It may be too early in the basketball season to make any sweeping predictions on the 2019/20 NBA rookie class. However, if you have been following various leagues, you will agree that a general evaluation of players’ games this season puts some on better standing than the rest.
When you evaluate rookies based on their scoring efficiency, team performance, defensive contributions, and impact on their team performance, you will come up with a potential ranking of players with the brightest futures in the NBA this season. This is what we have done to arrive at this list of the best three จีคลับ rookie NBA stars of the 2019/2020 season.
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Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies)
Mar 10, 2020; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) passes the ball against Orlando Magic guard Micheal Carter-Williams (7) during the second half at FedExForum. Orlando won 120-115. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Jo Morant’s incredible dunk on the Suns was the solid proof everyone was looking out for that he is the real deal this year. Morant is a favorite to win the Rookie of the Year, and it is not just because he leads his team in scores (averaging 17.6 points in a game) or assists (standing at 6.9). At age 20, he has also proven to be a strong candidate because he has mastered the science of leveraging his athletic ability to pressure the opponents at their own rim consistently.
Morant was the number 2 overall pick for the Memphis Grizzlies and has proven to be a formidable and ambitious driver with exceptional vision and ability to complete almost any pass.
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Kendrick Nunn (Miami Heat)
The Miami Heat picked up Kendrick Nunn late 2018/19 season and offered him an opportunity to prove his skills after he missed the 2018 draft due to a battery charge he had to deal with. Sure enough, Nunn immediately began showing off his scoring skills as he replaced Jimmy Butler, who was nursing an injury.
Since then, the 6’2” guard has it into various lineups and emerged as The Heat’s fourth overall scorer with an average 15.2 points per game and a league-average scoring efficiency of 54.5%. If he can overcome his passing challenges and stabilize his free-throws, the 25-year old stands a good chance to emerge on top as the NBA Stars Rookie of the Year this season.
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Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans)
Mar 8, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New Orleans Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry and forward Zion Williamson (1) talk during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Zion Williamson has dominated the NBA since his debut, averaging 23.5 points per game and demonstrating an impressive 62.4% shooting accuracy. The 19-year-old may have suffered a knee injury that put him on the bench in the first half of the season, but he is a dependable prospect having been graded among the top 40 players in the league after just 19 games.
Williamson is praised by commentators for his ability to combine his strength and agility to bully even the most seasoned NBA players and finish his runs. While he is still playing himself into better shape, he is mastering his talents and is quickly emerging as a favorite offense player in the big leagues.
When the NBA 2019-20 league resumes after the coronavirus pandemic hiatus, these are the three most likely players to dominate the NBA stars rookie class based on their performance in the pro seasons. Who is your favorite player to emerge best this season?
