NBA Rookie Of The Year Award: Three Strong Candidates In A Wide Open Race

Apr 8, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center

(4) dribbles the ball around Washington Wizards center

(4) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Nerlens Noel

Noel is an interesting candidate because of what he has done on the defensive end.

Despite being one of the worst teams in the NBA, Philadelphia has had one of the better defenses in the NBA this season while holding teams to 100.8 points (good enough for 18th in the league).

Noel has been the defensive anchor for Philly, averaging 8.1 rebounds, 1.89 blocks and 1.77 steals. Those numbers are good enough to lead all rookies.

What’s impressive is that DeAndre Jordan is being heralded as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, while Jordan’s team gives up 103 points per 100 possessions and Philadelphia gives up 102 points. Clearly Noel is having a similar impact anchoring Philly’s defense despite being only a rookie.

"“I think I’m the best rookie,” a confident Noel recently told the media. “I think I can effect the game in many ways and do whatever I have to do to help my team win.”"

It will be interesting to see if the voters agree with Noel.

Next: The unlikely candidate