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NBA Awards Watch: Rookie Of The Year

By DJoumbarey A. Moreau

Nov 3, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) controls the ball against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. The Rockets defeated the 76ers 104-93. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) controls the ball against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. The Rockets defeated the 76ers 104-93. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard K.J. McDaniels (14) blocks a shot by Miami Heat guard Mario Chalmers (15) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

7. K.J. McDaniels – Philadelphia 76ers/SG

Last Week: N/A

Welcome again, sir. I feel like our opening rankings was the last week you’re not going to get ranked within the top 10 rookies.

McDaniels was creeping up on this list from the opening week and has done more than enough to earn himself a spot within our top ten. Against the Houston Rockets, McDaniels had to guard Trevor Ariza and James Harden. How’d he fare against both of those scorers? McDaniels excelled.

On defense McDaniels performed pretty well and was everywhere on the court. Regardless of who had the basketball, McDanielsdidn’t mind guarding players on the perimeter, or being in the perfect position on help side defense to stop Dwight Howard.

McDaniels finished the game with 14 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one block. What was more impressive was that McDaniels, who isn’t known for his shooting, made three out of his four 3-point attempts. His scoring numbers would’ve also been more had he made his free throws (1-for-4). 

This was his best game of the season.

Also, remember that versatility I was talking about last week when it came to McDaniels? 

These are his stats currently 9.0 points, 1.0 ast, 1.8 rebounds , 12.76 PER, These are his ranks among all rookies in the NBA:

  • 2nd in scoring
  • 12th in assists
  • 13th in rebounding
  • 13th in steals
  • 2nd in blocks

Look at this highlight play McDaniels finished against the Orlando Magic that everyone is talking about.

Next: DOUG MCDERMOTT

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