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NBA Awards Watch: Don’t forget Anthony Davis

By Brad Rowland

New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) reacts after a basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the third quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Hawks 115-100. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) reacts after a basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the third quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Hawks 115-100. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) dribbles the ball as Dallas Mavericks guard Devin Harris (20) defends during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks won 100-94. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) dribbles the ball as Dallas Mavericks guard Devin Harris (20) defends during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks won 100-94. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Rookie of the Year

  1. Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota Timberwolves – Wiggins is trying to run away and hide… and it’s working. The 19-year-old is now averaging 15.5 points per game on the year, but more than that, he is easily the best athlete in this rookie class and he’s defending at a solid level, which is something unheard of for a player of his age on the perimeter. Wiggins averaged 19.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in January, and if that is the player he is for the rest of the season, watch out.
  2. Nikola Mirotic, Chicago Bulls – Mirotic continues to be the gold standard for rookies from an efficiency standpoint, leading the way with a 16.27 PER, but he simply doesn’t play enough. Chicago is mired in a playoff race and with Joakim Noah back and relatively healthy, the minutes aren’t going to be there for Mirotic. He shot the ball extremely well this season, to the tune of a 56.6% true shooting clip, but Wiggins is better in every other way. Sorry, Nikola.
  3. Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic – I love Elfrid Payton, even if he can’t shoot yet. Obviously, a 43.8% true shooting clip is unacceptable for any player, and the 20-year-old will have to improve, but he is already a plus-defender at point guard and Payton is leading all rookies with 5.7 assists per game. He’s a gamer, he can get to the rim and, eventually, he’ll be able to shoot adequately to go along with this varied skill set.

Next: Most Valuable Player

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