The NBA’s Top 2 Rookies

By: Tyrese Henryel 

This 2020 NBA rookies class is a very talented group of players that have made names for themselves in their respective franchises and planted the seeds for a very entertaining future. The two sitting at the top of the latter have made some noise in their inaugural season. Let us begin at the top of the Draft with Minnesota’s Pick the High-Flying Anthony Edwards. The 6’4 Guard from Georgia is electrifying; his above-the-rim play style mixed with his crafty shot creation and IQ on the court will only evolve with more time on the floor. Edwards was victim to an early rookie wall to start. During the first half of the season, Edwards averaged 14.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, and as the season rolled along, fans and critics alike bought up Edward’s shot selection and decision-making as a scoring guard. His sometimes over-aggressiveness at the rim would put him into bad situations with elite rim protectors. His field goal percentage would be at a below-average of 37% in the first half of the season; he also struggled to make 3-point baskets amassing an abysmal 30% behind the arch.

As with most developing rookies, Edwards needed time to understand how to find his shot and work within the Wolves system without their two-star Players in D’Angelo Russell and Karl Anthony Towns. After the All-star Break and with KAT back in the lineup, a lot of scoring responsibility was eased off of his shoulders, and he went fishing for his shots a bit more and found a decent amount to hit. Edwards is working smarter within the lanes and drawing fouls at the rim. He is using his athletic ability to fly over defenders. He is working within the offense and producing at an elite rate. His stats after the all-star break show his evolution and improvement. He is averaging 23.3 points. 5 Rebounds and 3.0 assists. He also sees a rise in his field goal spits, shooting an effective 43% from the field and 34% from the three-point line. There is only room to grow not only with his play but with the team. The ceiling is very high for Edwards; only time will tell if he can become consistent.

           The second rookie was the third pick by the Charlotte Hornets, and it is the youngest of the three Ball Brothers, LaMelo, who was already a superstar before his NBA career started. His saga begins in his high school days with his eldest brothers, (New Orleans Pelicans PG) Lonzo Ball and (Free Agent) LiAngelo Ball; they dominated the high school circuit and would go to be undefeated state champions in Melo’s freshman and sophomore year. After LaMelo finished his remarkable high school career after his Junior year, he got a professional contract in Lithuania to hone his abilities to prepare him for the professional level. LaMelo played for a couple of years overseas and worked his way up the rookie ladder before the Draft. In his first season with the Hornets, LaMelo Ball has shined as a Playmaker. His Court Vison and elite passing ability is the highlight of his natural talent. He has made Charlotte a fun team to watch. Pairing him with breakout players such as Terry Rozier, Myles Bridges, and Devonte Graham has proven to be a work in progress but hopeful for the future. Both these great draft picks have made their presence felt in the league, and we should look forward to their development throughout their careers.