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NBA: Favorites For Rookie Of The Year After Ben Simmons Injury

By Maxwell Ogden

Jul 12, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) dribbles the ball during an NBA Summer League game against the Golden State Warriors at Thomas & Mack Center. Golden State won the game 85-77. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 12, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) dribbles the ball during an NBA Summer League game against the Golden State Warriors at Thomas & Mack Center. Golden State won the game 85-77. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 1, 2016; Bossier City, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Buddy Hield (24) salutes the crowd after making a 3-point basket against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at CenturyLink Center. New Orleans won 116-102. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Bossier City, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Buddy Hield (24) salutes the crowd after making a 3-point basket against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at CenturyLink Center. New Orleans won 116-102. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Buddy Hield, New Orleans Pelicans

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 22 (12/17/1993)
Drafted: Round 1, Pick 6
2015-16 Slash Line: .501/.457/.880
2015-16 Season Averages: 35.4 MPG, 25.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 4.0 3PM

Tyreke Evans was targeting a December return before revealing that he discovered a blood clot in his calf following knee surgery. Jrue Holiday is out for the foreseeable future as he spends time with his child and wife, Lauren Holiday, who was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor.

With the No. 2 and No. 3 playmaking options out, Anthony Davis will need a second player to step up and help him lead the offensive charge.

With opportunity knocking, Buddy Hield is a legitimate candidate for Rookie of the Year. He’s expected to have at least two full months during which Evans and Holiday will be absent, which means he’ll receive a fair number of touches.

If Hield excels during their absence, then it stands to reason that Evans and Holiday would trust him more when they return and become the facilitators.

Hield has drawn a number of upside comparisons in the past, but he has a craftiness about him that’s reminiscent of Brandon Roy. Seniors bare a Scarlett Letter in the modern NBA, but Hield has the size and handles that Jimmer Fredette never possessed.

With the coach, superstar teammate, and opportunities that Hield is surrounded by, he has a legitimate opportunity to break out in this era of 3-point infatuation.

Must Read: 2017 NBA Mock Draft: The Incoming Freshmen Aren't The Only Story

Perhaps Alvin Gentry will turn Hield into the first half of his new Splash Brothers.