Rookie Rankings: Haliburton, Ball lead pack after 1 month
It's never easy to be an NBA rookie. But it's perhaps never been more difficult to wear that label during the 2020-21 season.A nebulous, virtual predraft process, abridged offseason (without Summer League) and condensed training camp, preseason and regular-season schedules have combined to place the 2020-21 first-years in an unenviable position: Adapt to the league under baptism-by-fire circumstances.Many have stepped up to meet the challenge -- some of high draft-slot distinction, some lower. Roughly one month into their first professional campaign, let's count down the eight most impressive rooks:
Xavier Tillman, MEM: A defensive-minded, offensively skilled big that plays above his age, Tillman has come on strong after missing the Grizzlies' first five games with a knee injury. He played 28 minutes in a recent win over the 76ers, posting 15 points, 4 steals and forcing a game-icing turnovers on Tobias Harris. Two nights later, he started in place of Jonas Valančiūnas (protocol) and notched 12 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals in a win over the Suns.
Payton Pritchard, BOS: Diminutive but dogged defender, gets to his spots and is shooting the 3 at an 43.6 percent clip. Has a game-winner (Jan. 6 vs. Miami) already under his belt, and helped the Celtics stay above water as Kemba Walker worked his way back from injury.
Jae'Sean Tate, HOU: The 25-year-old rookie who came over from the NBL this offseason has played big minutes (31.7 per game since the Harden trade) for a Rockets rotation in flux and flashed unique multi-positional ability.
Saddiq Bey, DET: Plays both ends and is shooting 40.6 percent from 3, but has fallen to the fringe of the Pistons' rotation of late.
Stats: 9.6 ppg, 2.5 apg, 1.8 rpg
Many derided the Knicks for trading up to select Quickley 25th overall, but he's justified that station to this point. A key spark plug reserve for a plucky Tom Thibodeau-led squad that, as of Friday morning, finds itself 8-8 and the No. 6 seed in the East.
Quickley saw a streak of four consecutive double-digit scoring outputs snapped in Thursday night's victory over the Warriors, but averaged averaged 17.5 points and 4.3 assists while shooting 45 percent from 3 (5 attempts) in that span.
Stats: 10.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.3 apg
Anthony has had more cold-shooting nights than hot ones to this point, but is fresh off the brightest moment of his young career -- a buzzer-beating, on-the-run 3 to vault the Magic from two points down to one-point victors against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Since assuming Markelle Fultz's place in Orlando's starting lineup, Anthony is averaging 28 minutes, 12.1 points, 4 rebounds and 3.1 assists with slightly better -- albeit, still not good -- shooting marks from the field and 3. Plenty of opportunity awaits.
Stats: 12.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.8 apg
This was about the rookie season expected from Edwards: Solid counting stats on a woebegone basketball team. The tools and talent are apparent, but after doses of real flash early in the season -- he was averaging 15.1 points through nine games -- he's shooting 9-for-44 from the field in his last four (albeit with some highlight reel moments embedded).
Stats: 10.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.1 apg
What's not to love about Patrick Williams' two months as a Bull? He's eagerly embraced all-time defensive assignments -- from Giannis Antetokounmpo, to LeBron James, to Kawhi Leonard -- flashed innate instincts on that end and shot the ball at a more efficient clip than most would have dreamed. He started the team's first 13 games before a hip contusion held him out Jan. 18, but is expected to return Friday.
Plus, Williams has played the sponge along the way, drawing praise from veteran teammates and coaches for his work ethic and inquisitiveness. Those traits will help in maximizing the gifts that made him a top-four selection. As James said after a narrow Lakers win on Jan. 8: "Chicago has a good one."
