The NBA season is nearing an end, and so is the Rookie of the Year race. This class has been fantastic all season long, but only one can claim the prize. After what seemed like Scottie Barnes‘s crown, a midseason surge by Evan Mobley leads him as the top candidate for the award. With a little under a month left, some rookies might have to make a big push if they want to claim the prize.
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5. Josh Giddey, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder
Giddey has so far missed the whole month of March, still dealing with an injury he sustained in February. The Melbourne, AUS native was off to a successful rookie campaign prior to the injury. He is averaging 12.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game. While the Thunder are well out of a playoff position, they would still like to have their star rookie on the court.
4. Franz Wagner, SF, Orlando Magic
Wagner and the Magic began the week on a poor note. They suffered a 42-point loss to the Brooklyn Nets last Tuesday. Wagner was able to score 16, but the team as a whole could not get any momentum in the blowout loss. The Magic then tipped off and lost to the Detroit Pistons. The Berlin, Germany forward scored a team-high 26 points in the performance this time around. Wagner has a knack for getting his shot at-will with his lengthy frame. He demonstrated that perfectly against the Pistons.
3. Cade Cunningham, PG, Detroit Pistons
Cunningham only appeared once this week for the Pistons, dealing with a minor injury. His efforts were too short, as the Pistons fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers Saturday night. The Oklahoma Sooner did what he does best, getting everyone involved despite the loss. The rookie finished with 15 points while also collecting ten assists for another double-double. With the season coming to a close, it will be interesting to see how Cunningham develops in the offseason.
2. Scottie Barnes, SF, Toronto Raptors
Barnes started the week off strong, as he helped excel his team to a three point victory over the Los Angeles Clippers Wednesday night. The West Palm Beach, FL native finished the night with 15 points, to go along with four rebounds. He followed this up with a dominant performance. He recorded 31 points and 17 rebounds in a truly breathtaking performance in the loss to the Los Angeles Lakers Friday night. With the Lakers winning, Barnes’ game might get swept underneath the rug, which it most certainly should not. He also shot an impressive 14-of-21 from the field in the game. Barnes is trying to cut the gap on the Rookie of the Year race.
1. Evan Mobley, C, Cleveland Cavaliers
The most dominant rookie in this class continued his impressive campaign. Mobley’s big highlight came Friday night in an overtime win against the Denver Nuggets. The San Diego California native finished with yet another double-double. He had 27 points to go along with 11 rebounds this time around. As the Cavaliers attempt to lock up a higher seed in the playoff race, Mobley will significantly contribute to the team.
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Main Image Credit: via Raptors Rapture
