While receiving less fanfare compared to other draft classes, this season's crop of rookies might go down as one of the most talented bunches. The race for the Rookie of the Year should be a tight one among Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley, Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, and Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes.
Barnes is the dark horse bet and his numbers across the board could sway voters. He's averaging 15.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, helping the Raptors to a 45-33 record, which is good for sixth place in the tight Eastern Conference.
According to StatMuse, Barnes is the first rookie since Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic to put up at least 15 points, seven rebounds, and seven dimes in a season. He also became the 22nd newcomer to do so, and every single one to achieve the feat in the last decade was named Rookie of the Year.
Scottie Barnes is the first rookie since Luka Doncic and only the 22nd rookie in NBA history to average over 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists in a season.
Every single rookie to achieve that over the last 10 seasons has won ROTY.#MuseTakeover (h/t @JustEsBaraheni) pic.twitter.com/2aFj8Kl9Ku
— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 4, 2022
While history is on the side of Barnes, who was picked no. 4 overall out of Florida State, it's also hard to dismiss the overall impact of Mobley on the Cavaliers, and many project him to win Rookie of the Year. Cunningham could also persuade voters with his impressive all-around numbers, although the Pistons have a terrible record.
The Raptors, however, have a better record than the Cavaliers, and that could be a critical factor when the choice boils down to Barnes and Mobley.
Not many expected the Raptors to make the NBA Playoffs after a dismal start. But with Barnes' contributions, they're in the thick of the fight once again.