Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero has been named the NBA’s Rookie of the Year. Banchero dominated the voting, securing 98 of the 100 first-place votes and 494 out of a possible 500 points. His closest competitors were Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams and Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. Kessler claimed the remaining two first-place votes. Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin, Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray, and Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey also received votes.
Banchero’s impressive stats
Banchero, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, had an impressive season, averaging 20 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. He becomes the third Magic player to win Rookie of the Year, joining Shaquille O’Neal and Mike Miller. Banchero led all rookies in points per game, scoring at least 20 points in 40 games and at least 30 points in six games.
Williams and Kessler follow Banchero in voting
Williams, who was the No. 12 pick in last year’s draft, averaged 14.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists for the Thunder. Kessler, originally taken by the Timberwolves with the No. 22 pick before being sent to Utah in the Rudy Gobert trade last summer, averaged 9.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game for the Jazz.
Other NBA awards
Banchero follows Lauri Markkanen, who won the NBA’s Most Improved Player award on Monday, and several others who were honored last week: Defensive Player of the Year (Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr.); Clutch Player of the Year (Kings guard De’Aaron Fox); Coach of the Year (Kings coach Mike Brown); and Sixth Man of the Year (Boston Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdon).
The All-NBA, All-Defense, and All-Rookie teams, along with the league’s Most Valuable Player Award, will be announced later this postseason.
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