By: David Kay
Welcome to a weekly feature here at the The Sports Bank where we break down the top rookies in the NBA and who has the edge to win the Rookie of the Year Award. Check back every Thursday for an update.
Injuries have allowed several rookies to begin to flourish for their respective teams. One rookie is gaining ground on the early favorite to claim the honor. Here is the updated Rookie of the Year rankings.
1. Brandon Jennings, Bucks (Last Week Ranking: #1)
’09-’10: 20.7 ppg, 5.2 apg, 4.3 rpg, 1.3 spg
My ’09-’10 Prediction: 12 ppg, 7 apg, 2 spg
Just when I debating whether to drop Jennings out of the top spot, he drops 32 points in the Bucks win against Denver and TOTALLY redeems himself. Milwaukee is now a surprising 4-2 which is impressive considering Michael Redd’s injury. Jennings is a big part of the reason for that.
2. Tyreke Evans, Kings (LWR: #4)
’09-’10: 16.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.5 spg
My ’09-’10 Prediction: 17.5 ppg, 5 rpg, 6 apg, 2 spg
Now that Kevin Martin has joined Francisco Garcia as injured Kings and Desmond Mason has been released, Evans is shouldering a much heavier load. Strange how Sacramento hasn’t missed a beat though as they have won three straight with Evans leading the way. He scored 32 in a win at Utah and put together a 20 point, 8 rebound, 8 assist game Tuesday vs. the Thunder.
3. Jonny Flynn, Timberwolves (LWR: #3)
’09-’10: 15.0 ppg, 3.2 apg, 3.4 rpg, 1.3 spg
My ’09-’10 Prediction: 15 ppg, 7 apg, 1.75 spg
Despite the T-Wolves eight game losing skid, Flynn has been solid. The assist total is much lower than expected and Minnesota needs him to become more of a playmaker.
4. Terrence Williams, Nets (LWR: #6)
’09-’10: 10.0 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.4 apg, .4 spg
’09-’10 Prediction: 7 ppg, 4 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2 spg
Having four Net starters either injured or sick has meant a spot in the starting line-up and more playing time for the former Louisville Cardinal. As expected, he has struggled shooting the ball, but using his versatility to be a factor in other aspects of the game.
Check out the rest of the Rookie of Year Race Rankings and NBA Power Rankings.