Philadelphia 76ers: 5 goals for Markelle Fultz’s rookie season
2. Win Rookie of the Year Award
Always the goal of every rookie, winning Rookie of the Year is a reasonable goal only for a handful of players. While some years an outlier swoops in to steal the title — such as Malcolm Brogdon last season — the winners tend to be lottery picks in situations that guarantee playing time.
Since Derrick Rose won Rookie of the Year in 2008-09, all but Brogdon have been lottery picks and five of the nine have been the top overall pick. In fact, the last non-lottery pick before Brogdon to win the award was Mark Jackson in 1987-88. Thirteen of the past 30 winners have been the top overall pick.
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That sets up Markelle Fultz well to make a run at the award, as he will see plenty of playing time with Philadelphia. Not only will he see time by virtue of his draft slot, but the 76ers don’t have a plethora of options to soak up minutes.
If Philadelphia can make a run at the playoffs and Fultz can rack up counting stats, he stands a good chance at winning the award. His stiffest competition may come from within, as last year’s top pick will be eligible for the award as well. Ben Simmons has the skills and size to accrue points, assists and rebounds – the three categories that most often translate to winning the Rookie of the Year.
But Markelle Fultz has the opportunity, the pedigree and the skill-set himself to win the award, and as one of the draft’s cadre of point guards, will be surfing on the crest of the narrative. But the competition will be fierce, around the league and in his own locker room.