James talent. I myself feel the same way, but this draft class is just getting their feet wet and will be more of a learning curve for these talented rookies their 1st year. For one the NBA game is way to fast for rookies and will take awhile to adjust. Two their bodies are very small and fragile right now compared to the grown man bodies that consume the NBA. Thus you always hear the phrase “this is a grown man’s league”. Third reason is most young rookies will be very inconsistent that will take time for them develop into a professional. So the moral of this story is never a judge a rookie off thier 1st season.
Number 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins has shown flashes of greatness when he had a career high with 29 points, 5 rebounds, & 4 steals vs the Kings which is a good sign. I will tell you one thing about Wiggins he is young and raw. The only person I can compare Wiggins to is a real young Lebron in training. They have the same games only Wiggins lacks the competitive spirt that separates the good from the greats. I believe Wiggins is a franchise changer and whenever we get to talking about the Kevin Love for Andrew Wiggins trade in 3 years. Most people will be talking about in Cleveland is “I can’t believe we traded Andrew Wiggins for Kevin Love”. Wiggins is a special talent just not ready to be rookie of the year. Wiggins is averaging 12 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, & 1 steal per game.
The number two pick was Jabari Parker taken by the Milwaukee Bucks. Jabari has been compared to Carmelo Anthony’s game because he is a lethal scorer with size. Jabari had a career night in points vs the Nets with 23 points. Jabari is only 19 years old and learning the game from a good coach in Jason Kidd. Expect another franchise changer in 3 years, but again Jabari is just not ready yet. Jabari is averaging 12 points, 6 rebounds, & 1.7 assist per game.
There is one guy in particularly that has stuck out like a sore thumb. His name is Elfrid Payton. He had a great summer league and is NBA ready now. Orlando Magic drafted Elfrid Payton in this years draft at number 10. Ever since then this kid has been impressive on both ends of the court, mostly on the defensive end. Elfrid is a pure point guard who makes everyone better on the court and Tobias Harris is having a career year playing alongside Elfrid who is setting up his teammates for easy shots. In 29 minutes per game so far Elfrid is averaging 7 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assist, & 1.3 steals per game. If I had to pick a rookie of the year right now it would be Elfrid Payton because of his impact so far. Problem is it’s a long 82 game season and time will only tell who will end up taking the award! Who do you think is the rookie of the year so far?
