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NBA Award Watch: Russell Westbrook is on fire

By John Buhler

Nov 30, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a play against the Washington Wizards during overtime at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a play against the Washington Wizards during overtime at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) shoots and scores on a three point shot against Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) shoots and scores on a three point shot against Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Rookie of the Year: Philadelphia 76ers C Joel Embiid

Though he has only played in 12 NBA games to date, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid would be the clear front-runner for NBA Rookie of the Year. Philadelphia is not a watchable on-court product without Embiid on the floor. He is electric.

On the season, Embiid is averaging 18.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game on a minutes restriction for the 76ers. His PER of 23.7 is incredible, given that he plays for the worst team in the Eastern Conference. Embiid’s shooting splits of .480/.500/.766 ultimately yield an effective field goal percentage of 53.0.

Eventually, the Philadelphia front office will remove Embiid’s minutes restriction and he can finally play an unencumbered brand of basketball. Until then, we’re just going to have to enjoy The Process when we can get it, roughly 24 minutes per game every five of seven 76ers games.

It is important to point out that there are some other rookies that are playing well in their own right. Embiid’s teammate Dario Saric has shown signs of promise early in his NBA career. After missing a ton of shots in his first few games, it has been an aggression to the mean for Denver Nuggets sharp-shooter Jamal Murray. There are still plenty of games left to sort this rookie class out.

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