The NBA introduces the rookies to the rest of the world in various ways which includes things like photoshoots and interviews. It’s a great way to learn more about some of the young players that are entering the league. The NBA hosted a survey this year where they asked the 2016 rookies their opinions on numerous of topics. Check out who they view as the upcoming Rookie of the Year and who from their class they believe will have the best career.
Who will be the 2016-17 Kia Rookie of the Year?
1. Kris Dunn, Minnesota — 29.0%
2. Brandon Ingram, L.A. Lakers — 25.8%
3. Ben Simmons, Philadelphia — 19.4%
Others receiving votes: DeAndre Bembry, Atlanta; Joel Embiid, Philadelphia;Which rookie will have the best career?
1. Brandon Ingram, L.A. Lakers — 26.7%
2. Kris Dunn, Minnesota — 16.7%
3. Buddy Hield, New Orleans — 13.3%
T-4. Dragan Bender, Phoenix — 6.7%
-Jaylen Brown, Boston — 6.7%
-Jamal Murray, Denver — 6.7%
-Ben Simmons, Philadelphia — 6.7%
Coming into the draft, everything surrounded Ben Simmons. He was viewed as the next prodigal one behind LeBron James. With all the hype on Simmons as the best player in this draft, you would expect to see him at the top of one of these lists but his peers seem to think otherwise. Is there something they know that we don’t?
With the playmaking ability of Ben Simmons and the ball constantly being in his hands, I believe his talents will be well on display in Philadelphia. The thought of him not winning Rookie of the Year is difficult in my eyes. I just envision him being a stat sheet stuffer, consistently hovering around the triple-double stat line, making him an easy pick for rookie of the year.
The answer for which rookie would have the best career wasn’t a surprise. Brandon Ingram has a lot of promise with his scoring ability at such a great size. He mirrors that of a young Kevin Durant who many questioned early on simply because he was scrawny and couldn’t bench 185 pounds. Ingram on a young and developing Lakers team will get a lot of opportunities this year which will help him grow and gain confidence going forward.
