M.J Walker is having a great rookie season in Houston!
As we are about 35% of the way done with this 2029 season, let's take a look at how some of this year's rookies are doing.
1. M.J Walker, SF, Houston Rockets: 10.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.2 spg. 49% FG, 47% 3pt
M.J Walker is one of the older rookies coming into this rookie class, and his ready now game seems to have translated perfectly in the CSL. Even though the Rockets are not doing too hot as a team, GM Kyrus has to be happy with how Walker is doing. Walker was part of the blockbuster deal that saw long time Rocket all star big man Karl Anthony Towns being sent away to Orlando. While Walker is not close to being an all star yet, Rockets fans have to be excited about how well has Walker done so far.
2. Xavier Tillman, PF, Cleveland Cavaliers: 9.5 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.7 bpg. 53% FG
During the draft combine, Xavier Tillman was widely seen as the favorite to win the rookie of the year. X-Man is only 22 years old, but his post game is extremely polished, and despite limited minutes in Cleveland, X-Man is still putting up some very impressive number. X-Man is only 22 years old, and once his conditioning is up to par, then I am sure he will be a future all star caliber big man for Cleveland.
3. Josh Giddey, PG, Atlanta Hawks: 9.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3 apg, 41% FG, 43% 3pt
One of the more unique prospect in recent draft history, the 6'8 giant point guard has been playing some good basketball for Atlanta thus far. For an 18 year old, Giddey has been doing very well, and he's one of the big reason why the Hawks are surprisingly in the playoff race in the Eastern Conference right now. Giddey is only going to get better with time, and once he goes through more strength and conditioning work in the pro level, Giddey should become a triple double machine down the road.
4. Jose Alvarado, PG, Washington Wizards: 8.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.8 apg, 1.7 spg, 44% FG
Grand Theft Alvarado has been a crucial rotation piece for the young Wizards team thus far, as he has been a good floor general, and a great defender for the Wizards backcourt thus far. While some scouts felt Alvarado was a reach at pick 19, GTA has certainly been proving his doubters wrong so far by playing good basketball on both ends of the court. GTA should continue to improve with time, and should be a starting caliber PG for the WIzards for years to come.
5. Immanuel Quickley, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder: 7.9 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2.4 apg, 51% FG, 48% 3pt
Quickley has been a crucial rotation piece for the division leading Thunder thus far, as he has done an excellent job backing up starter Jalen Brunson. Quickley is already showing how efficient of a player he is, and he's only 20 years old. Quickley is one of the few rookies who are earning serious playing time on a contending team, and that is truly impressive. With GM Jon Molinari's outstanding track record at player development, it's almost certain that Quickley is destined to become a fantastic player in this league.
On the bubble:
Alex Antetokounmpo
Onyeka Okongwu
Reggie Perry
2028