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| Joel Embiid |
Should Philadelphia 76ers center Joel "The Process" Embiid win Rookie of the Year having only played 31 games this season? From a stats standpoint there's absolutely no question. Embiid is averaging 20.2ppg, 7.8rpg, and 2.4bpg. He's been on a minutes restriction all season which makes these numbers even more impressive. Due to knee complications the Sixers decided to shut Embiid down for the rest of the season. It's the smart thing to do at this point and hopefully he can comeback next year without any limitations.
Although Embiid had an outstanding season I don't believe he should win Rookie of the Year. Durability has to matter at some point in a season and Embiid couldn't even play half of the games. The lowest of amount of games played for a Rookie of the Year award winner belongs to Patrick Ewing. In the 1985-86 season Ewing only played 50 games, but at least he was able to play more than half the season. There are a few other candidates I feel should win the ROY over Embiid even though their numbers don't quite compare to his.
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| Dario Saric |
Sixers forward Dario Saric and Milwaukee Bucks guard Malcom Brogdon are the next two candidates beside Embiid. Saric averages 11.6ppg and 6.2rpg which aren't eye popping numbers but in the month of February he boosted his scoring to 17ppg and rebounding to 7.9ppg. If he continues to finish the year strong he'd have strong consideration for ROY.
Brogdon deserves consideration as well although he wasn't asked to do as much for his team early on in the season. He's averaging 9.9ppg and 4.1apg and has stepped up his game since Jabari Parker (knee) will miss the remainder of the season. He's been asked to do more offensively since the injury and his numbers continue to rise. Over his last 10 games Brogdon is averaging 13.9ppg and 3.7apg.
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| Malcom Brogdon |
I know there are some people out there that just think Embiid deserves the award regardless of how many games he's missed this season. While his numbers do speak for themselves I can't ignore the fact he's been unable to play for more than half the season. I understand the numbers between Saric and Brogdon don't stand out to people, but being healthy and playing games matters too. Brogdon is looking to help the Bucks push for the 8th spot in the East while Saric is showing why the Sixers will have a solid foundation of youth for years to come. With about 20 games remaining this season be on the lookout for these two candidates who have improved tremendously throughout the year.
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