Predicting the NBA's Top Rookie of the Year Candidate at Each Position
Based on projected roles and NBA readiness, the list of standout Rookie of the Year candidates is a short one heading into the 2014-15 season.
Considering how important stats are in determining the winner, opportunity and minutes are huge.
We went ahead and nominated the top rookie at every position, or in some cases, the position that naturally suits him best. These are the guys who will actually have the opportunity to put up numbers and ultimately make their presence felt in the Rookie of the Year race.
Point Guard: Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic
1 of 5
Biggest Competitor: Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics
Elfrid Payton just might have the best setup of anyone. He'll actually have a similar opportunity as 2014 Rookie of the Year winner Michael Carter-Williams had in Philadelphia—a chance to play big minutes right away with playmaking freedom.
Payton has averaged 28.7 minutes over his first six preseason games, in which he's dished out at least five assists in each. He's demonstrated a nice feel as a passer, whether it's off drives or in pick-and-roll situations. At 6'4" with long arms and smooth athleticism, he appears to fit right in from a physical standpoint.
The Orlando Magic point guard won't win any scoring titles or shooting contests, but his floor game and potential defensive impact—along with a chance to possibly start—should give him an edge over the other point guards in the class.
Unless the Boston Celtics trade Rajon Rondo and hand the reins to Marcus Smart, there's no reason why Payton can't finish as the top rookie point guard statistically.
Shooting Guard: Nik Stauskas, Sacramento Kings
2 of 5
Biggest Competitor: P.J. Hairston, Charlotte Hornets
Nik Stauskas' lethal shooting stroke holds too much value for the Sacramento Kings to slowly bring him along. He's getting minutes this year, whether it's behind Ben McLemore, in front of him or alongside him.
After shooting at least 44 percent from downtown in back-to-back seasons at Michigan, there's no doubt that jumper is for real. And at 6'6", he shouldn't have too much trouble getting it off over an NBA defense.
No, he isn't going to have the freedom to create like he did last season with the Wolverines, but his strengths as a sniper and ball-mover should translate to immediate contribution.
Stauskas is a bright kid with an excellent basketball IQ and refined offensive skills, from ball-handling and passing to mid-range scoring and outside shooting. Regardless of how the Kings use him, Stauskas should have little trouble figuring it out and making it work—even if it's in a fairly complementary role.
Small Forward: Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota Timberwolves
3 of 5
Biggest Competitor: Doug McDermott, Chicago Bulls
The Minnesota Timberwolves are likely to use Andrew Wiggins interchangeably between shooting guard and small forward this coming season, but there's not much of a question as to what his natural position is.
1500 ESPN's Steve McPherson said it best: "Calling Andrew Wiggins a shooting guard is like calling a chocolate chocolate chip muffin breakfast. It’s dessert, man."
At heart, Wiggins is simply a wing, and there isn't a better one in the 2014-15 rookie class.
He's been somewhat up and down this preseason, which in all likelihood will continue throughout the year. At this point, he's just a little too perimeter-oriented for a guy whose jumper remains a work in progress.
That shouldn't keep Wiggins off the scoreboard as a rookie, however. His size, athleticism, first step and second jump are bound to translate to cheap and easy points, whether they come in the form of a dunk, finger roll, tip-in or free throw.
When Wiggins does happen to find the zone as a shooter, which he tends to do on occasion, that's when you can expect to see those offensive explosions.
Overall, he should average around 13-14 points a game while showcasing his valuable defensive versatility throughout the year.
Power Forward: Jabari Parker, Milwaukee Bucks
4 of 5
Biggest Competitor: Julius Randle, Los Angeles Lakers
Jabari Parker pretty much introduced himself as the 2015 NBA Rookie of the Year favorite after just a month or so of the 2013-14 college basketball season.
That hasn't changed. He's averaging 14.7 points through six preseason games to lead all rookies (minimum two games).
Parker has the body (6'8", 235 lbs) to go with the skill set and fearless mentality. From step-backs and pull-ups to post-ups and drives, we've seen Parker generate offense in a variety of different ways between summer league and preseason.
His field-goal percentage might suffer this year while he adjusts to a deeper arc and lengthier defenders, but nothing should keep Parker from putting up points as a rookie. Not in Milwaukee, where he'll have a green light and long leash from coach Jason Kidd on the sidelines.
Parker even already seems to fit in nicely with the Bucks' young group.
“I have a voice on my team,” Parker told Sporting News' Sean Deveney. “That’s been good. The guys have been doing a good job listening to me and I listen to them—that’s one aspect I have been wanting to have, especially coming to the Bucks, is being a leader and using my wisdom as much as possible.”
Along with his offensive versatility and polished inside-out skills, Parker also happens to have a good head on his shoulders.
Betting on anyone else for 2015 Rookie of the Year would almost seem reckless. He's a safe bet to lead all rookies in scoring and challenge Nerlens Noel for the rebounding crown.
Center: Nerlens Noel, Philadelphia 76ers
5 of 5
Biggest Competitor: Jusuf Nurkic, Denver Nuggets
The Philadelphia 76ers have been experimenting with Nerlens Noel at power forward, but something tells me that won't last—or at least it shouldn't.
We're going to classify Noel as a center, the position that allows him to play to his limited offensive strengths as a finisher off pick-and-rolls, drive-and-dumps and putbacks.
Regardless of what position he plays, it's on defense where he'll likely earn his 2015 Rookie of the Year votes. He's a sensational shot-blocker and major disruption in driving and passing lanes.
He also really goes after it on the boards and should be a strong candidate to lead all rookies in rebounding this season.
Offensively, his size, length and bouncy athleticism will likely translate to plenty of easy buckets. Based on summer league and preseason, there's a chance we'll see the occasional jump hook or drive from the elbow.
He's probably not going to score a lot of points on a per-game basis, but expect Noel to rack up a good chunk of double-doubles while blocking over a shot-and-a-half per game.
