By: David Kay
Before the season even began, a buddy of mine kept claiming Brandon Jennings was the next Allen Iverson. I refused to buy into his hype. Then Jennings had to go off for 55 points on Saturday night as he is pretty much saving basketball in the city of Milwaukee. Now, I am buying into the hype and so should you. Check out the updated rankings for The Sports Bank’s NBA Rookie of the Year Race.
1. Brandon Jennings, Bucks (Last Week Ranking: #1)
’09-’10: 24.8 ppg, 5.8 apg, 4.7 rpg, 1.1 spg
My ’09-’10 Prediction: 12 ppg, 7 apg, 2 spg
His 55-point performance Saturday night was ridiculous, even if it did come against the defensively handicapped Warriors. 29 third quarter points after scoring zero in the first 12 minutes of the game? Unbelieveble. Jennings is not only the hands down rookie of the year pick, but the argument could be made that he is a top five candidate for league MVP.
2. Tyreke Evans, Kings (LWR: #2)
’09-’10: 16.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 4.3 apg, 1.5 spg
My ’09-’10 Prediction: 17.1 ppg, 5 rpg, 6 apg, 2 spg
Since Kevin Martin went down, Evans has been the top scorer for the Kings and is still a consistent performer in all areas of the game. He has shot the ball better during the past week despite the added responsibility.
3. Terrence Williams, Nets (LWR: #4)
’09-’10: 10.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.1 apg, .7 spg
’09-’10 Prediction: 7 ppg, 4 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2 spg
T-Will is one of the few bright spots for the 0-12 Nets. He recorded a career-high 20 points Wednesday night off the bench and will still see quality playing time despite the return of CD-R.
4. Jonny Flynn, Timberwolves (LWR: #3)
’09-’10: 13.8 ppg, 3.2 apg, 3.1 rpg, 1.3 spg
My ’09-’10 Prediction: 15 ppg, 7 apg, 1.75 spg
Flynn is averaging one more turnover per game than assist per game. He is starting for the T-Wolves who have lost 11 straight since beating the 0-12 Nets in the season opener. The former Syracuse star is doing nothing spectacular.
Check out the entire Rookie of the Year Rankings.