Resetting the NBA Rookie of the Year race: Is Paolo Banchero still on top?

2. Bennedict Mathurin — Indiana Pacers

Mathurin leapt into the Rookie of the Year race early and hasn’t really relinquished his hold on the No. 2 spot, despite some regression in his shooting numbers. He was shooting 40.3 percent from beyond the arc through the end of November but has hit just 25.8 percent since with just two games of three or more makes.

But even with that regression, he’s been incredibly productive, averaging 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game off the Pacers’ bench. A big reason for his high scoring totals, and relative efficiency despite the 3-point drop-off, has been his ability to get to the line. He’s averaging 9.7 free-throw attempts per 100 possessions and shooting 83 percent from the stripe. That ability to get into traffic and draw contact gives him a reliable way to contribute on offense even as the rest of his package is developing.

He still has a long way to go at the defensive end of the floor but he competes at that end and there’s every reason to think he can continue to improve. The Pacers were excited about nabbing Mathurin in the draft but it’s probably safe to say he’s blown past their expectations this year.