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Ja Morant vs. Pau Gasol: Whose Rookie of the Year season was better?

By Amaar Burton

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 5 : Pau Gasol #16 of the Memphis Grizzlies watches the game against the Washington Wizards on April 5, 2002 at the MCI Center in Washington DC. 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 G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 5 : Pau Gasol #16 of the Memphis Grizzlies watches the game against the Washington Wizards on April 5, 2002 at the MCI Center in Washington DC. 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 G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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SAN ANTONIO – APRIL 19: Forward Pau Gasol #16 of the Memphis Grizzlies battles for a rebound with Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs in game two of the first round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs on April 19, 2004 at the SBC Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO – APRIL 19: Forward Pau Gasol #16 of the Memphis Grizzlies battles for a rebound with Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs in game two of the first round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs on April 19, 2004 at the SBC Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

The numbers

As a rookie, Gasol averaged 17.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.1 blocks in 82 games. He shot 51.8 percent from the field and 70.9 percent at the free throw line.

Gasol posted a PER of 19.5, a true shooting percentage of 56.6, usage rate of 22.6, he tallied 4.8 offensive win shares, 2.8 defensive win shares, and 7.6 total win shares.

Gasol’s single-game highs that season were 32 points 17 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals and 7 blocks. He had 35 double-doubles and did not have any triple-doubles.

Gasol ranked sixth in the league in total blocks, fourth in field goal percentage, and ninth in blocks per game.

*****

Morant as  a rookie averaged 17.8 points, 7.3 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 0.9 steals in 67 games. (The season was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic.) He shot 47.7 percent from the field, 33.5 percent from 3-point range, and 77.6 percent at the free throw line.

Morant posted a PER of 17.4, a true shooting percentage of 55.6, usage rate of 25.9, tallied 2.3 offensive win shares, 1.5 defensive win shares, 3.8 total win shares.

Morant’s single-game highs were 30 points, 13 rebounds, 14 assists, 5 steals and 2 blocks.

Morant ranked eighth in the league in total assists and 10th in assists per game. He had 15 double-doubles and two triple-doubles.

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