Rookie Superlative Predictions For The 2023-24 NBA Season
With the rookie class of 2023-24 set to make their NBA debuts in just over a month, it’s time to look ahead to the ensuing season. This draft class is regarded as one of the best in years, headlined by the Spurs’ new generational talent: Victor Wembenyama. As a result, NBA fans could be treated to an array of incredible debut seasons. To predict which rookies will stick out the most, let’s fill out some superlatives.
Most Likely To Make a Dark-Horse Run At Rookie Of The Year: Keyonte George
Wembenyama is currently a hefty favorite to take home the Rookie Of The Year award, followed by Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren and the Portland Trail Blazers’ Scoot Henderson. But way down with 50-to-1 odds, Utah Jazz point guard Keyonte George looms. After a summer league in which he was arguably the best rookie, the 6-foot-4 rookie arrives in a situation with great infrastructure and coaching, as well as a clear path to minutes. As the 19-year-old earns more playing time, the former Baylor Bear can utilize his three-level scoring ability to stack up numbers and perhaps make an unlikely run at Rookie Of The Year.
Most Likely To Make 200 3s: Jordan Hawkins
Last season, Keegan Murray became the first rookie to make 200 shots from beyond the arc in a season. A year later, former UConn Husky Jordan Hawkins now has the best shot to join him. Arguably the best shooter in the 2023 Draft Class, Hawkins finds himself with a role on a New Orleans Pelicans team with playoff hopes. After canning over 100 triples en route to a National Championship, the 6-foot-5 sharpshooter now gets the opportunity to play off of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and C.J. McCollum, three players who will create plenty of looks for the rookie. The opportunity to play alongside multiple capable playmakers gives Hawkins the edge in this regard as opposed to players such as Toronto Raptors’ forward Gradey Dick.
Most Likely To Make A Playoff Impact: Jordan Walsh
To be considered for this superlative, the crucial prerequisite is that the rookie must be on a surefire playoff team. Few teams are regarded as such at this point, but the Boston Celtics are likely one of them. They make a deep playoff run just about every year in recent history, and this season they look to do so with a revamped roster. Part of this revamped roster is Jordan Walsh, the 38th pick in last June’s draft. The 6-foot-6 forward out of Arkansas is a tenacious defender who will immediately bring value on that end of the court. It’s hard to say that there’s a better bet than Walsh to impact playoff games in May and June.
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