GM Survey: Memphis Grizzlies have the highest potential
By Ethan Becker
3. Who will win Rookie of the Year: Ja Morant (2nd, 29%)
This one is weighted a little bit thanks to one Zion Williamson. The big man from Duke University is collecting a whopping 68% of the votes, but coming in second with nearly every other vote at 29%.
It’s no surprise that Morant finds himself behind Williamson in ROY voting. But there is a small chance that Williamson won’t find himself at the top of the voting once the end of the year rolls around. Injury risks aside, Williamson struggles defensively. He’s averaged just 4.8 defensive rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 0.0 blocks per game. Williamson is 6’8″, 285 pounds, and he has yet to get a block in the preseason. This dude is built like LeBron James, and yet he still has yet to show that he can use his build inside.
And if you do focus on the injury, Williamson is a tough player to place at over 60 games this season. Already, he’s had a minor injury during the summer league, and now he’s been declared out in the New Orleans Pelicans final preseason game. If Williamson can’t find his way to the ROY award, then Morant is a phenomenal second pick.