As the NBA season is winding down, it’s time to see who was named to various All-NBA teams. You have your regular All-NBA teams and your All-Defensive teams. Today, we’ll discuss the NBA All-Rookie teams and how the guys on each team did to deserve the honor.
First Team
- Brandin Podziemski, G, Golden State Warriors
- Jaime Jaquez Jr., G, Miami Heat
- Brandon Miller, F, Charlotte Hornets
- Victor Wembanyama, F/C, San Antonio Spurs
- Chet Holmgren, C, Oklahoma City Thunder
No complaints here. Let’s start with Podz, who really shined after many questioned the Warriors’ decision to draft the young guard. From Santa Clara University, he appeared in 28 games as a starter and was in 74 games total. Averaging 9.2 points per game, he was also second on the team in rebounding (5.8 RPG) and dished out 3.7 assists per game. Shooting 45.4% from the field, he had a better percentage than Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
As for Jaquez Jr, the former UCLA product was a key cog in Miami’s run to the playoffs. He appeared in 75 games, averaging 11.9 PPG while shooting 48.9% from the field. Also, Jaquez made his mark on the defensive side of the ball too, averaging a steal per game. He did all he could to help the Heat advance in the postseason, but the team would fall short in the first round to the Celtics.
Miller, 21, really stepped up as one of Charlotte’s most dependable scorers after the injury to LaMelo Ball and trades sending away guys like Terry Rozier and P.J. Washington. His 17.3 points per game were second among all rookies and was 44% from the field. He was also a good three-point shooter, hitting 44% of his attempts.
Then, you have Wembanyama. The Rookie of the Year was dominant on both sides of the ball. He unquestionedly led all rookies in scoring (21.4 PPG) and averaged 10.6 rebounds per game. His 43 double-doubles were miles ahead of the next closest guy. Also, he averaged 3.6 blocks per game and 1.2 steals per game, showing his defensive prowess. Then again, he is 7’4″ after all. What a year for the Frenchman.
Finally, Chet Holmgren. He had 23 double-doubles this year. More importantly, he was a big factor in the Thunder’s run as the number-one seed in the Western Conference. After missing last season with an injury, Holmgren played in all 82 games and averaged 16.5 PPG and 7.9 RPG for Oklahoma City. He also made his mark on defense, averaging two blocks a game, and finished with a +/- of 5.2 (which led all rookies).
Second Team
- Keyonte George, G, Utah Jazz
- Cason Wallace, G, Oklahoma City Thunder
- GG Jackson II, F, Memphis Grizzlies
- Amen Thompson, G/F, Houston Rockets
- Dereck Lively II, C, Dallas Mavericks
George was excellent in his first season for the Jazz, appearing in 75 games. Averaging 13.0 PPG, he was a solid scoring option outside of Lauri Markkanen and Colin Sexton. Though he was hot and cold, he was a lethal three-point shooter when he had it going.
Wallace isn’t a scorer like his fellow mates on the all-rookie team. But, he appeared in all 82 games. He averaged just 6.8 PPG, but shot 49.1% from the field and make the attempts count. That efficiency is a big reason behind his naming to the team. He is the only rookie in history to shoot at least 49% from the field and 40% from three-point range all while making at least 75 threes.
The 19-year-old Jackson was impressive when he stepped on the court. He made an impact immediately when giving minutes. On January 13th, he played 27 minutes and had 20 points and six rebounds against the Knicks. Then, in front of a nationally televised audience, he would score 23 points and defeat the favored Warriors 116-107. Shooting 42% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc will get the attention of your coaches, and despite an injured roster, there will be room for him on the team next year. If not Memphis, somewhere else.
Thompson, 21, appeared in 62 games for the Rockets. Despite falling short of the postseason, they have something in the young guard/forward. Thompson did average just 9.5 PPG, but shot 53.6% from the field and grabbed 6.6 RPG too. His defense stood out more, averaging 1.3 steals a game. His 13 double-doubles were good for third-best among rookies and will look to improve on that into his second season.
Finally, Lively II is still in the postseason, playing for the Dallas Mavericks. Averaging just 8.8 PPG isn’t impressive. But, the big man made his mark on the defensive end. He averaged 6.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. Not bad for the young 20-year-old from Duke. One of his best games has to be against the Raptors on February 28th, where he scored just nine points but had four rebounds, five blocks, and two steals. In the postseason, he’s made his mark. In game seven against the Thunder, he had 12 points and 15 rebounds to help the Mavs move on to the conference finals.
Make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter/X! Also, check out me and my co-host Brian Germinaro on the Third and Ten Podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts!
Featured Image: Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images
