The 2-month mark of the NBA season has come and gone, which suggests we will totally imagine what we’re seeing now. The times of outliers and small pattern sizes are behind us. Most of the league’s rookies, in the meantime, are beginning to play with extra confidence as we hurtle towards 2024. Let’s test in on 5. (All stats by way of Dec. 27 video games.)
Miami Warmth: Jaime Jaquez Jr. is hooping
A 31-point, 10-rebound outburst on Christmas launched Jaquez to a big portion of the nation, however Miami’s rookie has been hooping all season, together with double-digit scoring performances in 15 of his earlier 16 video games main as much as Christmas.
Many believed Miami reached for Jaquez, selecting him 18th general, however his expertise — paired with the Warmth’s uncanny capability to develop gamers — is a match made in hoops heaven. He is averaging 13.7 factors (fourth amongst rookies) and has scored 20-plus in 5 video games. He is a draft steal.
Portland Path Blazers: Slowly however absolutely for Scoot Henderson
A brutal begin for Henderson precipitated some of us to leap off the Scoot practice early. Though he is nonetheless not setting the world ablaze with awe-inspiring performances (11.1 PPG, 36.9% capturing from the ground), Henderson is at the very least beginning to play with confidence, leading to extra of the Scoot we anticipated. He has seven double-digit scoring outings in December, together with two double-doubles. It isn’t all taking place without delay, however the growth is exhibiting for the 19-year-old.
Utah Jazz: Keyonte George seems snug
George’s capturing splits (36.1% FG, 32.3% 3PT) do not inform the total story for the 6-foot-4 rookie. Other than having 35 more assists than any other rookie, he additionally seems snug in pick-and-rolls and has no downside facilitating the offense when he is on the ground. He has such a clean sport for somebody who’s barely 20, and when the pictures begin falling extra continuously (they are going to), George will likely be a nightmare to defend.
Golden State Warriors: Trayce Jackson-Davis is benefiting from a chance
Jackson-Davis acquired an occasional couple of minutes all through the primary two months of the season, however one other Draymond Inexperienced suspension earlier this month opened up an enormous alternative for the 6-foot-9 energy ahead. He is benefiting from his likelihood at enjoying constant minutes (4.9 PPG, 3.5 RPG).
TJD — among the finest gamers within the nation final season at Indiana — posted back-to-back double-doubles final week and clearly has the sport really feel mandatory to stay round within the league for a very long time. Sadly for Golden State, that chance got here due to Inexperienced’s antics, however Jackson-Davis is prospering nonetheless.
Washington Wizards: Bilal Coulibaly will likely be well worth the wait
Coulibaly — the seventh decide within the draft — did not obtain the fanfare his French basketball teammate Victor Wembanyama did, however that does not imply Coulibaly will not be a particularly high-level NBA participant. Averaging 8.9 factors, 4 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.6 shares (steals + blocks), he has proven a little bit little bit of every part by way of 30 video games. Flashes of offensive creation, rim safety, wing protection and rebounding ought to have Wizards followers giddy about his ceiling — particularly in a season when not a lot else has gone proper for Washington (5-25).