The NBA announced Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball as the 2020-21 NBA Rookie of the Year on Wednesday afternoon. Sacramento Kings rookie Tyrese Haliburton finished in third place, while Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves finished in second.
While Haliburton (58 games played, 13 points, 5.3 assists, 3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals on 47% and 40.9% from deep) was exceptionally consistent and efficient all season long, it’s no real surprise that Ball and Edwards finished above him in the polling. The public debate for the award had surrounded Ball (51 games, 15.7 points, 6.1 assists, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals on 43.6% shooting and 35% from deep) and Edwards (72 games, 19.3 points, 2.9 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals on 41.7% shooting and 33% from deep) for most of the season. If Ball had not been injured for 21 games, he may have won even more votes.
Marc Stein of the New York Times posted the full ballot, which shows Haliburton earning 9 2nd place votes and 87 3rd place votes:
Full Rookie of the Year ballot: pic.twitter.com/Lj6d9xilk2
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 16, 2021
While losing the award may sting for both Tyrese and Kings fans, Haliburton told The Athletic’s Sam Amick in April that winning or losing the award wasn’t overly important to him.
Nah, to be honest I don’t really care, you know? I guess it doesn’t really do anything for me. If I were to win it, or if I wasn’t to win it, it doesn’t affect my approach at all. I’m still coming out here trying to win basketball games… It’s fun, though, at the end of the day. Me and Ant (Edwards) were talking about it when we played, saying, They told us our draft class wasn’t going to be shit,’ you know what I’m saying? And there’s multiple of us who are playing at a high level right now and are going to be playing at a high level for a while. I think that’s kind of a fire within us, like Man, they told us we wasn’t gonna be nothing, so let’s just change that and be special.’
Haliburton was right to call the 2020 draft class something special. Given that the pandemic threw all NBA norms into disarray last year, it would have been understandable for many in the 2020 class to have struggled without the normal amount of practice time. Instead, we saw a ton of rookies make serious impacts across the league. And given that both Ball and Edwards had exceptionally promising seasons, Haliburton finishing third in the vote is no small feat for the 20 year old. Haliburton’s future in Sacramento is bright, and he exceeded every expectation I had for him going into the season.
That all said – I would hazard a guess that Anthony Edwards might be taking this loss a bit harder than Hali.
Two Inefficient rookie scorers ahead, with more points ..
Ball was clearly the best player of the three and has the highest cieling, can’t really complain with him winning it.
I think he was probably more important to his team. I thought Tyrese could have been used more than Buddy and would have shined more. I do think the Kings acted like a un-motivated team in general during this pandemic year.
Similar to how they act during non-pandemic years.
Haliburton definitely should play over Buddy.
He was a long-shot to win, but in my biased opinion, he’ll be the one who goes on to have the best all-around career.
For fun, I went back 11 years to the last time a Kings rookie placed third Demarcus Cousins. Blake Griffin was first that year, and John Wall was second. Here’s how it’s gone since then:
11-12: 1) Kyrie Irving 2) Ricky Rubio
3) Kenneth Faried
12-13: 1) Damian Lilliard 2) Anthony Davis
3) Bradley Beal
13-14: 1) Michael Carter-Williams
2) Victor Oladipo 3) Trey Burke
14-15: 1) Andrew Wiggins
2) Nikola Mirotic 3) Nerlins Noel
15-16: 1) Karl-Anthony Towns
2) Kristaps Porzingis 3) Nikola Jokic
16-17: 1) Malcolm Brogdon 2) Dario Saric
3) Joel Embiid
17-18: 1) Ben Simmons 2) Donovan Mitchel 3) Jayson Tatum
18-19: 1) Luka Donic 2) Trae Young
3) DeAndre Ayton
19-20: 1) Ja Morant 2) Kendrick Nunn
3) Zion Williamson
None of this means anything of course. But it’s a nice reminder that the best player in the class isn’t always the rookie of the year, or even in the top three. It’s also a reminder that the 3rd place rookie can often become an All-Star or even MVP. You’re in good company, Tyrese.
Rubio was in Tyreke Evans draft class !
True, but he didn’t join the NBA until two years later. It’s like how Griffin was in Evans’ class, or Embiid was in Wiggins’ class, and joined the NBA later. Though with Griffin and Embiid the issue was injury, while Rubio was so pissed about dropping to 5th that he refused to pay a buyout clause and stayed in Europe for two years.
Congratulations on a fantastic rookie year, Tyrese! Looking forward to watching you grow and enjoy success here. 🙂
Sadly some comments had to be removed as they were unrelated and unsubstantiated.
I’m not sad about it at all.
What I’m sad about is how Edwards placing above Haliburton is another reminder that analysis still rarely gets beyond PPG and narrative.
Edwards was pretty solid in the second half of the season, but you’re right, it’s somewhat about buckets. I say “somewhat.” because Edwards had more of them than Ball, but Ball is flashier, and has had years of hype behind him before ever being drafted. It was always his race to lose, and if I had voted, I’d have put Edwards ahead of him.
