Draft Digest Rookies of the Week: Jaden Ivey Trends Up, Keegan Murray Maintains Success
Each week, the Draft Digest team picks an NBA rookie from each conference as the best player of the week.
As expected many of the players in this class have been inconsistent throughout the season. It's a steep learning curve entering the NBA, but rookies will get more comfortable as the season goes on.
There were quite a few players over the past several games that have trended upwards, even if the stretch prior wasn't very impressive. The rookies in this class have shown flashes though the inconsistency that are very promising.
Who brought home the hardware this week?
Eastern Conference
Jaden Ivey (Detroit Pistons)
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Stats Since Last Week: 4 GP | 16.3 PPG| 3.8 RPG | 5.8 APG | 66.7% 3PT
When watching Ivey play, his athleticism and explosiveness jump off the page. With that in mind, what is more important is how he uses those traits to generate production on the court.
Admittedly, Ivey's rookie season has been somewhat up-and-down, but this most recent week of action has been highly impressive. He's been efficient from beyond the arc and has also continued to facilitate for others.
As the season goes on, consistency will be the key for the young guard.
Western Conference
Keegan Murray (Sacramento Kings)
Christopher Creveling-USA TODAY Sports
Stats Since Last Week: 3 GP | 15.7 PPG| 2.0 APG | 1.0 SPG | 55.2% FG
On the season, Murray is shooting 40.8% from deep which has earned him a 85 3PE according to Cerebro Sports. This week alone, he went 13-of-22 for a remarkable 59.1% on high volume.
The Kings are a legitimate playoff team this season which makes Murray's production even more impressive. Not only is he on a highly talented team, but he's also put in high pressure situations on a night-to-night basis.
While many wondered if Sacramento reached for Murray with the No. 4 overall pick, he's been spectacular to this point in his rookie season.
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