Sacramento Kings: How Tyrese Haliburton can win Rookie of the Year
The Numbers
Ball will almost certainly have the edge in “sexy” stats. Points per game may end up being a toss-up, but the Hornets’ rookie will likely wind up as the leader of the two in rebounds and assists. Should he finish with the edge in all three categories, then it will be difficult for the writers to cast their votes for anyone else.
But a deeper dive in to a few analytical categories could help Haliburton’s case.
Usage and Assists
One of the most telling statistics is the usage rate. Ball is “used” on over 24 percent of the offense plays that his team runs, as opposed to Haliburton, who is used on under 16 percent of his. The increased opportunities turn in to a higher statistical output for Ball across most of the board.
The assist number is another thing to consider. Haliburton averages just one less assist per game, despite being used as a point guard just 11 percent of the time compared to Ball’s 55 percent. He has also played 212 of his 422 minutes alongside De’Aaron Fox, the Kings’ primary ball-handler and initiator.
Shooting Percentages
The fact that scouts said Haliburton’s jump shot wouldn’t translate to the NBA has become something of a humorous motto for him. He is getting the last laugh by shooting a blistering 46 percent from beyond the arc, the second-highest among rookies with 30+ attempts. Ball ranks 12th on that list of 17 players at 31 percent. It is a similar story for free throw, field goal, and true shooting percentages as well, giving Haliburton the obvious edge when it comes to one of the game’s most important statistics.
Turnovers
Ball will almost certainly come out with the edge in the assists department when all is said and done, but a deeper look in to that particular statistic could end up favoring Haliburton. The gap between the two is currently small, but the turnover numbers are not. Ball is averaging a full turnover more per game (2.5), and has a far less friendly assist-to-turnover ratio. Haliburton dishes out 3.26 assists for every turnover, whereas Ball’s number sits at 2.44.