With the NBA's first week of the regular season over, let's take a look back and see which rookies performed the best for their teams.
Nerlens Noel- The sixth overall selection in the 2013 NBA draft, Noel missed the entire 2013-14 season with a knee injury, but has looked impressive in his first few NBA games for the Philadelphia 76ers. He has averaged a modest 7.3 ppg, as well as 8.3 rpg, but his biggest contribution has come at the defensive end, where Noel has recorded seven blocks in three games (2.3 bpg). The 20-year-old big man will make a living off of his rebounding and shot blocking, and his offensive game should continue to improve as he competes for the Rookie of the Year award.
Jabari Parker- The Duke Blue Devil product has shown solid rebounding abilities in his first three career games, aerating 8.3 boards per game. His scoring has been slightly lower than predicted (10.7 ppg), but Parker's two double-doubles should give fantasy owners and Milwaukee Buck fans a reason to be excited about their team.
Elfrid Payton- The 10th round selection in the first round of the draft, Payton has showcased strong passing abilities during the Orlando Magic's first three games. Even with them taking the loss in all three games, the 20-year-old has shown he has what it takes to compete in the NBA, positing a stat line of 7.3 ppg, 7.7 apg and 3.7 rpg. Payton's field goal percentage (36%), and turnovers (3.0 per game) will have to improve, but his raw athleticism and natural talent should give the Magic reason to be optimistic about their future. He should compliment second-year guard Victor Oladipo well in the backcourt when he returns from injury.
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