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NBA: Top 10 Candidates For Rookie Of The Year In 2015-16

By Gerald Bourguet

Jul 14, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (46) wins the opening tip off of an NBA Summer League game over Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 14, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (46) wins the opening tip off of an NBA Summer League game over Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets point guard Emmanuel Mudiay speaks to reporters during the media day at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Emmanuel Mudiay

Out of all the players on this list, Emmanuel Mudiay will have the most responsibility on his plate from Day 1. As the starting point guard and franchise cornerstone of the Denver Nuggets, there is no Ty Lawson to limit Mudiay’s minutes as a rookie. It’ll be trial and error for the Nuggets’ rook, though he’ll have a veteran mentor in Jameer Nelson to help ease the pressure.

At NBA Summer League, Mudiay was one of the most thrilling rookies in Las Vegas. His athleticism and poise won over most of his critics, even if his numbers (12.0 points, 5.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and a whopping 5.0 turnovers per game) weren’t overwhelmingly spectacular.

In actuality, when you factor in his shooting percentages (.385/.143/.500), it’s a wonder he’s not dead-even with D’Angelo Russell on this list. Mudiay’s inability to shoot means NBA defenses will be able to play off of him and force him into inefficient perimeter shots.

But unlike Russell, Mudiay has the athleticism to be an effective passer AND scorer, even without a jump shot. Also unlike Russell, Mudiay will be the unquestioned starter from the get-go, which means he’s got a great chance of putting up solid numbers in his rookie season. He may not be able to shoot, but Mudiay’s responsibility will put him in position to be considered for ROY.

Next: No. 3