Rookie of the Year: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
19.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.2 steals, 3.2 turnovers
Is this really a discussion? It feels harsh to brush off the other contenders – Deandre Ayton has been historically good too, among others – but Luka Doncic has been head and shoulders above all of them.
He’s first among rookies in points, second in assists and third in rebounds. More importantly, he’s having a huge impact on the results of games, something that can’t be said for most of his fellow freshman.
The Mavericks won just 24 games last season; with Doncic leading the way, they’ve already won 21 games through January 25. It’s rare for a rookie to immediately lead a team in scoring and shot attempts and for that team to see such a drastic uptick in wins.
He hasn’t shied away from the big moments either. In fact, he’s been even better in clutch situations. Across the season, Doncic has an effective field goal percentage of 50.4; in the last five minutes of games within five points, that jumps to 59.2.
Outside of the stats, he passes the eye test with flying colours. His feel for the game is extraordinary, and he always seems to be playing under control, even when being pressured.
Plus, he’s already got a signature move. How many rookies can say that?
https://twitter.com/FirstTeam101/status/1082513227639070720
Honorable mentions: DeAndre Ayton, Phoenix Suns; Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks; Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies