How NBA Rookies Have Fared in the Playoffs
Traditionally, NBA rookies have a tough time being impactful in the Playoffs, and overall this season has been no different. But there have been a few interesting cases to review.
For the most part, rookies aren’t seeing the floor. Only three rookies are playing more than 10 minutes per game in the postseason: Keegan Murray, Christian Braun and David Roddy. And only eight others have even touched the court, most of it outside of meaningful minutes.
Murray has blown away the production of his peer thus far in the playoffs. And even years past, averaging 27.8 minutes per game to Braun and Roddy’s 12.
With a ramp up in pressure and intensity, Murray’s overall production has faltered some from the regular season. But he’s still come up clutch in big moments, and has seen a surge in recent games.
After a lackluster first three games, Murray poured on 23 points on 9-for-13 shooting in Game 4, and double digits in the next two.
In Game 7, Murray added 10 points on 5-for-10 shooting, despite the Kings eventually falling due to a Steph Curry 5-point performance.
Braun has functioned well as a solid role player and impact defender, taking on some tough assignments in both the Timberwolves and Suns series. Roddy wasn’t particularly strong in the Lakers-Grizzlies series, but saw minutes nonetheless.
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