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2017 NBA Rookie Ladder: Top Contenders For Rookie Of The Year

By Nathan Grubel

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses for a group photo on stage with draft prospects before the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses for a group photo on stage with draft prospects before the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 4, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Buddy Hield (24) is defended by Indiana Pacers forward Georges Niang (32) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pacers defeated the Pelicans 113-96. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Buddy Hield (24) is defended by Indiana Pacers forward Georges Niang (32) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pacers defeated the Pelicans 113-96. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Buddy Hield, New Orleans Pelicans

If Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans are to make any noise out West, then they need Buddy Hield to step up in his rookie season.

Hield was a prolific scorer in college, particularly from 3-point range.

The Pelicans lack consistent shooting, so Hield will get the call quite often on spot-up looks.

It’s good for New Orleans that he looks ready to do so. After an up-and-down Summer League, Hield shot 8-for-28 from three in the preseason.

He wasn’t shy about taking those looks when he got them, however. Hield is a good shooter off the catch. He’ll take his lumps early but will eventually smoothen everything out.

What he should avoid doing this year is taking unnecessary looks off the dribble. Hield too often forced terrible shots in college at times when he easily could’ve passed the ball out. That’ll serve as his biggest downfall if he does the same at this stage in the pros.

He has a No. 1 option to lean on in Davis, so if he stays within himself he’ll have plenty of shots to look forward to.

Voters look at guys who took and made a lot of shots in their first year. Raw numbers drive the ROY award, so Hield has the best shot at winning it.

Next: 15 Candidates For A Breakout Season In 2016-17

Whether he will is another story.