The NBA Rookie Survey results have been released. The incoming class showed their respect for Zion Williamson, the New Orleans Pelicans’ newest star.
The NBA has released the Rookie Introduction Survey results. The incoming class showed their respect for Zion Williamson, the New Orleans Pelicans’ newest star. Williamson and Ja Morant got the bulk of the votes in almost every relevant category. According to the NBA.com release page, the rookies were not to vote for themselves, college teammates or NBA teammates. Those that did so had their votes voided.
Notably, Anthony Davis did not make the rookie’s favorite player Top 10. Even Kevin Garnett and Steve Nash received enough votes to be listed, but not Davis. LeBron James (38%) and Kevin Durant (20%) got the majority of Favorite Player vote from the rookies. James, Durant, or Kobe Bryant has topped this list since the inception of the rookie survey.
Kawhi Leonard and Damian Lillard garnered eight percent each. Devin Booker and James Harden both ended up with five percent. Paul George, Russell Westbrook, CJ McCollum round out the established stars in the Top 10. Jamal Crawford and Pascal Siakam also received votes.
Zion Williamson (35%) is not the unanimous NBA Rookie of the Year according to the survey results. Ja Morant (27%) has an opportunity to run a team from day one and might win the stat battle as Williamson slots in as the fourth option on a playoff team.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker was an honorable mention behind the five percent marks of Cam Reddish and R.J. Barrett. That is a testament to the scouting department. The front office wants to bring in championship culture types. Bringing in players that already have respect from their peers goes a long way to changing a franchise’s reputation.
More from Pelican Debrief
- How will the Pelicans round out rotation without Trey Murphy III
- Why you can’t blame Brandon Ingram for all Team USA’s failures
- Ranking 10 worst starters of the Anthony Davis era
- New Orleans Pelicans avoid potential disaster with latest injury reports
- 4 Most underrated players on New Orleans Pelicans current roster
Jaxson Hayes and Zion Williamson could split the frontcourt stats for the New Orleans Pelicans rookies. That could explain why Hayes was not mentioned. Derrick Favors blocking Hayes in the rotation is another factor. Alexander-Walker has an easier route to major minutes. He just has to beat out Josh Hart and Frank Jackson for backup guard minutes.
Hayes finished highest when rookies voted for “Player with Best Career,” with five percent. Zion also got five percent of the vote, with Alexander-Walker appearing in the others receiving votes category.
Alexander-Walker (17) and Hayes (8) were in the running for the biggest steals of the draft when considering actual draft slots. It is impossible for the first overall pick to win that category, though Williamson (87%) ran away with the Most Athletic vote. Brandon Clarke (8%) was second, with only Hayes and Kevin Porter Jr. receiving the other votes. It was the biggest landslide win in any category in the history of the survey.
The was one questionable decision that stood out. Williamson even received votes for the best shooter entering the league. Alexander-Walker received none. Alexander-Walker was fifth in Best Playmaker category, and his Summer League passes proved it. Hayes finished tied for third in Best Defender voting.
The New Orleans Pelicans have high hopes aimed towards certain development goals for the three rookies. The incoming draft class believes the trio can achieve those goals.
The rookies believe their biggest adjustments will be speed or pace of the game (40%), Physicality (21%), Schedule/Length of the season (21%), and Lifestyle/Time management (12%). Shooting, Ball-handling, and passing are the three biggest skills the rookies believe they need to improve.