The rush to the end of the regular season has arrived. That means we’re on the fast track toward Rookie of the Year and All-Rookie Team discussions (and decisions). At this point in the year, it’s unfair to talk about rookies completely, But there are more answers than questions. Roles and minutes are defined, expectations are understood, and experience continues to guide impact.
What I’m interested in is how people balance the Rookie of the Year battle. Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel had incredible seasons, exchanging “leads” at different points in the season. Which is more valuable: Knueppel’s metronome-like consistency or Flagg’s incredible growth? Does this contrast make the game more interesting or difficult? Who gets more credit for impact: Knuupel for helping impact Charlotte’s win, or Flagg for taking on the huge responsibility and workload for Dallas’ offense?
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Going down the rookie list also gave me a different mental exercise. How about a rookie? Full How was the digestion of the season and his final performance? How do we balance the rotation of Derek Quinn and Jeremiah Fiers, the various injuries scattered here and there, and the added opportunities of Maxime Leno and Ace Bailey? It’s a challenge, but that’s mostly because of the quality of play this class shows every night.
To me, it means a lot when a rookie can not only maintain a level of consistency, but also find a way to solve problems, make the right plays, and contribute to the team’s game plan.
1. Con Knuppel, Hornets
Knuupel’s accolades continue to mount, and he has been a deadly shooter, leading the league with 216 three-pointers and setting a rookie single-season record for three-pointers made. When you pull back the curtain on scoring and shooting, his consistency is a key factor in improving the Hornets.
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Knueppel can be used with and without the ball. He spaced them and kept them moving, and his screens made it difficult for defenses to deal with. The Hornets can draw a group and use Knuupel as a screener, but it’s most deadly when he randomly sets one up to keep the defense off-balance. It’s hard to deny the foundation Knuupel has provided all season long.
2. Cooper Flagg, Mavericks
Injuries may temporarily change the momentum of the Rookie of the Year race, but Flagg has enough time to impress by the end of the season. It’s easy to forget that prior to his injury, Flagg had scored 27 or more points in five of his last six games, shot 46.2 percent from three-point range in four games in February and made 10 or more free throws in three of his last five games. That shows me the continued growth, confidence and command Flagg has shown this season.
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Flagg has gone from showing no hesitation in the pick-and-roll to working hard to read and penetrate the defense. In the pick-and-roll, if the defense gets sluggish, he’ll slowly come off the screen and stay off the dribble, forcing the big man to make a decision. If a defender jumps up to steal the (improved) 3-point shot, he’s going to beat you in and out. He’s exploring his opportunities and then making the right reads/plays, contrary to what we saw early in the season.
3. VJ Edgecombe, 76ers
It would be easy to label Edgecomb a “distant third” in the Rookie of the Year race, but he should be considered a solid third. His ranking is more of a recognition of the efforts of the top two than a question of what he’s done. Without Edgecombe’s stability, how stable do we think the Sixers’ ship really is?
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Edgecombe’s transition game helped the Sixers avoid a complete meltdown, but he’s developed a certain composure throughout the year. In the half-court, the numbers may not reflect his impact, but he’s not afraid to drive or pull up, depending on how defenders guard him. No matter what the game looks like, Edgecombe is always ready to attack.
4. Dylan Harper, Spurs
There’s a reason Harper was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month, and I promise it’s not only Because Flagg was injured. The Spurs are at their best when their defense is consistent and strong, and Harper returned to form in February.
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His field goal average increased from 6.2 in January to 8.5 in February. It may not feel like much, but Harper is at his best for the Spurs when he’s able to get downhill, get in the paint, finish or forcefully help the Spurs create offense. The best part about Harper is maintaining his confidence after going through a rough patch. He remains a threat to the Spurs, who are thriving in the Western Conference.
5. Derek Quinn, Pelicans
Now, there’s a thought bubble surrounding Queen’s rookie season: How do we handle him being moved into a backup role, still effective but not showing up in the same way? I wave all the words how They caught him and What They gave up to get him and respected the effort he put in for much of the season.
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If there’s any problem outside of playing time, it’s that assists have been cut in half. His offensive skills are still excellent, but it will be interesting to see how much control the Pelicans are willing to give him offensively and how that will change his balance defensively.
6. Cedric Cowherd, Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have been without Cowherd longer than they expected, but it’s hard to deny that he’s been great when he’s been on the floor. Before the injury, he found confidence in his shooting, which has added another layer to how he can help the Grizzlies offensively.
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Being able to space the floor is one thing, but knowing when and how to cut when spaced is important, especially considering how the Grizzlies want to play. The key for Coward will be finding a way to consistently utilize his size, shooting and cutting ability. This can and should cheer up Memphis in this painful season.
7. Maxime Leno, Kings
Leno made the most of his long-term opportunity with the Kings, finding himself second among all rookies in rebounding. He was the first rookie in seven years to average 15+ points and 10+ rebounds on 60% shooting in 10 games and led all rookies with a double-double.
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He’s a strong rim runner in transition, but he’s really found his way in the pick-and-roll, with good footwork and the knack of staying in defender’s view to catch pocket passes and finish. The environment may not be ideal for the Kings, but Leno has done everything he can to prove he can contribute with his minutes.
8. Jeremiah Fears, Pelicans
There’s a confidence in Fiers’ game that helps you appreciate his effort while you’re waiting for his shot to reach what some would consider an acceptable level. He is a strong fighter, always has been and always will be.
The key is to watch what he builds off of that: Denial in the pick-and-roll to allow defenders to commit to kicking in the pick-and-roll; driving and kicking and repositioning to the outside for cleaner shots; being ready to go off the ball when one pass away from the kicker; mixing in more drives to try to turn and finish in the paint. The trick is to look at what Phills is trying to do versus what he knows he can do.
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9. Colin Murray-Boyles, Raptors
CMB is a player whose influence may be forgotten or lost in the shuffle. The Raptors asked him to defend, make plays and attack. Every time you see him on the court, that’s what he’s doing.
The Raptors’ success with CMB at the 5 speaks for itself and showcases his all-around versatility. He can harass defenders with the ball and restrain defenders without the ball; there are few players you wouldn’t trust him to defend. Energy, impact and consistency have been hallmarks of the CMB season.
10. Ace Bailey, Jazz
Bailey has found his comfort zone in the Utah Jazz’s offense. His strength has always been on the offensive end, but he’s found opportunities to showcase that during this stretch.
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Movement within Utah’s system opens up opportunities for dribble handoffs or containment, allowing him to go downhill. He’s willing to get into the paint if he doesn’t have size. If he had any space, he would let it fly. The talent was always there, but the consistency finally arrived.