NBA Awards Watch: Rookie Of The Year
Nov 4, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) posts up against Indiana Pacers forward Solomon Hill (44) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Milwaukee defeats Indiana 87-81. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
1. Jabari Parker – Milwaukee Bucks/PF
Last Week: No. 2
People need to start to watch out because it’s quietly looking like the training wheels are coming off, and Jabari Parker is starting to slowly figure out the NBA game. Parker currently is the only rookie in the NBA to average double figure points.
Right now he’s averaging 10.5 points per game on the season, which leads all rookies in scoring, while his 7.0 rebounds also leads all rookies.
Against the Philadelphia 76ers and watching rookie Nerlens Noel ball out, Parker needed to show up and did in a major way. Parker managed to score 11 points and grabbed 10 rebounds and a steal.
Parker followed up his first double-double with another solid effort against the Washington Wizards and their front line (Nene Hilario, Marcin Gortat). Parker finished the game with 13 points, 11 rebounds, contributed a steal, and made both of his free throw attempts.
Though there were some parts of his game that needed some cleaning up, such as taking 17 shots to score 13 points, or having five turnovers in a game, it’s expected from a rookie.
The fact that Parker helped contribute on the glass again, showed effort and will. Rebounding the basketball speaks volumes that he’s starting to understand his role on the Bucks. They will need his help on the glass the Bucks want to think about winning.
His latest game was against his hometown Chicago Bulls and Parker scored eight points and had six rebounds. His 4-for-12 shooting on the night wasn’t impressive, but the fact he’s first on our rankings has shown that he’s made strides in his game.