Ranking Ja Morant among past NBA Rookie of the Year winners

MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 26: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during a game against the Phoenix Suns at FedExForum on January 26, 2020 in Memphis, Tennessee. The Grizzlies defeated the Suns 114-109. 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 Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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Michael Carter-Williams #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 3, 2014 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

7. Michael Carter-Williams (2014)

Picture Lonzo Ball without the high school hype and without the attention-magnet of a family.

That was Michael Carter-Williams once upon a time: a big point guard from a college basketball powerhouse whose playmaking skills and defensive acumen had to compensate for his shaky jump shot.

The No. 11 pick out of Syracuse went to the Philadelphia 76ers and made history right out of the gate. Carter-Williams’ nine steals in his pro debut was the most ever for an NBA rookie in their first game. Later in the season, Carter-Williams and Orlando’s Victor Oladipo became the first pair of rookies to record triple-doubles in the same game.

Carter-Williams finished the season averaging 16.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.9 steals per game. He joined Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson as the only rookies to average at least 16-6-6.

Had the 76ers finished better than 14th place (second to last) in a shallow Eastern Conference, Carter-Williams might rank higher on this list. Had he shot better than 26.4 percent from 3-point range, he could have joined the exclusive club of 20-5-5 rookies.

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