Hoops Habit
Fansided

NBA All-Rookie Teams Predictions: Locks, surprises and potential snubs

By Dallin Duffy

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 24: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is guarded by Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on March 24, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 24: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is guarded by Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on March 24, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
NBA All-Rookie Teams
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FEBRUARY 08: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on February 08, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

NBA All-Rookie Teams Predictions: Potential Snubs

Ayo Dosunmu, Chicago Bulls

Around the All-Star break, Dosunmu was a lock for an NBA All-Rookie Team, and probably as a First-Teamer. But his case (and his team) have cooled off significantly since then. His lack of turnovers and energetic defense help his case, but some advanced stats don’t paint him positively – he’s 20th among rookies in on/off RAPTOR.

Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets

In terms of the eye test, Sengun should make the squad. But a lot of voters lean on stats rather than that eye test, especially when the subject is on a poor team like the Rockets. Sengun has a massive ceiling but could get overlooked when it comes to the All-Rookie team selections.

Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors

Kuminga is hurt by his team here. If he was able to run wild on a tanking squad, he would likely contend for a spot on the First Team. But, stuck on the Warriors, he’s averaged just 16.8 minutes and made 12 starts. He’ll help them make a postseason push but could get shut out of All-Rookie.

Jose Alvarado, New Orleans

The defensive darling who has helped turn New Orleans’ season around, Alvarado probably hasn’t played enough to warrant a selection, no matter how deserving. He’ll finish the season with around 800 total minutes played – over 1,200 less than a guy like Davion Mitchell.

NBA All-Rookie Teams Predictions: Sleepers

Davion Mitchell, Sacramento Kings

There hasn’t been much mainstream love for Mitchell, but among basketball purists, he’s adored. He’s already one of the best perimeter stoppers in the NBA, and that alone is something that could land him on the Second Team.

Corey Kispert, Washington Wizards

Like Jalen Green, Kispert has really heated up since the All-Star break. But, perhaps due to him playing in Washington, no one seems to have noticed. You might be shocked to see Kispert make the Second Team, but you shouldn’t be.

Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers

Not only does he play in the NBA’s biggest market, but Reaves has also been pretty darn good. The undrafted rookie ranks sixth among all rookies in on/off RAPTOR and has logged over 1,300 minutes.