My picks for the NBA All-rookie teams 2019-20

Honestly, this class has not been as good as the previous ones, but this doesn’t mean it has been a weak class. These rookies have been exciting, and they do share an important similarity with the two that came before; it’s a two-man race. Just like Simmons vs Mitchell (2017-18) and Trae vs Luka (2018-19), this year has been dominated by Zion vs Ja even though Zion has only played in 19 games. However, where the 2019-20 class suffers is in its supporting class if you will. Outside of Ja and Zion barely any other rookies have made an impact this season. It’s understandable as, you know, they’re rookies after all. In a few years I hope to be wrong about that statement as I hope every player matures to become great in their own right. As Lebron and KD aren’t getting any younger, we need an influx of superstars to help carry this league for the next decade.

The All-rookie team is composed of two five-man line-ups: a first and second team. The players each receive 2 points for each first team vote and 1 point for each second team vote. The top five players with the highest point total make the first team and the next five making the second team.

My pick for Rookie of the Year, and for me that’s easy, is Ja Morant. I know Zion, in his limited sample size, has been amazing and has lived up to the hype. However, (god-forbid) if the season ended today, we, under no circumstance should ever give a guy who played 19 games the ROTY. But enough about him, Ja Morant has been just sensational for the Grizzles this season: 59 games, 17.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 49.1% FG%, 36.7% 3P%, 77% FT playing 30 minutes a game. He has become the face of Memphis overnight and is the main reason why they were contending for the playoffs instead of being a lottery team like many (included myself) predicted. He’s been exciting to watch on the court and has given the fans in Memphis hope that they glory days aren’t behind them but lie in their future.

Okay so here’s my NBA All-rookie 1^st team:

Guard	Ja Morant
Forward	Zion Williamson
Guard	Kendrick Nunn
Forward	Eric Pascall
Forward	Brandon Clarke

 

Zion Williamson – Took a little longer than we expected to see if he lived up to the hype and boy, did he ever live up to the hype. In just 19 games he became the 2^nd most talked about player in the league (behind Lebron of course) and for good reason. He’s a bull when he’s in the post and the most astonishing thing I’ve seen from him is his offensive rebounding. His hustle is impressive, and he can easily be the best player in this draft class if he stays healthy. Needs to work on: Free throws.

Stats: 19 games, 23.6 points 6.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 29.7 minutes per game, 58.9% FG, 46.2% 3P, 64.5% FT.

Kendrick Nunn – Going undrafted in the 2018 Draft, he spent a season with the Santa Cruz Warriors, and he impressed enough to be signed by the Heat. It certainly paid off. With a chip on his shoulder, Nunn has become a key part of this tough & young Miami team with his impressive three-point shooting and has even shown the ability to create some plays for his teammates. A true underdog story, Dunn has put the world on notice and should be a key piece of Miami in the future. Needs to work on: Defence.

Stats – 62 games, 15.6 points 2.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 29.8 minutes per game, 44.8% FG, 36.2% 3P, 83.7% FT.

Eric Paschall – He has single-handedly been the biggest bright spot of the Golden State Warriors’ season (not a big feat honestly). The 41^st pick in this year’s draft seems to be a sleeper and has impressed thanks to him getting adequate time to play because of the injuries the Warriors had to their roster. His moves in the post have been impressive and have shown glimpses of an outside shoot. He has the potential to be a small ball 5 and has an excellent teacher for that in a great defensive player and Mr. Triple Single himself, Draymond Green. Needs to work on: Three-point shooting.

Stats – 60 games, 14 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 27.6 minutes per game, 49.7% FG, 28.7% 3P, 77.4% FT.

Brandon Clarke – Let’s take this time to give the Memphis Grizzles’ front office a big round of applause for getting two incredible rookies. As much we can rave about Ja Morant we cannot forget to mention the stud Brendon Clarke has been. He’s been scoring with scary efficiency and there’s still hopes that he can translate his defensive prowess from college to the pros. He a perfect partner in crime for Ja to lead the Grizzles into the future. Needs to work on: Developing a three-point shot.

Stats – 50 games, 12 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 21.7 minutes per game, 62.3% FG, 40.4% 3P, 78.5% FT.

Now, here’s my NBA All-rookie 2^nd team:

Forward	Rui Hachimura
Forward	RJ Barrett
Guard	Tyler Herro
Forward	P.J. Washington
Guard	Terrance Davis

 

Rui Hachimura – Missed a couple of games after a December 16^th groin injury forced him to get surgery and honestly, he would’ve played 10 more games I’m pretty sure I would’ve had him in 1^st team. He’s been exciting to watch in the Wizard’s “offense only” game plan. It would be great to see him next season when John Wall comes back and this team reverts to normal. Needs to work on: Developing a three-point shot.

Stats – 41 games, 13.4 points, 6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 29.7 minutes per game, 47.8% FG, 27.4% 3P, 82.9% FT.

RJ Barrett – RJ’s rookie season could’ve been way better, but this is no fault of his own (cough cough Dolan). But poorly constructed roster aside, he has shown promise. However, he still tries to do too much and attempt bad shots with a decent amount of time left on the shot clock. Hopefully next season with a proper roster around him (don’t count on that.)  he can improve on this solid outing Needs to work on: Playmaking

Stats – 56 games, 14.3 points, 5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 30.4 minutes per game, 40.2% FG, 32% 3P, 61.4% FT.

Tyler Herro – Now it’s time to talk about my personal favourite rookie this season, the Boy Wonder himself. Just look at this guy! He exudes confidence and, to put it simply, he’s got swag. He's like Kyle Kuzma but WAY less cringey. He's a great shooter whether it’s a catch and shoot or a pull up jumper, he can knock it down. He still must polish up other areas of his game, but he should be a solid 6^th man coming off Miami’s bench. Needs to work on – Driving to the basket.

Stats – 47 games, 12.9 points, 4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 27.2 minutes per game, 41.4%, FG 39.1% 3P, 83.5% FT.

P.J. Washington – PJ has put together a very solid rookie season, which is very rare for the Hornets, as they tend to draft extremely poorly as their last decent rookie being Cody Zeller in 2013. He has shown his promise with his catch and shoot ability and his decent versatility on defence. The Hornets have begun rebuilding this season and it looks like Washington could play a very important role in the process. Needs to work on – Drawing more fouls in the paint.

Stats – 58 games, 12.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 30.3 minutes per game, 45.5% FG, 37.4% 3P, 64.7% FT.

Terrance Davis – Be proud of the fact that my bias isn’t that bad, and I didn’t put him in 1^st team. But do I think he’s the 10^th best rookie in the league? Hell yeah. The Raptors have once again picked up an undrafted player who is playing quality minutes and posting great numbers in our rotation. He has great efficiency & shot selection maybe because he did a lot of his development in college so there isn’t much growing pain. In his limited minutes he has produced more (in my opinion) than most rookies have in 20+ minutes. Needs to work on – Perimeter defence.

Stats – 64 games, 7.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 17 minutes per game, 46.3% FG, 39.6% 3P, 86.5% FT.

Honourable Mentions

Coby White, De’Andre Hunter, Darius Garland, Kevin Porter, Cam Reddish and Jordan McLaughlin

 

March 30^th 2020