So far this season, Luka Doncic has caught the headlines. The rookie sensation has proven all his doubters wrong. He has one of the best offensive skillsets coming into the league since perhaps even LeBron James.
His highlights have been all over the internet and television. All of his flashy passes and stepback fadeaway threes have graced SportsCenter. However, another rookie in Phoenix has made just as strong a mark. His name? DeAndre Ayton.
Ayton this season for the Suns has been one of the league's quietest but best offensive centers in the NBA. His ability as a post scorer and a roller off of a pick is unheralded. So far this season for the Suns he's averaged 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game while shooting 58.7 percent from the field.
His game isn't as flashy as Doncic's. But the walking double-double has been a great addition to the Suns.
Doncic, on the other hand, is averaging 20.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists while shooting 43.1 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from beyond the arc.
When Mychal Thompson of Mercury News was asked about the rookie of the year race, he wrote that he thought it was closer than it appears.
“He’s being overshadowed by Luka Doncic because the Mavericks are winning more and the Mavericks are in playoff contention and Phoenix has been struggling. But I think DeAndre is right with him shoulder to shoulder for Rookie of the Year. He’s going to be a multiple time All-Star and potential Hall of Famer. I know he’s just getting started.”
It will be interesting to see how the media narrative will affect the voting moving forward.
Follow Us
Subscribe