Jan 31, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) is guarded by Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Rookie of the Year: Andrew Wiggins (Minnesota Timberwolves)
It’s a tall task for any man to live up to unprecedented hype at the ripe ol’ age of 19, especially when that hype is deeming you the next Lebron James. However, Andrew Wiggins has definitely contributed and proven that in due time he might be able to grow into the player people are expecting him to become.
Dunking with Wolves
The rookie class as a whole certainly hasn’t lived up to all of the hype that surrounded their entrance into the league. With many of them (including my early choice for ROY, Jabari Parker) succumbing to the injury bug that has swept up many big names this season or being relegated to relatively small roles on their clubs for year one, the race for this award certainly thinned out pretty early on.
Wiggins jumps to the front of the pack not just because of his status as the number 1 overall pick or the fact that the term “Riggin for Wiggins” was named for teams’ desire to nab him in the draft, but because of his actual production thus far. While primarily manning the shooting guard position for the Minnesota Timberwolves this season, Wiggins has averaged 15.5 points per contest on a very strong 43 percent shooting from the field.
Runner Up: Nikola Mirotic (Chicago Bulls)
Mirotic has truly been a shockingly strong producer for the Chicago Bulls after being selected with the 23rd overall pick in the NBA Draft this year. While his per game stats don’t jump out at you, his per-36 numbers are what really make the difference. Per 36 minutes, he’d provide over 15 points a game to accompany his 9 rebounds. His ability to stretch the floor for the Bulls when playing in the front court with Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah, and Taj Gibson is a truly valuable commodity in today’s NBA.
Next: Defensive Player of the Year