NBA: Handing out 2019-20 individual awards at the quarter mark

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 28: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets drives around Terrance Ferguson #23 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Toyota Center on October 28, 2019 in Houston, Texas.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 28: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets drives around Terrance Ferguson #23 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Toyota Center on October 28, 2019 in Houston, Texas.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
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Memphis Grizzlies
NBA Memphis Grizzlies Ja Morant (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Rookie of the Year: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies 

Ja Morant is sort of the rookie of the year pick by default at this point. He has had a solid start to his rookie campaign but that fact is no one has stepped up to take this award from him.

Morant is averaging 18.8 points and 6.4 assists per game which both lead all rookies and while he has been inconsistent (as all rookies are) he has been solid.

Obviously the rookie of the year award has little to nothing to do with wins and that is a good thing for Ja Morant. The Memphis Grizzlies are currently 6-14 and 13th in the Western Conference.

All in all, unless Zion Williamson comes back and dominates the rest of the season, this is likely Ja Morant’s award to lose.

Other candidates: Kendrick Nunn, RJ Barrett, Eric Paschall