2013 NBA Season Awards Predictions: Handing out the hardware on season’s last day
By Matt Shetler
Rookie of the Year: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
This is a two man race between Lillard and Anthony Davis, but it’s really not that close.
Apr 14, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Portland Trailblazers guard Damian Lillard (0) drives to the basket during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Lillard’s average of 19.1 points per game is almost a full six points ahead of the second highest scoring rookie, Davis. The same is true for assists, as the 6.5 that Lillard averages blows any other rookie out of the water. Although the Blazers have struggled to get wins this season, Lillard’s statistical dominance is undeniable, and he will run away with this award.
In addition, he has played in every game this year and has averaged a whopping 38.6 minutes per game.
Let’s compare Lillard and Davis, who also had an excellent rookie season despite missing 17 games on the year with injuries.
Lillard: 19.0 points, 6.5 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 16.4 PER, 42.8% FG, 36.7% 3pt
Davis: 13.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.75 blocks, 21.8 PER, 51.6% FG
As you can see both guys have had very good years and while it’s hard to compare them due to the fact that play different positions, Lillard gets the nod for playing the point guard and proving he can run an NBA offense effectively while putting up big numbers throughout the course of an entire season.
Runner Up: Davis