With Sixers big man Joel Embiid getting put on the shelf after playing just 31 games, and rookies from the 2016 draft under achieving so far, the race seems reasonably open.
Bucks head coach Jason Kidd thinks his own Malcolm Brogdon, is deserving of the award.
“I think he should be Rookie of the Year, for what he has done being drafted in the second round,” Kidd told Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “That’s probably being a little biased.”
Brogdon 24 years of age, spent the last five years at Virginia University. He was drafted in the second round, 36th overall, and has already earned the trust of Kidd through his consistent game.
“I think it’s a great story,” Kidd said. “He’s a student of the game. He works extremely hard, not just on the court but off the court, studying film and asking questions.”It makes it fun to come to work when you have the opportunity to coach someone like that.”
Brogdon leads all first-year players in assists (4.1), win shares (2.9), and 3-point percentage (42.5). He’s also putting up 10 points (3rd), 2.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per outing for the Bucks.
“I don’t actually care,” Brogdon said. “I don’t worry about it. All I care about is making the playoffs.
“If I keep my focus right and not let that distract me, things might work out in my favor.”
