BY: DONOVAN HOLDEN
The 2020-2021 NBA Rookie Class was disrespected leading up to the draft, described by fans and analysts as “The worst draft class in years”, and “A class that lacks high-end talent”. The NBA’s newest youngsters were counted out early and had to go through one of the most bizarre NBA restarts in league history. Still amidst a pandemic and having a shortened offseason, there was not much room for rookies to grow during training camp/preseason.
Given a bad reputation before even playing a game and all they could do is learn how to adapt quickly. They were not able to have an in-person draft, and never got to experience being announced as a pro on stage with the league’s commissioner. Now a little over a month into the season this group of first years are proving the critics wrong, and playing a fearless brand of basketball.
A Look at the Numbers:
Points per game:
- Anthony Edwards(MIN): 12.1
- James Wiseman(GSW): 11.8
- LaMelo Ball(CHA): 11.5
- Tyrese Haliburton(SAC): 11.4
- Cole Anthony(ORL): 10.1
Rebounds per game:
- LaMelo Ball(CHA): 6.4
- James Wiseman(GSW): 6.0
- Isaiah Stewart(DET): 5.6
- Precious Achiuwa(MIA): 5.0
- Cole Anthony(ORL): 4.5
Assists per game:
- LaMelo Ball(CHA): 5.9
- Tyrese Haliburton(SAC): 4.9
- Killian Hayes(DET): 3.6
- Cole Anthony(ORL): 3.2
- Théo Maledon(OKC): 2.8
The Scoop:
LaMelo Ball drafted #3 overall by the Charlotte Hornets could be considered the face of this underappreciated rookie class. Ball became the youngest player to record a triple-double in the NBA at 19 years of age, and has the best efficiency rating among all rooks. Ball is a walking highlight for the Hornets and seems to be the clear early favorite for Rookie of the Year Award.
The Warriors rookie big-man James Wiseman was one of the many lottery picks who had their draft stock questioned by the public. Wiseman played less than a handful of games in college, and this made people question his ability to make an immediate impact for his team at the professional level. The Warriors are 16 games into the season and Wiseman has been spreading the floor, running the floor, and protecting the paint as well as any other big man across the league.
Other pre-draft buzz with this 2020-2021 draft class was that there wasn’t a player who stood out as the clear cut #1 pick. The Minnesota Timberwolves decided on former Georgia Bulldog, Anthony Edwards. Edwards is arguably the best athlete in the draft, and already looks like a natural born scorer. He knows it too, Edwards could also be pegged as the most confident young player in this year’s draft class.
Depth within this draft class was also questioned, and scouts were concerned there were no real standouts that could be grabbed late in the first round or into the second round. A couple of guys drafted in the 20’s are fighting this pre-draft narrative and are thriving in the underdog role. Tyrese Maxey (21st overall) drafted by the 76ers has taken advantage of his playing time this season and stepped up when Philadelphia had a shortened roster due to Covid-19 safety protocols. On January 9th, 2021 the Sixers only had 7 available players against the Denver Nuggets and Maxey put his skills on full display in an expected loss due to the circumstances. He had a career-high 39 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
Payton Pritchard (26th overall) drafted by the Boston Celtics came into a lot of playing time early with Kemba Walker being sidelined to start the season. Pritchard plays with a chip on his shoulder, and the team was impressed with him from the first day of camp, he also already has a game winner under his belt in a hard fought battle against the Miami Heat on January 6th, 2021.
It is never easy as a rookie in the association, especially when your draft class is doubted before the season even starts. There is plenty of adversity for this class of first year players to overcome, but so far they have silenced the pre-draft hate, and are making the most of their opportunities. In an NBA season like no other, this years rookies are just looking for a little respect.