It seems like when people talk about this year’s rookie class, the only two names that are brought up are Ja Morant and Zion Williamson. While what both of them have done thus far in their first season is nothing short of phenomenal, there are other first-year players who have been producing.
Here are eight rookies other than Morant and Williamson who are making their case to be an All-Rookie Team member. Players are listed alphabetically.
Other rookies who didn’t quite make the list include Jaxson Hayes (Pelicans), Eric Paschall (Warriors), and De’Andre Hunter (Hawks).
RJ Barrett, Knicks
Selected by the Knicks third overall, Barrett has had his growing pains as he tries to find a more consistent shot (38.7 percent FG, 30.9 percent 3PT, 60.percent FT). He gives great effort on defense though, and is a very good rebounder at the shooting guard position.
RJ Barrett revealed he’s right-handed and has a better shooting form with his dominant hand.
— Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) February 26, 2020
Currently averaging 13.9 PPG, he shoots with his left because it’s more comfortable.
Another level of play to unlock? 👀 pic.twitter.com/jrBkNg6wZL
Brandon Clarke, Grizzlies
The 21st overall pick, Clarke has played a vital role on a Memphis team that surprisingly holds the eighth seed in the West (averages of 12 points, 5.8 rebounds, 62.3 percent field goal shooting). According to ESPN, he will miss at least the next two weeks due to a quad injury he sustained on Monday.
Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke details injury suffered against the Clippers https://t.co/HidWxtL2oU
— Commercial Appeal (@memphisnews) February 26, 2020
Rui Hachimura, Wizards
While he missed a month and a half from mid-December until early February, Hachimura (ninth overall pick) has proven himself to be a likely future staple for the Wizards for years to come. He has struggled from deep (27.0 percenton threes), but has posted strong averages of 13.9 points and 5.9 rebounds.
Rui Hachimura, the first Japanese player ever to be drafted in the NBA, leads the league’s most popular jersey sales list in Japan for the 2019-20 season with nearly a quarter of all jersey sales https://t.co/MtAfeZK1Zv pic.twitter.com/Z58Ku7Gd3v
— Forbes SportsMoney (@ForbesSports) February 27, 2020
Tyler Herro, Heat
Herro has proven to be one of the sharpshooters of this year’s rookie class, but he has unfortunately missed nine straight games with an ankle injury. He’s averaging 13.1 points while connecting on 39.3 percent of his three-point tries.
Since Tyler Herro was injured Feb. 3, Heat is shooting 10 for 38 during what the NBA describes as clutch minutes (final 5 minutes, margin of 5 points or fewer). Tied at 123 late with Minnesota after 11-0 Wolves run.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) February 27, 2020
Kendrick Nunn, Heat
An undrafted rookie, Nunn has been one of the league’s biggest surprises and has started at point guard in all 55 of his appearances. Other than Morant and Williamson, he leads all rookies in scoring (15.7) and has scored 20+ on 16 different occasions.
One of the most impressive traits for Kendrick Nunn is his ability to bounce back after a rough stretch. He’s had two prolonged slumps this season and has come back strong from both. Very good sign for a young player.
— Will Manso (@WillManso) February 27, 2020
Michael Porter Jr., Nuggets
After missing all of his first year with a back injury (drafted 14th overall in 2018), Porter Jr. hasn’t received a lot of minutes this season on a deep Nuggets team (14.2 per game). In somewhat limited minutes, he has been productive though with averages of 7.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and a 50.8 field goal percentage.
And I will happily keep beating the drum in support of Michael Porter Jr. He's X-factor for Nuggets in the playoffs, if they want to get past Lakers and Clippers to NBA Finals.
— Mark Kiszla (@markkiszla) February 26, 2020
P.J. Washington, Hornets
Picked 12th overall, Washington has been Charlotte’s starting power forward since day one. He’s proven to be an accurate long-distance shooter (38.3 percent on three-point tries), has averaged nearly 12 points a night, and also has averaged nearly a block per game.
DEFENSE ▶️ OFFENSE @PJWashington with the steal and the flush!#AllFly | #NYKatCHA | @hornets pic.twitter.com/kZy46yeUnG
— FOX Sports: Hornets (@HornetsOnFSSE) February 27, 2020
Coby White, Bulls
The seventh overall pick, White has averaged 12.3 points but has been on a recent scoring tear. In Chicago’s last three contests, he has averaged 33.7 points. According to CBS Sports, he became the first ever rookie to score at least 30 in three straight games off the bench.
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— NBA 2K20 MyTEAM (@NBA2K_MyTEAM) February 24, 2020
🔥Jayson Tatum drops 41
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Available until 2/27 pic.twitter.com/0iFWQU4P1y