NBA Draft 2016: Predicting Rookie of the Year

March 24, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) dunks to score a basket against Oregon Ducks during the second half of the semifinal game in the West regional of the NCAA Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Buddy Hield (Oklahoma) shows off the inside of his jacket after being selected as the number six overall pick to the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

69. . SG. New Orleans Pelicans. Buddy Hield. 3. player

Buddy Hield won the Player of the Year in college by virtue of being the nation’s best scorer. He averaged 25 points per game and was incredible to watch. He had a myriad of great performances, including 46 points against Kansas in Allen Fieldhouse, and 37 points against Oregon in the Elite 8.

Having Hield immediately boosts New Orleans’ scoring options after they ranked 16^th in the league in offensive efficiency. Hield may not have averaged a lot of passes during his college career, but he’ll have a myriad of options to go to in the backcourt such as Tyreke Evans, Eric Gordon, and Jrue Holiday. And with him spacing the floor with Anthony Davis, they have the potential to overwhelm teams with scoring.

Hield’s defensive game remains a bit suspect, which won’t help a Pelicans team that was third worst in defensive efficiency. However, he’s physically capable of being a defender considering he amassed 27 steals and 10 blocks in 19 games. And if not, the offensive load that he shoulders is enough to get his team through games.

Buddy Hield put up tremendous stats in his senior season at Oklahoma, and he has a much better supporting cast with him in New Orleans. That might not translate to a playoff spot, but it should make his transition to the NBA a lot smoother.

Next: 2. Brandon Ingram

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