Who is the Leader in the NBA Rookie of the Year Race?

Through the first week of the NBA season, many players have impressed, but is it too early to tell who the rookie of the year will be?  Possibly, but let’s breakdown the recent play of some of the top rookies.  Rookies Jayson Tatum, Lonzo Ball, Dennis Smith Jr., Markelle Fultz, Josh Jackson, De’Aaron Fox, and Ben Simmons have all been playing well, but is there one that stands out?

Let’s dive right in.  First off, we have Celtics starter Jayson Tatum.  The 6’8 Duke forward has started in all four games for the Celtics this season.  With Gordon Hayward being out, he has taken on more responsibility and is currently averaging 34 minutes a game.  He looks to keep his starting role, which may not have been the case if Gordon Hayward was healthy.  Coach Brad Stevens mentioned that he would adjust the starting lineup based on matchups, meaning Tatum would likely be replaced by center Aron Baynes on nights when the C’s faced off against a big center.  Now that Hayward is done for the season, Tatum will continue to see 33-36 minutes per game.  Jayson Tatum has impressed thus far with multiple stellar performances including a 22-point game against the Knicks, while averaging 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists on the season.

Next, there is Dennis Smith Jr.  Dennis Smith Jr. has started 3 of his first 5 games, missing Games 2 and 3 with a knee injury.  Through his first three games, the N.C. State Point Guard has posted 15 points 3 rebounds, and 5 assists in 29 minutes per game.  He is shooting 49% from the field and 33% from long distance.

Next, we have the “Big Baller” Lonzo Ball.  As a starter through four games, he has averaged 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists in 36 minutes.  His field goal percentage is just a mere 32% with a 28% three-point percentage.  He is also throwing 3 turnovers a game. That being said, it is still the beginning of the season, and it will take some time before he finds his groove in the Lakers offense.

Next is No. 1 pick Markelle Fultz.  Currently dealing with a “shoulder injury,” the 76ers point guard will remain out indefinitely.  He played in the Sixers first four games, coming off the bench and putting up 6 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists in 19 minutes per game. He has not attempted a three-pointer through his first four games and is shooting just 33% from the field.

Now onto Josh Jackson of the Phoenix Suns.  He started the first three games of the season, and has since gone to the bench for Games 4 and 5.  Jackson was benched for 2016 No. 8 pick Marquese Chriss and the change has seemed to work as the Suns have won two straight after starting the season 0-3.  Jackson is averaging 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist in 26 minutes.  He is shooting 41% from the field and 38% from three.

Next up is Sacramento Kings backup point guard De’Aaron Fox.  Fox has come off the bench behind starting point guard George Hill through the first four games of the NBA season.  He is still performing at a high level, averaging 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in 27 minutes per game.  The Kentucky guard is shooting 46% from the field and 40% from three-point range.  The all around game that De’Aaron Fox brings off the bench will soon push him into the starting lineup.  It is only a matter of time.

Last on the list is the favorite among many for Rookie of the Year and that is Ben Simmons.  He was not drafted this year, however, he was injured all of last year, making him eligible for this year’s Rookie of the Year title.  Ben Simmons has started in all five games this season, averaging 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists in 35 minutes.  He runs the point for the 76ers and brings a true all-around game.  His play has been nothing less than impressive, with unbelievable passing skills standing out the most considering his 6’10 height and robust frame at 240 pounds.

Tatum, Smith Jr., Ball, Fultz, Jackson, Fox, and Simmons all have the potential to become this year’s Rookie of the Year, and it will truly come down to the wire.  My main sleeper among this group would be De’Aaron Fox considering what he is doing in 27 minutes off the bench (15/5/5).  Once he becomes a starter, I see him averaging 20+ points per game.  Dennis Smith Jr. will continue to impress, however, I still think that his game will trail that of Ball and Fox.  Jayson Tatum’s play has been unbelievably impressive, however, it will be hard for him to continue posting such great numbers with Kyrie, Jaylen, and Al Horford also in the mix.  Ben Simmons seems to be the favorite at the moment, as he is balling out while averaging the most minutes among rookies.  However, I believe that when Fultz is back, he will gain momentum and Ben Simmons’ averages will start to decline.  In my opinion, it will come down to De’Aaron Fox and Ben Simmons, with De’Aaron Fox having the slight edge as he takes over the Kings offense as a starter.

You heard it here first…and the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year Award goes to Sacramento Kings 6 foot 4 Point Guard De’Aaron Fox!

Written by Nick Mattioli