Haliburton was fading before his injury, but had he played more games, he might have had a stronger case for one of the top two spots. I hope all three stay well next season, they’re great additions to the league.
Edwards did get better towards the end. If it were a Rookie of the Last Couple Months of the Season Award, he’d have a much better case. But really, the only thing Edwards did better than Ball or Haliburton is take shots. Ball is definitely flashier and has the “Makes SC top 10” type of plays advantage (though Edwards dunks help him there too), but he was also better this year. Both Ball and Haliburton were simply more effective players over the course of the season. And Ball was the most effective of the 3. Assuming the goal is identifying who had the most productive rookie season, I don’t see really see an argument for Edwards that goes beyond PPG.
I was absolutely of the opinion that Edwards was a chucker, as he was putting up a lot of Tim Hardaway Jr. ratios (24 points on 27 shots), but he really cleaned up that aspect of his game in the second half.
Over the next few years, I think Haliburton will remain more efficient, but with Edwards showing ability to improve in that regard by getting to the free throw line, that’s going to have a big impact. Tyrese simply has to be more willing to take and initiate contact if he’s going to make that step. He’s a good free throw shooter, and that’s a really easy way to get points on fewer shots.
As to Ball, the most surprising thing to me was that he remained consistent in making three-pointers all season. I thought he got off to a hot start and would fall off, but he really didn’t. 35.2% isn’t spectacular, but I thought that he’d struggle to make more than thirty percent.
I agree with all of that. I think Edwards showed flashes that suggest he could be the best in this rookie class. But the fact is he absolutely was a chucker the majority of the season. He didn’t become a passably efficient scorer until April. And didn’t become a true positive until the end of the season. For the first 3+ months of the season he was actively hurting his team when he shot. Now, that’s not to say he shouldn’t have done it, or that him playing that way was bad for the long-term success of the team. But the fact remains he was a negative player for the majority of the season.
So I guess, as usual, it’s about how we define the award. Is it the rookie that showed the most future potential? Is it the high-profile rookie who improved the most over the season or who was best at the end of the season? Or is it about the player who had the most productive rookie season? I tend to think of it in terms of the last definition.
As do I. I have no problem with Ball getting the award, but not sold he’ll be the best in his class.
I’d go Ball/Haliburton/Edwards if we’re just talking about those three, but I’d also put Isaiah Stewart in the running for the Edwards spot.
However, I do think Edwards will likely end up being the best pro out of this class.
Hard to argue with the ratings from a statistical standpoint, but I wouldn’t trade Hali for either of the other two. Just seems to have a lot more paths to being an elite contributor (Defense, Facilitation, Shooting, Scoring, PnR play).
I think Hali will be a very good player, but I’d have to seriously consider trading him for either of the other two.
I think it would be reasonable. The question for me is if you think they’re going to be good enough to be a tent pole worth dictating other personnel decisions. IF you think Ball/Edwards are going to become an elite player, then yeah, you probably make that trade. But if don’t think they’re going to be that level, I’d rather have Haliburton because his versatility theoretically makes him so much easier to fit into a cohesive unit. He doesn’t force your hand at any other position. With Ball, you have to surround him with shooters and defenders. With Edwards, you have to put him next to a facilitator and some smart team defenders.
Exactly. Plus, Hali has potential to be elite at one or multiple levels. I’m betting on him all day long.
Simply put, I think both of those guys have a higher ceiling than Haliburton.
Caveat, most of what I saw of Edwards was against the Kings, so that should be taken into consideration.
Yeah…Love Hali but either one of those guys gives the Kings a chance at Elite player. NO guarantees, but a chance.
Edwards was pretty damn good the last 20 or so games of the season, when KAT and DLo were both back from injury. So to some degree he was chucking by necessity first half of season.
Some stunning results in the playoffs now.
If Simmons no-shows again I’d have to assume that Philly would start listening to offers. I really have no interest in him as a point guard – I think his best position is probably something along the lines of a Draymond Green type forward – but the Kings could probably make a compelling offer.
Fox + a bit of stuff or Buddy + lots of stuff (including this year’s pick) might get it done.
I agree with your assessment that it’s best to look at Simmons as a 3/4 with great playmaking skills, as opposed to a point guard. I’d disagree about including Fox in order to get Simmons. Even if Haliburton continues to grow as a facilitator, you still need what Fox provides on and off the ball.
Buddy would make sense, especially as it’s clear that Philly has more need for floor-spreaders at the moment. The Sixers being able to run sets with Curry and/or Hield would definitely open things up more for Embiid & Harris.
Simmons with the Kings could work, particularly if Wright & Davis are retained, and with Metu & DJones showing some potential as perimeter threats. Between Simmons’ defensive ability, and being able to get a half-dozen assists in his sleep, it could work. If Philly gets bounced, it’s hard to imagine that they don’t take a hard look at the roster.
So much yet to come: The draft, free agency & trades… It could be a crazy summer, and crazy might be the only chance Sacramento has.
So out of interest, what would your offer for Simmons be? Buddy + this year’s first rounder? More picks? Anyone else?
