Milwaukee Bucks: Was Malcolm Brogdon a trend for Rookie of the Year?

Scouting out the 2017-18 rookie class

The discussion about whether or not another Malcolm Brogdon is most likely on hold for another season. If last year was a perfect storm with a lack of standard candidates, this season looks to be loaded with them.

Two first overall picks will be in the running, as Ben Simmons returns from injury to begin his rookie season alongside this year’s draftee Markelle Fultz. Both will have the ball in their hands a lot, and playing along with Joel Embiid have the propensity to generate big numbers for a team that should be much improved over last season.

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In the city of stars, Lonzo Ball will be running the point in an offense seemingly designed to fill up the box score due to its emphasis on pace and ball movement. Ball could immediately be among the league leaders in assists from day one, and will have the profile to help boost his campaign.

From Dennis Smith Jr. in Dallas, to Donovan Mitchell in Utah, Josh Jackson in Phoenix and Lauri Markkanen in Chicago, a number of talented lottery picks will be in position to put up big numbers. A player such as Jayson Tatum could fill the niche of rookie on-a-good-team this season, especially if their lack of wing depth forces him into a larger role.

That isn’t to say there is no chance that a dark horse candidate emerges, as one often does. Even if Brogdon had not won last season, New York center Willy Hernangomez came out of nowhere to finish fifth in the voting. Players such as Milos Teodosic or Bogdan Bogdanovic enter the league as more established international prospects and will be eligible.

Monte Morris or Sindarius Thornwell could be surprise second round candidates in the All-Rookie discussion if players in front of them are injured. And if a team like Milwaukee vaulted into the playoffs by starting a rookie, perhaps Charlotte, Detroit or New York could accomplish the same.