Zion Williamson is the greatest physical specimen to enter the NBA since LeBron James turned pro back in 2003. And even that might not do him justice.
Williamson is 6-foot-7, 285 pounds and yet, somehow, he floats as if he and gravity made an arrangement not to get in each other’s way.
His dunks are jaw-droppingly electric, his energy is contagious. And when he comes out of nowhere to block a shot into the stratosphere, you have to remind yourself that, yes, someone that big, that strong, that mobile, and that athletic actually exists.
Zion Williamson is a marvel. Which is why it came as no surprise when the New Orleans Pelicans took him first overall in the 2019 draft. It’s also not surprising that he’s the odds-on favorite to win the 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year award.
But, if history has taught us anything, it’s that being the favorite doesn’t always guarantee victory.
With that in mind, here’s a look at four darkhorse players who could come away with the NBA Rookie of the Year award.
De’Andre Hunter, Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks liked De’Andre Hunter enough to send a sizeable haul to the New Orleans Pelicans for the right to select him with the No. 4 overall pick. It’s hard to blame them.
Hunter had a standout sophomore campaign for the national champion Virginia Cavaliers. Not only did the 6-foot-7, 225-pound small forward average 15.2 points per night (up from 9.2 PPG as a freshman) and shoot 43.8% from three, his prowess on the other end of the floor earned him the 2018-19 ACC Defensive Player of the Year award.
Hunter is strong, athletic, and mature (he’s 21 years old). He has the makings of a legitimate two-way player down the road. Don’t sleep on him this season.
Jarrett Culver, Minnesota Timberwolves
Few players this year saw their draft stock rise like Texas Tech’s Jarrett Culver. A three-star recruit out of high school, Culver took his game to the next level as a sophomore, averaging 18.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game on his way to capturing the 2018-19 Big 12 Player of the Year honors.
Culver was also an absolute monster during the Red Raiders’ unlikely NCAA tournament run this past year, displaying the sort of freak athleticism and undeniable versatility that had NBA executives salivating. Culver’s game still needs refinement. But in making the move from No.11 to No. 6 in the 2019 draft, the Timberwolves may have very well snagged the biggest steal in the class.
Cam Reddish, Atlanta Hawks
Cam’s Reddish’s lone season at Duke was a major disappointment. There’s no other way to put it.
Save for a few late-game heroics, Reddish was consistently overshadowed by Williamson and RJ Barrett and struggled to get comfortable in his role as the Blue Devils’ third star.
But I have high hopes for him at the next level.
Prior to the draft, ESPN.com characterized Reddish as a “Tantalizing prospect in terms of pure talent and long-term upside.” And it’s true.
Reddish’s game is tailor-made for the NBA. He’s 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot wingspan. He can handle the ball and has a beautiful shooting stroke. Simply put, his potential is off the charts.
In the eyes of his fellow rookies, Reddish is going to live up to that potential. He was voted most likely to have the best career, according to this year’s annual rookie survey. Winning Rookie of the Year would be a nice place to start.
Tyler Herro, Miami Heat
Speaking of the annual rookie survey, Kentucky’s Tyler Herro was voted the best shooter in the class.
This makes sense considering the numbers from his lone season in Lexington — 46.2% shooting, 35.5% from three, 93.5% from the line.
The question is, can he do this against professionals? Well, if his showing at the NBA Summer League is any indication, I think he’ll be just fine.
Herro, whom the Heat selected at the tail end of the lottery (No. 13 overall), dropped just under 20 points per game, shot 42% from the field, and added 4.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists a night for good measure.
Herro is obviously a dark horse for the top rookie honor. But with that shot, he’s definitely got a shot.
Statistics courtesy of Sports Reference and NBA.com.
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