The race for NBA Rookie of the Year is always a highly anticipated battle, and the upcoming 2024-25 season is no different. With several star athletes in the running, there is no clearcut frontrunner like there was in the previous season with Victor Wembanyama. On “Run It Back,” analyst Chandler Parsons shared his thoughts on who will ultimately take home this coveted trophy.
First, let’s take a look at the top players who are in contention for Rookie of the Year. We have Zion Williamson from the New Orleans Pelicans, Ja Morant from the Memphis Grizzlies, R.J. Barrett from the New York Knicks, and Cade Cunningham from the Detroit Pistons.
Williamson, the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, is a force to be reckoned with on the court. In his debut season, he averaged 22.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, earning him a spot on the All-Rookie First Team. He has already proven himself as a dominant player and is expected to have a stellar sophomore season.
Next, we have Ja Morant, the second overall pick in the 2019 draft. In his first season with the Grizzlies, he averaged 17.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game, earning him the Rookie of the Year award. Morant’s speed, agility, and playmaking abilities make him a top contender for the award once again.
R.J. Barrett, the third overall pick in the 2019 draft, had a solid rookie season with the Knicks, averaging 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. While his team struggled, Barrett stood out and showed his potential as a future star in the league.
And finally, we have Cade Cunningham – the projected first overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft. Despite being a rookie, Cunningham has already drawn comparisons to NBA greats like Luka Doncic and LeBron James. His all-around game, high basketball IQ, and leadership skills make him a top candidate for Rookie of the Year.
So, who will ultimately win the coveted trophy? According to Parsons, it could come down to Williamson and Cunningham. He believes that Williamson has the edge due to his experience and proven track record in the league.
However, Parsons also acknowledges that Cunningham’s potential is unmatched. He says, “Cade Cunningham is a special player. He has the potential to be an All-Star in his first year. He’s a franchise-changing player.” So, could Cunningham pull off an upset and take home the trophy in his first season?
While it’s still too early to make a definite prediction, one thing is for sure – the NBA is in for an exciting Rookie of the Year race. All four players have the talent and potential to make a huge impact on their respective teams and the league as a whole.
As for who will ultimately win the award, we will have to wait and see. But one thing is certain – all eyes will be on these rising stars as they embark on their NBA journey and strive to prove themselves as the best of the best.
In the end, the race for NBA Rookie of the Year is not just about winning a trophy, but also about leaving a lasting impression and making a mark in the league. And with players like Williamson, Morant, Barrett, and Cunningham, the future of the NBA is in good hands.
