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Dunking With Wolves Staff Picks: NBA Awards Roundtable

By Dylan Jackson

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 01: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Josh Okogie #20 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during a game at Fiserv Forum on January 01, 2020 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 01: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Josh Okogie #20 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during a game at Fiserv Forum on January 01, 2020 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 20: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 20: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

Rookie of the Year

DJ: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

As much as I want to give this to Zion, Ja Morant was simply incredible for a longer period of time this season. He was a great scorer, clutch when he needed to be, and was a good passer as well. He is going to be an All-NBA guard sometime in the future.

PF: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

Most people dismiss how great Ja Morant’s rookie season is when they bring up the fact that Zion only played 19 games this season. Morant is already the best player on a Grizzlies team primed to make the playoffs. Morant has shown that he is firmly in the mix with Zion, Luka, Trey Young, and Jayson Tatum as one of the top young players in the game.

PL: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

Even though Zion has made a strong case for rookie of the year in his limited playing time, I still think Ja has had more of a chance to prove that he was the best rookie this past season. He helped lead Memphis to a playoff spot and already acts like he can be a leader. Ja Morant is someone who has a chance to be one of the greatest in the league for years to come.

TW: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

I didn’t get to watch a whole lot of Ja this year, but the reviews from fans, analysts and anyone else who watched him play more than I did are enough to put him here. Both he and Zion Williamson deserve a ROY, but Morant’s 59 games played to Williamson’s 19 make him the easy pick.

NA: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

Easy pick. Morant leads all rookies in scoring (aside from Zion) and assists, which makes him shoe-in for me. Morant has the Grizzlies fighting for the final playoff spot in the West, which is a remarkable turnaround from last season. However, it would have been interesting to see how Morant’s numbers would have compared to Zion Williamson’s in the same amount of games. Unfortunately, Zion has missed significant action due to injury this season. I would love to see these two clash in the bubble!

ZL: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

Ja Morant has quickly become one of my favorite players to watch in the NBA. Morant was an elite scorer at Murray State and his game has transitioned seamlessly to the NBA level. Expect to see plenty of highlights dunks and scoring eruptions throughout a long career ahead for the face of the Grizzlies’ franchise.

AJ: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

I don’t even know what to say here. If there was anybody that could argue that any other rookie has taken over and lead his team to victory, I’d love to hear it. He already has the skill, he already has the pace of the NBA, and he definitely has shown that he can hang with the big guns.

Final Tally:

Ja Morant (unanimous)

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