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The 2019 NBA All-Rookie selections were released not too long ago, and with the passing of the NBA draft, it’s time to turn our attention to next year’s rookies. As was the case with pre-draft analysis, there is a ton of uncertainty after Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, and RJ Barrett. Rotational fits and opportunities played a key role in deciding on the selections as did personal analysis that I have added to since the 2018 calendar year. Here are my 2019-2020 NBA All-Rookie selections.
First Team
G- Ja Morant- Memphis
Morant is the future face of the Grizzlies and the Mike Conley trade only confirmed that notion. Memphis may be a couple of pieces away from experiencing substantial success, but the Murray State product will not seize to dazzle as he puts up Russell Westbrook-esque statlines. The minutes and opportunity will be there, not to mention Morant will likely have the ball in his hands the majority of the time.
G Coby White- Chicago
One thing White will be able to do right away is score…a lot. One of the best in the class, his three-level advanced offensive repertoire will provide a major contribution alongside the likes of Zach LaVine in the Chicago backcourt. White’s play is almost as vibrant as his hair and there will be no lack of excitement when he puts on a jersey. The point guard role that will likely be split between him and LaVine won’t hinder his scoring, which I’m banking on to land him as a first-team selection.
G/F RJ Barrett- New York
Did someone mention scoring? Barrett’s style of play and ego make him a perfect fit for the Big Apple. He will need to improve his efficiency, but he is a crafty player with an advanced skillset. Despite the Knicks free agency woes, they hit a home run in the draft in the form of a nuclear-caliber franchise centerpiece.
G/F Cam Reddish- Atlanta
Reddish may be one of the class’ biggest enigmas as his freshman campaign was overlooked due to Barrett and Zion Williamson. Nonetheless, he is an athletic wing who can knock down the three-ball with consistency. I love the fit in Atlanta beside Trae Young and believe that he will thrive with a bigger opportunity and better role.
F Zion Williamson- New Orleans
Did you think I was going to forget him? Williamson is one of the best prospects in recent classes and will contribute right away at the professional ranks. Having Jrue Holiday, Lonzo Ball, and others around will supply him with endless opportunities in the halfcourt and out in transition.
Second Team
G- Darius Garland- Cleveland
This one is a wildcard considering the concerns over how he co-exists with Collin Sexton in the Cavs backcourt, but Garland will surprise people. His perimeter shooting and high basketball IQ will directly complement Sexton’s style of play. There would’ve been a possibility that Garland would land in my first-team, but the role in Cleveland prevents him from receiving that recognition.
G-Tyler Herro- Miami
Herro is my dark horse candidate, but I LOVE the fit in Miami. He provides them with much needed three-point shooting and offers an unwavering competitive edge. A crafty scorer with underrated athleticism, the Kentucky product will become a viable scoring option behind Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and others.
G Jarrett Culver- Minnesota
Talking about loving fits, Culver in Minnesota may be the best one of the draft. He will need to continue to develop his offensive identity and establish perimeter shooting consistency, but he’ll serve as a third or fourth scoring option behind Karl Anthony-Towns and Andrew Wiggins. Culver’s high basketball IQ and growing skill set make him a viable candidate for the second team.
F Dylan Windler- Cleveland
Two Cavs on the second team? Absolutely. A Joe Ingles-esque prospect, Windler will serve as an immediate deep threat that is incredibly consistent for being a volume scorer. Unlike Garland, I love the fit in Cleveland and believe he could be a potential double-digit scorer this season. Not to mention, he rebounds extremely well for his size.
C Goga Bitadze- Indiana
The reality is that Bitadze is one of the most solid players in the class and his ceiling is relatively low. He will most likely serve as a backup center, but he projects as a three-level scorer and will find his way onto the floor due to his quality pick-and-roll ability. I’m not too overly confident in this one, but the talent and intangibles are there.
Just missed the cut
F- Michael Porter Jr (Denver)
F- Sekou Doumbouya (Detroit)
G- Carsen Edwards (Boston)
C- Bruno Fernando (Atlanta)
F- Brandon Clarke (Memphis)