NBA: Top 10 candidates for Rookie of the Year Award in 2017-18

9. De’Aaron Fox

De’Aaron Fox is a bit of a long shot, but as another top-five pick, it’d feel wrong to leave him out of this top 10 list.

On one hand, Fox still lacks an NBA jump shot, which could easily turn him into a faster version of Elfrid Payton at the next level. George Hill could also steal some of his thunder in the backcourt, even if they split time together at the 1 and 2.

On the other hand, Fox is clearly the Sacramento Kings‘ point guard of the future, which means he’s assured starting minutes at some point this season, especially as the playoffs slip further from reach.

In his 21.3 minutes per game at Summer League, Fox averaged 11.8 points, 3.0 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game on 44.4 percent shooting. Those numbers won’t get it done in the ROY race, but if he can grab an undisputed hold on that starting point guard job and get plenty of playing time with a rebuilding team, who knows?