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Also read: 5 Best NBA Rookies of all-time
The NBA Draft is an important factor in deciding a team's future. It may help the team find it's missing piece, or it may help the team find a future NBA Superstar around whom the team can be rebuilt. Whatever the case, the draft holds an important value in the team's future, each and every year.
It's not important for an NBA team to have a top three pick or maybe a lottery pick to pick future stars. You could take the case for Isaiah Thomas for an example. He was the last pick in the 2011 NBA draft and look where he is today. The King in the fourth is a top 5 Point Guard in the league.
In this article, we will take a look at the top 5 most efficient NBA rookies in the 2017/18 season.
NOTE: This article is based on the stats provided by the rating method called "Player Efficiency Rating" developed by ESPN Basketball Statistician John Hollinger.
#5 Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics (PER - 17.43)
The 6 ft 8 inch small forward was selected as the 3rd overall pick by the Boston Celtics in the 2017 NBA Draft. He was declared as a five-star recruit after only playing his freshman season for Duke University. During his high school days, he was selected in 2016 McDonald's All American East Roster.
On his NBA debut, Jayson started the game for Celtics as a power forward and recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds in a 102-99 loss to Cleveland Cavaliers. After losing Gordon Hayward to what might be a season-long injury, the Boston Celtics have named Jayson Tatum as their starting Small Forward.
At just 19 years of age, Jayson Tatum has been proving his worth each and every night on the floor and has played a pivotal role in Celtics' 24-6 start to the season. Not to mention, he leads the league in 3-point shooting, knocking it down at 50.5%.
#4 Edrice Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat (PER - 18.07)
Bam Bam, as his mother fondly calls him, was drafted as the 14th overall pick by Miami Heat in the 2017 NBA Draft. After just playing one season for the Kentucky Wildcats, he was regarded as a five-star recruit and decided to enter the 2017 NBA Draft. Adebayo was also selected in the 2016 McDonald's All-American East Roster.
Though Heat have lost Hassan Whiteside to a bone injury, Bam Bam has been filling the gap for the Defensive Beast. He has been confidently backing up Kelly Olynyk and has shown no signs of backing down.
The 6ft 10 in Center maybe undersized for his position but, but his freakish length and athleticism help him compensate for his size. He has a chiseled frame and possesses impressive mobility and agility for his size. He also has impressive quickness and explosiveness, which show the amount of defensive potential he has.
Many NBA experts believe that Adebayo can grow into a future Defensive Rebounding Star.
#3 Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers (PER - 18.53)
I know you're surprised but no, Ben Simmons isn't number 1. But he is one of the front-runners for Rookie of the Year and is expected to win it. But why is Ben Simmons a rookie in the 2017/18 season when he was the first pick in the 2016 NBA Draft?
Well, unfortunately, Simmons had suffered a broken right foot injury during the 2016/17 offseason. Initially, he was expected to return in February but was further ruled out for the whole season. During the 2017/18 offseason, Simmons was declared fit and started practicing for the 76ers. Interestingly, the 6ft 10 in rookie has grown 2 inches and now stands at just under 7ft.
Originally drafted as a Small Forward, Fresh Prince, as his fans like to call him, has been shifted to Point Guard due to impressive passing and court vision. Can you imagine a 7ft beast running the play for your team? Well, Simmons is proving to be just the player the 76ers needed by proving his potential and has already recorded 3 triple doubles in the season.
Time will tell whether Simmons was the Missing piece for Philadelphia who can lead them to the Playoffs again.
#2 John Collins, Atlanta Hawks (PER - 20.40)
The 6ft 10 in Power Forward was drafted as the 19th overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2017 NBA Draft. He grew into a premier offensive threat during his NCAA days at Wake Forest averaging 19.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per 40 minutes. This led him to win ACC's Most Improved Player Award.
Collins has been consistently showing his impressive growth and looks to be one of the best rookies in the 2017 Draft. He is a rookie of the year candidate and is proving himself to be one of the best steals of the draft.
The young Power Forward's main strength is his rebounding, especially on the offensive end. He has nabbed an excellent 66 offensive rebounds in the season so far. With the Hawks in full rebuild mode, Collins has an excellent chance growing and proving his potential.
#1 Jordan Bell, Golden State Warriors (PER - 21.54)
The most surprising name on the list, Jordan Bell was drafted as the 38th overall pick by Chicago Bulls in the 2017 NBA Draft. On the same night, he was traded to the Golden State Warriors for cash considerations.
The 6 ft 9 in rookie has been a force for the Warriors and has been consistently adding depth to the team. Bell is an explosive player who likes to get up to the rim whenever he can.
He has been the most surprising rookie in the 2017 Draft and currently leading the pack in efficiency. A lot of hype was created when he dunked the ball with a self-pass from the board in Warriors' game against Dallas Mavericks. He has impressive dunking abilities and has been consistently bringing the lob city to the Warriors.
Each night Bell proves that on Draft Night the Warriors' management cracked an excellent move and Chicago Bulls mad a costly mistake. Can he prove himself to be the steal of the year?
