Sleeper candidates for each of the NBA Awards in 2022-23

NBA Awards Sleeper: Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey for Rookie of the Year

Barring something catastrophic, the 2022-23 NBA Rooke of the Year will be the No. 1 pick, Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic. His transition to the NBA has been seamless as he leads one of the most exciting young teams in basketball. However, Detroit Pistons combo guard Jaden Ivey is having a fantastic opening season himself, making an immediate impact alongside Cade Cunningham on a team that could compete with anyone on a night-to-night basis.

Ivey is fearless in attacking the basket, using his wiry strength and unique verticality to challenge rim protectors and absorb contact on the drive. This makes him a threat to score during every transition opportunity, and someone his teammates will actively seek out in those situations. He’s no slouch in the halfcourt either. Ivey is adept at slithering through contact and navigating space with his dribble to get into scoring position both in the paint and along the perimeter.

Defensively, he remains active and engaged with great hands and timing that allow him to rack up steals — an art that takes many players years to master. His motor never shuts off, and through the first nine games of his career, Ivey already has 13 steals and 38 rebounds. Quite frankly, it doesn’t matter where he lands in the NBA Awards because Ivey was a remarkable pickup who makes for an incredible fit with the Pistons’ long-term vision.