The league has recently announced the Kia NBA Eastern and Western Conference Rookies of the Month for games played in March. The honor goes to Philadelphia 76ers power forward Dario Saric and Sacramento Kings shooting guard Buddy Hield, who both had very solid performances throughout the month.
In 17 games, the 6-foot-10 Croatian international led all rookies in scoring with 18.4 per game, to go along with 7.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists. He has won the award for the second consecutive month and has proven that he can hold his own inside the paint since the Sixers announced that Joel Embiid will miss the remainder of the season. Saric has made the most out of the increased playing time given to him by head coach Brett Brown, leading to a few surprising wins by the Sixers over the past month.
Saric recorded three double-doubles as well in March and had a career-game against the Chicago Bulls on March 24, where he finished the contest with 32 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
Hield, on the other hand, led all Western Conference rookies in scoring with 14.1 per game, including 37 made three-pointers and 4.1 rebounds. Since being traded in February from the New Orleans Pelicans, the 23-year-old Oklahoma product has embraced his new role of being one of the Kings' primary options on offense. He was also the winner of the award back in December.
Others who received nominations for the Rookie of the Month honors were Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics, Rodney McGruder of the Miami Heat, New York Knicks center Willy Hernangomez, Caris LeVert and Isaiah Whitehead of the Brooklyn Nets, the Milwaukee Bucks‘ Malcolm Brogdon, Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, the Los Angeles Lakers’ Brandon Ingram and Ivica Zubac, Sacramento Kings big man Skal Labissiere, Marquese Chriss and Tyler Ulis of the Phoenix Suns.
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