Although it was initially believed that the Freshman Class of 2022 He could have fewer numbers than in previous years, but the passing of the games helped dispel that belief. After the month of December, the intense fight that will take place for the Rookie of the Year.
Some of them are even starting to look like the best franchise values under reconstruction and others to comply key roles in teams at the top of the standings.
With that in mind, the wording nba from Sports news choose his five favorites for Rookie of the Year end of December. The grading system is very simple: 1st gets 5 points. the 2nd, 4; and so on.
Click here to see the votes and positions
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5 – Sohan, Williams, Kessler and Griffin
For the first time in the entire run of this monthly ranking, there was a four-way tie for fifth place. Which reflects how open the midfield race is among rookies.
The first thing to note is Jeremy Sohan, the Spurs’ new gem, of whom Popovich came to say recently that “he has a great game on all levels. He does everything in defense, moves the ball, dribbles and can make plays.” December was his best month with 11.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists.
The second thing to mention is AJ Griffin emerging as a force to be reckoned with on the Hawks’ second unit. Averaging 13.8 points and shooting 36.4% from three, he aims to be an interesting shooter.
Then a pure goalscorer who has a lot of work ahead of him as it is Jaylen Williams. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard managed to overcome his relative irregularity in the final days of December, taking 4 of 5 games over 15 points.
Finally, a surprise, although at this point it shouldn’t be: Walker Kessler. The player born to play for the Utah Jazz has established himself as an excellent defender, so much so that he ranks sixth overall in average blocks with 1.8, higher than the likes of Rudy Gobert, Joel Embiid or Evan Mobley. All this with an excellent 72.9% success rate from the field and 6.9 points in 18.8 minutes.
#4 – Keegan Murray
- December statistics: 12.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 0.9 steals
The Kings’ gem of the future is benefiting greatly from the California franchise’s big moment. The number 4 of the last Draft was an extremely correct choice in retrospect for what the franchise wanted, which was nothing more than finding a correct and balanced player.
Murray contributes to all aspects of the game without over-shining in any of them, a virtue that in this context makes him a valuable asset for Sacramento.
Although very well established as the consensus fourth seat, this mobile interior He still needs to find consistency in attack, scattered nights of over 20 points with others where he barely reached 5.
#3 – Jaden Ivey
December statistics: 13.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists
In the wilderness that is the Pistons missing Cade Cunningham Jaden Ivey He stands out as the big figure in the group that Dwane Casey directed with Bogdanovic.
Despite how young he is, the #5 in the latest Draft is proving to be a scorer to be reckoned with for the future. What it lacks in playmaking for the rest it makes up for in points like when approved 30 on Dec. 20 to the Utah Jazz or 22 to the Bulls on the 30th.
This training season as the Pistons find themselves will be extremely important for Ivy.
#2 – Benedict Mathurin
- December statistics: 14.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists
The antenna that Mathurin had at the beginning of the season was losing strength as the weeks went by. That in no way diminishes the work of the Canadian, who has established himself as the second leading scorer among rookies, although percentages I have took a significant dip this month (39.4% field goal and 21.5% three).
What makes the difference between Mathurin and Banchero, which may help his case against the award definition, is that he is fundamental to some amazing and friendly Pacers between the Playoffs and the Play-In.
In any other year, Mathurin would be a legitimate Rookie of the Year winner, but with Orlando leading the way, it’s tough.
#1 – Paolo Bansero
- December statistics: 19.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists
The number 1 pick in the Draft justifies the bet the Orlando Magic made last June. Paolo Banchero’s level is excellent and your December turned out to be sensational.
The forward started taking the month 7 matches in a row over 20 points and 5 rebounds, the first since then Joel Embiid in 2016 and Blake Griffin in 2011. A streak that included a 31-point 18-game high against the Celtics, which they beat.
Banchero looks like a veteran. Yes, he still has his rookie mistakes and mistakes, but his impact is above average and his ability to score makes him a name to remember going forward.
Without further ado, the Orlando player is on his way to take over from Luka Doncic and Donovan Mitchell as the latest. rookies who averaged more than 20 points per night.
votes and positions
seats
| pos. | Player | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paolo Bansero | twenty |
| 2 | Benedict Mathurin | 16 |
| 3 | Jaden Ivey | 12 |
| 4 | Keegan Murray | 4 |
| 5 | Jeremy Sochan, Jalen Williams, Walker Kessler, AJ Griffin | 2 |
voting
| pos. | Augustine Aboy (@AboyAgustin) | Sergio Rabinal (@S_Rabinal) | Juan Esteves (@JuanEstevez90) | Leandro Fernandez (@FernandezLea) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paolo Bansero | Paolo Bansero | Paolo Bansero | Paolo Bansero |
| 2 | Benedict Mathurin | Benedict Mathurin | Benedict Mathurin | Benedict Mathurin |
| 3 | Jaden Ivey | Jaden Ivey | Jaden Ivey | Jaden Ivey |
| 4 | Keegan Murray | Jeremy Sohan | Keegan Murray | AJ Griffin |
| 5 | Jaylen Williams | Walker Kessler | Jaylen Williams | Walker Kessler |
The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of the NBA or its organizations.
