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The NBA is about to reach the midway stage and the top rookies are off to a tantalising start to their young careers.
The 2018 NBA draft saw Deandre Ayton getting selected as the number 1 overall pick by the Phoenix Suns. Then the Sacramento Kings selected Marvin Bagley III with their number 2 pick in the draft.
The Dallas Mavericks traded picks with the Hawks and grabbed the opportunity to select their rookie sensation, Luka Doncic, with the number 3 overall pick. Memphis Grizzlies selected Jaren Jackson Jr. with the number 4 pick and the Atlanta Hawks got their wish by selecting Trae Young with the fifth pick in the draft.
All of these rookies have been contributing majorly to their team's success so far. Some have even become the most important player for their franchise this early in their career. They have also provided us with some tremendous performances so far.
Let's have a look at the top 3 performances by a rookie this season:
#3 Luka Doncic v Houston Rockets, 08 December (21 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals)
Although Luka has better statistical games this season, this match will be remembered for his clutch abilities. There was an absolute 4th quarter takeover by the Mavs rookie.
The Rockets were leading by 8 points with less than 3 minutes to play in the fourth quarter. Then they were struck by the thunder named Luka Doncic. Luka scored 11 straight points for the Mavs and got them the lead. His step back threes over Clint Capela were just magical to watch. The Mavs eventually held onto their lead and got the home victory against the Rockets.
Luka is the Rookie of the year favourite and is averaging 19.5 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5 assists per game this season.
#2 Jaren Jackson Jr. v Brooklyn Nets, 30 November (36 points, 8 rebounds, 13 made FGs)
Jaren Jackson Jr. has been one of the shining lights in the Grizzlies' roster so far. The Grizzlies again look like a competitive team and Jackson Jr. is providing great production for the team.
In the game against the Nets that went to overtime, Jackson Jr. showcased his massive potential. He was selected because of his defensive skills but in this match, his offensive prowess was on full display.
The match was very tight in the end and it was Jackson's offence that got the Grizzlies home. Memphis scored 7 points in the final 33 seconds of the match to tie the game and take it to overtime. This is also the highest points scored by a rookie in the NBA this season.
Jackson Jr. is averaging 13.2 points and 1.7 blocks per game this season and has become a vital cog for the Grizzlies.
#1 Trae Young v Cleveland Cavaliers, 21 October (35 points, 11 assists, 6 3PM, 1 TO)
In one of the earlier games of the season, Trae Young filled up the stat sheet. He displayed his massive potential in a 133-111 win over Cleveland Cavaliers. Young torched the Cavs with 35 points and also notched 11 assists on only 1 turnover.
This performance has been the highlight of the rookie so far in his career. He also had a 25 points and 17 assists performance in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Trae Young has been averaging 15.6 points and 7.4 assists per game this season. He leads the rookies in assists per game. He has become a very vital player in the Hawks roster. His development will be critical to the Hawks success in the upcoming seasons.
