Photo from Clutch Points
“With the first pick in the 2019 NBA draft the New Orleans Pelicans select Zion Williamson from Duke University ”
“With the second pick in the 2019 NBA draft the Memphis Grizzlies select Ja Morant from Murray State University”
Both rookies show extraordinary comfort after their transition in the league. Two players that continue to shock viewers throughout every game, demanding attention. As the new year started, Memphis guard Ja Morant was leading the race to Rookie of the Year, pushing all the other contenders behind him. Averaging 17.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 7.0 assists, no other rookie has reached statistics such as those. Until Zion decided to come back. As the world waited patiently for Zion’s debut, a Pelicans forward, he returned strong and will shake up the votes as he currently averages 19.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2 assists. Is there any chance that Zion can snag this award after being out for three months? Unless he has a record-breaking rest of regular season, seeing that the Pelicans seem out of reach for a playoff position, it is very rare that Zion acquires this award. Through Zion's short time playing in the league, he has shown his ability to shoot, along with obtaining two double-doubles against playoff-bound teams. Not being fully transformed yet, we can see that he has a while to go before he reaches his full potential in the league. We noticed him struggling against the Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo wouldn't give him the chance, having Zion finish 5 for 19 on shooting. Remembering he still has time limitations, he is exceeding a lot of expectations regarding his return from a crucial injury that had him out for three months. Zion has played more than 28 minutes in four of his last five games, as he continues to grow further away from his injury he will continue to play more minutes. I believe that no matter the situation from here, Morant has locked up this award. No rookie has ever been awarded Rookie of the year with less than 50 appearances. Morant recently showed his ability to take over. During his most recent game against the Washington Wizards, disregarding his first triple-double, he showcased how he can dominate the game when his team is in trouble. Alone in the fourth quarter, Morant put up 10 points, seven rebounds, and three assists to give his team the lead over the Wizards. As a rookie, Morant is fourth in the league in fourth-quarter scoring, just under James Harden, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Trae Young. Everyone knew that Morant was going to be a good player in the league due to his athleticism and skill, but the leadership and fabrication he is already showing so soon in his career is what makes him great. He is currently showing what it takes to be a true star in this league, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for him.
