By Hocine LOUKKAF on 2/12/2021
After almost three months of competition, Haliburton and Ball have clearly taken the lead for ROY trophy while hemping their team become playoff contenders.
Lamelo Ball, 6-7 PG/SG Charlotte
Stats : 14.3pts 6.1as 5.8rbds
In January, Ball was inconsistent as he sometimes displayed greatness (triple double vs Atlanta, 27pts 9as vs Milwaukee) but at the same time struggled with his shooting (seven games under 40% FG ans 25% from three for the month). Yet, since he’s become a starter, put aside his first starting gig against Miami, he’s been impressive with 23.2pts 6.2as and 18/37 from three over the last five games. Lamelo is exceeding the expectations individually and could even get the Hornets to the playoffs.
Tyrese Haliburton, PG/SG Sacramento
Stats : 12pts 5.3as 45% 3pt
The stats may be less impressive than Lamelo’s but the efficiency is there, and the wins too. A bit like Ball, Haliburton struggled with consistency in January with six games with 40% or below from the field in the second part of the month even if the overall picture of the month looks way better. Like Lamelo, Tyrese also struggled during the first game of February but since then, he was terrific with 16pts 4.8as for only to while shooting a combined 15/24 from three. In the process, Sacramento beats Boston, Denver and the Clippers, making the Kings one of the underdogs of the Western conference.
Immanuel Quickley, 6-3 PG/SG New York
Stats : 11.8pts 2.7as 93% FT
With seven games with 16pts or more during the last month including multiple 20+pt-game, Quickley has been overachieving for the Knicks. Moreover, he’s nearing the elite 3 a/to ratio while shooting a top 5 93.4% from the free throw line. Hopefully, the Rose’s trade will not hinder the development of the potential starting PG of the future for New York.
James Wiseman, 7-1 C Golden State
Stats : 12.2pts 6.1rbds 1.3bl
Before getting injured on 30 January, Wiseman was his usual self, alterning impressive performances (20pts 6rbds 4as vs San Antonio, 25pts 6rbds 3/3 from three vs the Wolves) with tasteless outings (4pts 5fo 5tos vs the Lakers, 5pts 6rbds 2/9 FG vs the Suns). Wiseman needs to find a way to be productive even in bad days. His motor and will to improve are what can take him from inconsistent prospect to an anchor in the paint.
Desmond Bane, 6-6 SG Memphis
Stats : 10.3pts 2.7rbds 1.6as 48% 3pt
During the last game, Bane allowed the Grizzlies to end their four-game losing streak as he hit his season-best with 18pts on 4/8 from three. With at least 10pts in eight of the last nine games while shooting a combined 22/44 from three. Bane has already proved he was a steal as the 30th pick of the last draft and he still has a lot of room to improve.
Anthony Edwards, 6-5 SG Minnesota
Stats : 13.9pts 3.3rbds 2.2as
With the Wolves being pretty dysfunctional without KAT, Edwards has used the last weeks to spend more time on the court as he played at least 30min per game over the last seven games while starting the last eight. He had three 20+pt games over the period while knocking down 14/40 from three, a good sign even if he has a lot of work to do to be consistent.
Payton Pritchard, 6-2 PG Boston
Stats : 8.4pts 2.3rbds 47% 3pt
Pritchard is not your star rookie with the impressive stats but he has an important role for one of the best teams in the Eastern conference. Despite the team’s recent struggles, Pritchard has been good in two important wins against Toronto and the Clippers as he shot a combined 8/11 from three. His impact from the bench will be important to solidy a spot in the top 4.
Patrick Williams, 6-8 SF/PF Chicago
Stats : 10.3pts 4.4rbds 39% 3pt
Before his last game, Williams had scored a least 10pts in the last six games including his season-best of 20pts against Orlando. The Bull is still struggling with his outside shooting (5/17 over the last eight games) and has had some cold nights rebounding-wise (two games with at least 20min and only 1rbd). he has been solid since the start of the season but it’s not sure he will justify his selection as 4th pick of the last draft.
Tyrese Maxey, 6-3 SG Philadelphia
Stats : 8.8pts
Last report we wrote, Maxey just had a 39pt-game against the Nuggets and seemed on the rise. He followed with four games with 12pts or more as he was starting during Curry’s absence. Since then, things have been tougher as Maxey hasn’t had a consistent playing time, playing six minutes or less in four of the last ten games, but te talent is undeniably there.
Devin Vassell, 6-7 SF/SG San Antonio
Stats : 5.8pts 3.4rbds 40% 3pt
Playing for a team stacked with outside players, Vassell has nonetheless found a way to produce with 7.4pts per game since 15 January. The Spurs are in the race for the playoffs, and if Vassell can be more consistent (five games under 30% FG during the same period), he coud be the X factor for San Antonio.
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