
Rookie of the Year
DJ: LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets
As much as Anthony Edwards seems logical here, I don’t think he’ll put up the numbers needed to be ROY – especially on a team that has the number of scorers that the Timberwolves do. Ball is going to have the opportunity to lead Charlotte’s offense from day one. His skill set, as well, translates better to the league than most rookies. Take into consideration he’s been playing against professionals for more than a year now, and this should be an easy prediction.
JT: Obi Toppin, New York Knicks
Toppin has a huge opportunity to be the go to option in New York from the start. He is a developed player and will shine next to RJ Barrett.
MO: Anthony Edwards, Minnsota Timberwolves
If Anthony Edwards scoring ability clicks day one in the NBA, he should definitely be the favorite for ROY. I think he can a least put up some points and he will receive a lot of opportunities on this offense first Timberwolves team.
PF: Obi Toppin, New York Knicks
Toppin will get to be a huge part of the Knicks right away playing alongside other youngsters like R.J. Barrett and Mitchell Robinson. Toppin will get an opportunity to play a lot of minutes in Madison Square Garden and will likely compete for the rookie scoring title, which usually seems to predict the Rookie of the Year winner pretty well. His biggest competition will probably be LaMelo Ball with the Charlotte Hornets. If Ball can take the reins and have a halfway efficient rookie year he could beat out Toppin, but I don’t see that happening.
PL: LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets
The main reason LaMelo Ball will win rookie of the year is because he has the biggest opportunity among the rookie class. Players such as Anthony Edwards and James Wiseman might not have as big of a chance. The reason I say this is because Edwards is joining a team that already has two solid options in Russell and Towns. As far as Wiseman, he is joining a team that has Steph Curry and Draymond Green. Now I’m not saying they don’t have a chance, because they do, but Ball is going to be one of the leaders for Charlotte this upcoming season.
Final count: LaMelo Ball 2, Obi Toppin 2, Anthony Edwards 1