Summer League has wrapped up, and the top rookies have made their mark.
With the context of Summer League leading to varied results, it's clear that this year's crop of rookies has shaken up the NBA Rookie of the Year rankings.
The consistency and growth of Cameron Boozer, the top pick, stood out in both Salt Lake City and Vegas Summer Leagues. Boozer's versatility and confidence in handling the ball made him a force to be reckoned with.
Boozer's comfort with letting it fly from 3 was on display, and his passes were on time and on target. The Grizzlies moved him around the board, and mixed in post-ups as time went on.
The top 4 picks – AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson – all showcased why their teams should be excited.
AJ Dybantsa, the number 1 pick, made sure to make his presence felt in Vegas from the jump with 27 points in his first game, tying for the most points by a number 1 pick in their summer league debut.
Dybantsa's confidence and force on the court were impressive, and his drives stood out as he saw any space as an invitation to get a paint touch.
Caleb Wilson, the number 4 pick, displayed the full package of what he can bring to the table. His size and athleticism were on full display, and he showed a comfort in creating space to get to his jump shot.
Yaxel Lendeborg, the Warriors' rookie, gets a tip of the cap for his steady and consistent play on both ends. He did a little bit of everything, making up for his lack of speed on the drive with physicality.
Mikel Brown Jr., the Nets' rookie, stood out for his defensive effort. He worked to be active off-ball, communicate with others, and try to be in the right position to disrupt passing lanes.
Brayden Burries, the Bucks' rookie, consistently scored, but his ability to add layers beyond shooting was fun to watch. He leveraged his shot-making with an ability to get past a closeout and go right into a pull-up.
Allen Graves, the Raptors' rookie, consistently did the little things well. He read the defense and didn't force the issue when given the ball.
The top 10 rookies list has been revealed, and the competition for Rookie of the Year is going to be tight and fun. The top 4 picks have showcased why their teams should be excited, but only one can win the award.
The regular season is just around the corner, and these rookies will have a chance to build on their Summer League performances.
Source: Yahoo Sports