After approximately 10 games played in the NBA, the race for Rookie of the Year is taking shape. So let’s take a look at the top contenders so far.
Damian Lillard of the Portland Trailblazers has to be the early leader in the race for the ROY. Lillard is currently averaging 19.0 points per game with 6.1 assists in 37.5 minutes per game. Any concerns about him coming from a “minor” program at Weber State University have been left out of any discussion of Lillard. He certainly has justified being such a high pick at sixth overall in last year’s draft. Lillard is shooting with solid efficiency in all three categories at 45% from the field, 39% from 3-point range and 83% from the charity fringe. It’s hard to find an area of his game to criticize, but if there is one, Lillard can adjust things a bit in terms of ball care, as he averages 3.3 turnovers per game. It’s going to be tough for the Blazers to make the playoffs, but if he keeps getting that much playing time, he’ll certainly be in the running for the late-season prize.
Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Hornets is certainly showing why he was drafted first overall. He is currently averaging 16.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and his 2.2 blocks per game rank Davis in the top 10 among all NBA shot blockers. All this has been achieved in just 28.3 minutes per game. While his appearances have been limited due to injury strains, it’s clear Davis will have a chance to shine as the season progresses. With stiff competition from the Western Conference, the Hornets are sure to have a tough year and a likely high pick in the June draft. Even if Damian Lillard manages to pass Davis for the Rookie award, Davis must surely still be the 2012 NBA draft award.
Jonas Valanciunas of the Toronto Raptors is a rookie even though he was drafted fifth overall two years ago, just behind the Cavs’ Tristan Thompson. In the early part of the season, coach Dwane Casey has protected the young center from him. The Lithuanian has started every game this year, but has been used sparingly at critical moments and has been the victim of matchups Casey has favored when opponents have played small lineups. In such cases, Andrea Bargnani has been moved from the role of power forward to the center position. While the overall JV numbers aren’t the most impressive right now, he has shown promise in the early part of the season that he can warrant more playing time as the season progresses. He is coming off back-to-back double-doubles in Philadelphia and then Charlotte, bringing real toughness to the post for a club that has been lacking in this department for so long. One indicator of his future success that could help his Rookie of the Year bid is the fact that he is shooting 50% from the field and 78% from the free throw line. He’s clearly a big tough guy with some touch from 15 feet and inside, and that’s very rare.
Lots of things can happen over the course of the season to affect who actually wins Rookie of the Year. Injuries can certainly disrupt a promising start, but I’m sure the eventual 2013 award winner will come from this group of three players.