Will a top-five decide within the 2024 NBA Draft win Rookie of the Yr subsequent season? Memphis Grizzlies For 2-time All-Star Ja Morant, that probably will not be the case.
If he’s proper, this isn’t excellent news for Detroit Pistons rookie Ron Holland.
Earlier than anybody blames Morant for his daring resolution to miss a handful of high recruits, one should perceive the place he finds himself in.
Memphis wasn’t far behind the Pistons and different high draft picks in June. After a disappointing season, the Grizzlies ended up with the ninth total decide within the NBA draft.
When the clock ticked down, the Grizzlies chosen 22-year-old middle Zach Edey.
After 4 years at Purdue, Edey left the NCAA with 138 video games below his belt. Final 12 months, he led the NCAA in scoring, scoring 25 factors per sport on 62 p.c capturing. He was twice named the Nationwide Faculty Participant of the Yr.
With Edey teaming up with All-Star Morant, the previous second total pick of Murray State is assured his new co-star can be a authentic candidate for a seasonal award.
“Undoubtedly the rookie of the 12 months,” Morant stated Business attraction. “I feel simply too.”
The Pistons chosen Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard and Stephon Fort. Whereas they had been closely linked to ahead Matas Buzelis all through the pre-draft course of, the Pistons chosen Ron Holland out of the NBA G League Ignite program.
After Holland, Tidjane Salaun, Donovan Clingan and Rob Dillingham had been the massive winners. Edey completed within the high 10 earlier than Cody Williams joined the Utah Jazz to complete the primary half of the primary spherical.
Holland would not have the identical resume as his rookie friends, having opted for the G League straight away. In 15 video games, Holland averaged 19 factors, seven rebounds and three assists for the Ignite earlier than his season was minimize brief by damage.
No top-five decide must be dominated out of the NBA Rookie of the Yr race, particularly this early within the 12 months. It is unclear whether or not Holland can have sufficient minutes to generate that sort of buzz subsequent season, however he’ll definitely have a chance to earn early enjoying time to assist construct his case.
