March 26--Here's a look at the top candidates for NBA Rookie of the Year.
1. Karl-Anthony Towns, center, Timberwolves: Forget rookie rankings. This 7-foot package of skill ranks in the top-10 for all players in field-goal percentage, rebounds, blocks and double-doubles. Toss in a scoring average above 18 points per game, deft post moves, soft hands and great court awareness and the only question should be whether this vote is unanimous. Plus, the skilled big man hasn't missed a game. He should be great for years.
2. Kristaps Porzingis, power forward, Knicks: It's not often you see a 7-3 big man who is comfortable shooting 3-pointers, much less a rookie. But his range is as long as his wingspan, which has helped him land in the top-10 for all players in blocks. He still needs to add weight and strength, and his numbers dipped a bit when a stomach virus slowed him. But he's a good rebounder in traffic and only will get better as his frame fills out.
3. Justise Winslow, small forward, Heat: With apologies to local product Jahlil Okafor, whose strong season with the woeful 76ers was cut short by a knee injury, this is the only rookie contributing mightily to a playoff team. His defensive ability belies his first-year status. And while he's not a great shooter, his shooting percentage has climbed from .418 before the All-Star break to above 45 percent after it. That's a good sign for a hard-working, committed wing.
