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Memphis Grizzlies NBA Awards Candidates

By AJ Salah

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 07: Head coach Taylor Jenkins and Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies look on against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first half at Wells Fargo Center on February 7, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 07: Head coach Taylor Jenkins and Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies look on against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first half at Wells Fargo Center on February 7, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Rookie of the Year

We’ll get the obvious out of the way first: Barring a total consensus ambush, Ja Morant will be the NBA Rookie of the Year.

Prior to the COVID-19 hiatus, there was an inevitable growing push for Zion Williamson’s candidacy. But that narrative was steadily debunked over the past several months of reflection and rational thinking.

Zion’s chances were effectively dealt a fatal blow when the NBA announced the seeding games wouldn’t impact awards voting. Since then, Morant has unanimously topped announced ballots. Some of the more influential voters have left Williamson off the ballot entirely.

What remains more of a sweat is if late-first-round steal Brandon Clarke can edge out Williamson or Kendrick Nunn for a spot as a finalist.

Despite being limited by Memphis’ crowded frontcourt (21.7 mpg), Clarke had arguably the most efficient season ever by a rookie. He finished an incredible fourth league-wide in eFG%, and 24th overall in PER. He brandished perhaps the NBA’s most consistent floater, and was an excellent defender by rookie standards.

Memphis rostering two of the league’s three ROY finalists would be an extremely fitting microcosm of their 2019-20 season.

CONFIDENCE INDEX
Get votes: 100%
Have one finalist: 100%
Have two finalists: 45%
Win award: 95%

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