Wednesday, 15 May 2024

The Dominance of the 2017-18 NBA Rookie Class: A Look Back

The 2017-18 NBA rookie class left a lasting mark on the league, showcasing immense talent and making significant contributions to their teams. While the Rookie of the Year race may have come down to two standout players, it’s important to recognize the entire rookie class for their impressive performances throughout the season. Let’s delve into the impact made by these young stars and the excitement they brought to the court.

A Season of Rising Stars

Many of the rookies in the 2017-18 season stepped into pivotal roles on their teams, proving their worth as potential game-changers. From teams in rebuilding phases to established playoff contenders, these rookies left their mark on the court.

Last year’s Rookie of the Year, Malcolm Brogdon, faced stiff competition from a new wave of talent. In fact, several rookies this season could have easily contended for that title. The contrast between last year’s rookie class and this one is hard to ignore.

Unconventional Talent

Among the standout rookies were Milos Teodosic and Andre Ingram, who brought a unique flair to the game. Teodosic, a European import at the age of 30, dazzled fans with his flashy passes for the Clippers, despite battling injuries. Ingram, at the age of 32, had spent his entire career in the G-League before finally being called up by the Lakers for their last two games. These rookies added an element of surprise to the season.

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The Reigning Contenders

At the forefront of the Rookie of the Year race were Ben Simmons of the Sixers and Donovan Mitchell of the Jazz. These two players not only made a significant impact on their teams but also led them to successful playoff runs.

Simmons, a 6-10 point guard with Magic Johnson-esque flair, displayed remarkable versatility without relying heavily on his perimeter shooting. As he continues to develop his outside shot and improve his free-throw shooting, he has the potential to become one of the best players in the game.

On the other hand, Mitchell emerged as the offensive focal point for the defense-oriented Utah Jazz. Leading all rookies in scoring with an average of over 20 points per game, Mitchell’s sky-high potential is evident as he refines his efficiency and playmaking abilities.

The Depth of Talent

Beyond the frontrunners, there were several other rookies who had exceptional seasons. Players like Kyle Kuzma, Jayson Tatum, Lauri Markkanen, and Dennis Smith Jr. would have been strong Rookie of the Year contenders in any other season. Tatum showcased his scoring ability and versatility for the Celtics, while the others stood out on weaker teams with impressive performances.

Not to be overlooked, Josh Jackson, De’Aaron Fox, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Lonzo Ball also made their mark. Despite a down year in 2016-17, these players consistently averaged double-digit scoring throughout the season. Notably, Bogdanovic even earned MVP honors in the rookie-sophomore game, a testament to his potential future success in the league.

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Additionally, injuries limited the playing time of Markelle Fultz, the number one draft pick. However, he has shown promise coming off the bench for the playoff-bound Sixers. Other rookies like John Collins, Jarrett Allen, Bam Adebayo, and Mike James had solid seasons and have exciting futures ahead of them.

While some rookies may have had quieter seasons or dealt with injuries, their potential remains undiminished. Players such as Frank Ntilikina and Malik Monk will look to make bigger impacts in the coming years.

A Bright Future

With such a talented rookie class, the future of the NBA looks incredibly promising. As these players continue to develop and improve, we eagerly anticipate witnessing their growth and success in the league. The 2017-18 season showcased the potential of these young stars, and we can’t wait to see what they bring to the game moving forward.

FAQs

Q: Who were the top contenders for the NBA Rookie of the Year award in the 2017-18 season?

A: Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers and Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz were the top contenders for the NBA Rookie of the Year award in the 2017-18 season. Both players had outstanding performances and led their teams to successful playoff runs.

Q: Which rookies stood out in the 2017-18 NBA season?

A: In addition to Ben Simmons and Donovan Mitchell, several other rookies had exceptional seasons. Notable standouts include Kyle Kuzma, Jayson Tatum, Lauri Markkanen, Dennis Smith Jr., Josh Jackson, De’Aaron Fox, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Lonzo Ball. These players made significant contributions to their teams and showcased their talent throughout the season.

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Summary

The 2017-18 NBA rookie class made a lasting impact on the league, with Ben Simmons and Donovan Mitchell emerging as frontrunners for the Rookie of the Year award. Beyond the top contenders, a deep pool of talent showcased their skills and potential. With players like Kyle Kuzma, Jayson Tatum, Lauri Markkanen, Dennis Smith Jr., and others making significant contributions, the future of the NBA looks incredibly bright. We can’t wait to see these rookies continue to develop and excel in the coming years.

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