The NBA season is officially underway as all the teams have got a good amount of games under their belt. This start of the season really means a lot to the rookies as they try to adapt to the NBA after leaving college. Everyone is on rookie watch to see how all the rookies in the NBA are doing, whether it is good or bad. Also, they are trying to see who wins rookie of the year so far. People expected names like Kris Dunn, Brandon Ingram, Buddy Hield, and Dragan Bender. As of right now, none of these names are in contention of being rookie of the year instead there are three names that are surprising the league.
3rd Best Rookie: Malcolm Brogdon
Position: Guard
Team: Milwaukee Bucks
College: Virginia
Chosen: Round two, pick 36
The Milwaukee Bucks might have gotten a steal in the second round with the former Virginia guard, Malcolm Brogdon, who stayed all four years at Virginia and was known as one of the best defenders during his collegiate career. He is also a good scorer and three point shooter. As of right now, he is averaging 7.9 points, shooting 42% from the field, and shooting 47% from the three point line. Also, he is averaging a good amount of assists and keeping his turnovers low. He arguably might be the best defensive rookie this year. He is on a team with young players so they will all develop together. Having Jabari Parker and Greek freak, Giannis Antentokounmpo, as teammates will help him develop.
2nd Best Rookie: Dario Saric (Seen here dropping Jonas Jerebko of my Celtics)
Position: Forward
Team: Philadelphia 76ers
From: Croatia
Chosen: Drafted by the Orlando Magic in 2014 in the first round pick 12.
At number two is Sixers rookie, Dario Saric. He was drafted in the first round with the 12th pick in 2014 by the Orlando Magic, but was then traded to the 76ers that same night. He spent two years in Croatia after being drafted to work on his craft more. He is the 76ers draft and stash player and he gets the chance to prove himself this season. He is averaging 10 points, six rebounds, and shooting 40% from the field. He is a part of a rebuilding 76ers team, who is waiting for rookie sensation Ben Simmons to return from his injury. He is one of the many talented big men on this team who will all compete for playing time when Ben Simmons come back. With the highlight of making Boston Celtics forward Jonas Jerebko fall he is helping his case for more minutes. We will see if he has anymore highlight plays this season.
Best Rookie: Joel Embiid
Position: Center
Team: Philadelphia 76ers
College: Kansas
Drafted: First round with the third pick in the 2014 draft
The best rookie so far is the 76ers center, Joel Embiid. He was drafted in 2014 from Kansa but due to a foot injury, he sat out until this year. This year, Joel Embiid is making people #trusttheprocess, which means that it was worth waiting for him to heal from his foot injury instead of giving up on him. Embiid is showing a lot of promise this year despite being on a minutes restriction. He is averaging 18.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and shooting 46% from the field. He is also averaging 44% from the three point line. With his impressive play so far, this might mean the end for Jahlil Okafor or Nerlens Noel in a crowded Philly backcourt. We will see what Philly will do with it's big men as the season moves on and as their big men continue to play well.
These three rookies so far has surprised the league and putting teams on notice. They are very talented and making other teams regret not taking them. We will see if these three will continue to be the top three rookies or will other rookies step up and take their spots? There are still more season left so we will see who the NBA's top rookie will be.
