This season has proven to be plenty exciting, and there have been many interesting storylines. As we enter the fourth week of the NBA season, let’s take a look at a rookie class that, so far, is erasing the thought that this year’s draft class was weak.
Tyrese Maxey
After the first few games of the season, where Tyrese Maxey didn’t play much, the short-handed 76er’s thrust him into the starting lineup for their last three games. Maxey has averaged 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists in those games, including a 39 point performance on January 9th against the Nuggets. He is pushing the 76ers to continue giving him more playing time following the return of their entire roster.
Tyrese Haliburton
Tyrese Haliburton has been easily one of the most impressive rookies this season. After sliding to the Kings at No. 12, Haliburton is believed to be one of the biggest steals of the draft, and is emphatically proving that to be true. He leads all rookies with an average of 12.6 points per game and is second in assists with 5.7. Rumors that his shot would not transfer to the NBA game and that he had issues with mechanics have been crushed as he is shooting 54.1% from the field and 52.1% from three. While it is a small sample size, Haliburton has proven he can shoot and facilitate to give his teammates open looks.
James Wiseman
James Wiseman has been everything he was believed to be. He has averages of 10.6 points and 6.4 rebounds, as well as 1.5 blocks a night. He has been extremely effective in the pick-and-roll with Steph Curry, rolling to the basket for easy baskets, and has also shown an ability to stretch the floor with his shooting. He has already played more NBA games than college games, but hasn’t looked fazed one bit in his very young NBA career.
LaMelo Ball
Lamelo Ball is the favorite to win Rookie of the Year following 3 and a half weeks of play. He has shown potential in just about every aspect of the game. He is averaging 11.7 points per game, and leading all rookies with averages of 7 rebounds and 5.9 assists. On January 9th, he became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple double, tallying 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists.
Patrick Williams
On draft night, the Bulls left many scratching heads after selecting Patrick Williams at No. 4. Williams has silenced his doubters, averaging 10.3 points and 3.5 rebounds in 26.5 minutes per game. He has been impressive on the offensive end, but more impressive is his tenacity on defense and willingness to accept any defensive assignment. Although he may be unexperienced, his athleticism and strength give him potential to become an elite defender and valuable weapon on the offensive side of the ball.
