Way-too-early NBA Rookie of the Year rankings
By Jakob Ashlin
2. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
Stats: 22.7 PTS, 7.6 REB, 3.9 AST, 1.1 BLK, 43.8% FG, 29.0 3PT%
So far, the number one overall pick has certainly lived up to the hype. Banchero is leading all rookies in scoring (22.7), rebounds (7.6), and assists (3.9). He is on pace to become the first rookie to average over 22 points per game, since Blake Griffin in 2010-11.
At this point, the only knock on Banchero is his shooting efficiency. His true shooting percentage of 53.9 percent is eighth among rookies, and he is trailing the other four players on the list. His field goal percentage is currently being bogged down by three subpar shooting performances.
10/31 @ DAL: 18 PTS, 6-20 FG, 1-6 3PT
10/22 vs. BOS: 23 PTS, 6-19 FG, 2-7 3PT
10/21 @ ATL: 20 PTS, 6-18 FG, 1-6 3PT
Nevertheless, Banchero’s number two ranking is not a slight on his performance. He is on pace to have a historic rookie season. It is a razor-thin race at the top, and the advanced stats make a better case for the number one player on this list at this point.
Moving forward, Banchero should still be the odds-on favorite to win the award.