Race to Rookie of the Year
As expected, Jabari Parerk, the 2nd pick from Duke is leading the way for all of the Bucks and all of rookies in the draft class. Parker is averaging 11.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals in just under 30 minutes per game. While these stats do not blow anyone away, they are definitely solid for a rookie. Parker was expected by many to average around 18 points a game, so let's see if he can pick up the scoring pace as the season progresses. The Bucks can't complain about their 9-7 record to start the season. Parker's best game as a rookie came against Brooklyn as he dropped 23 points and grabbed 7 rebounds and 2 steal in a Milwaukee victory.
Now let's turn our attention to the no. 1 overall pick in the draft, Andrew Wiggins from Kansas. Wiggins is actually leading all rookies in scoring with 12. 6 points per game. He is slowly filling up the stat sheet with 3.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Wiggins and former no. 1 overall pick out of UNLV Anthony Bennett have led the way for the Timberwolves to a lowly 3-10 record. Wiggins' best game was during a loss against Sacramento where he totaled 29 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 assists.
To round out the top 3 rookies, we turn out attention to a big man who was not drafted this past year, but missed the previous season due to injury. Nerlens Noel is definitely improving as the season marches forward, but the Philadelphia 76ers are the clear cut worst team in the NBA this season after starting 0-15. Noel is netting 7.8 points per game while corralling 6.3 boards per game. Noel is blocking over a shot per game while also stealing over 1 per game. Over Noel's last 10, he is averaging a little over his season average of points and rebounds. Noel has turned in 2 double-doubles including recently against the Knicks during his best game with 17 points, 12 rebounds, a block, a steal and 2 assists.
By Steven Spector - 11-28-14
