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NBA Awards Watch: Golden State Runs the Table

By Brad Rowland

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after scoring against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after scoring against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) drives for a dunk during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) drives for a dunk during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Rookie of the Year

  1. Jabari Parker, Milwaukee Bucks – Let’s hope this sticks. Parker, the number two overall pick from Duke, went down in a heap with an apparent knee injury late on Monday evening, leaving his status for the remainder of the season in doubt. To this point, Parker has been the best of the bunch among rookies, averaging north of 12 points per game with the most prominent offensive role of any player in the class, but right now, the focus is on his injury. Get well, Jabari.
  2. K.J. McDaniels, Philadelphia 76ers – If Parker is the best offensive player, McDaniels has been the best of the group on defense. The versatile swingman from Clemson is incredibly athletic, and that has shown through in the fact that he often acts as Philadelphia’s “stopper” despite his rookie status. McDaniels is averaging 1.6 blocks and 1.0 steals per game, and that helps to overcome some recent shooting struggles that have forced a dive in his overall efficiency. He’ll need to improve on offense, but McDaniels is a special talent.
  3. Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota Timberwolves – The flashes are there. Wiggins is struggling a bit for consistency, shooting south of 40% from the floor, but highs have been quite high (four games with 20+ points) and the number one pick has the ability to simply blow your mind athletically. The injury to his point guard, Ricky Rubio, certainly has not helped Wiggins to develop his game offensively, but given that he is still only 19 years old, concerns over his overall efficiency are largely unfounded at this stage of the game.

Next: Most Valuable Player

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