Why would they even want Buddy when Seth Curry is better for less than half the salary?
I don’t think Curry is as good as Buddy, but the gap isn’t so big that it makes up for the dollars.
Buddy could be ridiculous on that team.
I’d vastly prefer a Buddy-centric deal for the Kings, I’m just not sure Philly bites on any possible permutation of that. Fox probably gets a deal done without surrendering a ton of future assets but obviously creates a hole in terms of scoring.
I think it’s definitely something worthwhile for Monte to explore
It’s an interesting question, right? Would you feel more comfortable long term building around Fox/Haliburton or Haliburton/Simmons?
For me, it’s the type of thing to potentially look at after the draft, or at least the draft lottery.
You think we should give up D’Aaron Fox AND at least one lottery pick for Simmons, who’s a great defender and passer but can’t shoot or take over games?
No. No thank you.
No, I think a Fox deal would only involve heavily protected future picks.
A Buddy-centric deal would almost certainly have to include this year’s pick, though.
I’d give up Buddy and multiple picks for Simmons and use him as a 4.
A core of Fox/Hali/Simmons would be great.
Problem is, you’re not getting Simmons without Fox included. So for me it’s a no go.
Yup – this is pretty much where I’m at. I’d trade Buddy + Salary Stuffing + 2021 + Two more protected picks or swaps and not think twice about it. I’d probably say no to a straight(ish) trade for Fox but I would have to think hard about it. I don’t know that anything could convince me to trade Haliburton (at least not that Philly would entertain).
This probably means the trade doesn’t happen, but I still think Monte should make the offer
If the Kings are in the top 3, I definitely wouldn’t trade the 2021 pick. If they’re #4, it’d depend on what happened w/the 1st 3 picks. If they don’t move up, I’d gladly trade the pick, but it’d be less valuable to Philly.
Fair enough, I misread, sorry. And I agree and would even give up anyone we could but Cunningham or Mobley for Simmons. I agree that the Buddy trade for Simmons would still be unlikely. And I probably wouldn’t trade Fox for Simmons, much less for picks, even if heavily protected. Fox just had too much potential and Simmons is too limited.
I do think a major move will be in the works for Philly if they lose to ATL. Potential trades to be made as they could certainly use Buddy’s floor spacing around Embiid as well as Barnes’ skill set.
I’d give up Buddy, Barnes and a first rounder for Simmons, but I don’t think it’s nearly enough. A team like NOP or OKC can offer a crap load of firsts.
I generally agree, and would do that trade, though like you I don’t think it’s enough short of the Kings landing a top 4 and the Sixers having a thing for Jalen Suggs. Shame though having Simmons’ D and passing with Fox would be fantastic.
I agree with you here. Fox is very good at a number of things already, and definitely has room to grow. With Simmons, it’ll never matter how well he defends or facilitates if he can’t shoot or make free throws. It’s just too basic of a skill to paper over, unfortunately.
I do think that Simmons could have real utility here, but not at the cost of losing Fox.
I think any trade for Simmons by the Kings would have to include Fox OR Haliburton as the primary asset.
If the trade were Haliburton, Barnes and future picks for Simmons, do you bite?
I anyone on the Kings is completely off the table right now it would have to be Haliburton. His potential ceiling is ridiculous.
I’m looking at the dynamic of Philly having a larger problem than Sacramento because they have so much talent, a high-priced coach, and were one of the real favorites going into the season and the playoffs. Their need to do something has higher stakes at the moment.
I wouldn’t trade anything beyond either Hield/pick, Barnes/pick, or Hield/Barnes to get Simmons. Simmons is a very good player, but he’s not a superstar, and while he’d improve the Kings, once you factor in his considerable uselessness on offense, it’s not as if he’d get the Kings to 45+ wins, barring other moves.
I think that all told, Fox is going to have a better career. There have been many revered defensive gods in the NBA, but the ones with limited offensive impact are still role-players, whether they start or not. Fox merely needs to be adequate on defense to move up a tier, whereas Simmons is basically a high school-level player on offense. It’s too big of a leap, and while I’d love to see it, I’d be inclined to bet against it.
The fact that Simmons has to be removed from games because he’s so terrible at free throws very much limits his value. He’s still owed a ton of money, too, and it’s not easy to imagine that he’ll improve enough to where the contract looks good. I’d still consider getting him under the conditions that I specified, but he’s not the missing piece. He’s not the 1A that we need with Fox to really have the opportunity to compete with the best teams.
While I don’t think any of it will happen, and simply adding Simmons talent would probably improve the team, I think Fox and Simmons are a terrible fit together.
Eh, I think we’ve lost a bit of perspective on Simmons.
The holes in Simmons game are a reason they have a hard time reaching the finals. But the positives in his game are also a big reason why the Sixers have been to the second round 3 of the past 4 seasons and reached the playoffs every season he’s played. Despite his well-documented gaps, he’s an excellent player that positively impacts both ends of the floor. He’s also only 1.5 years older than Fox and they’ve played the same number of seasons in the league. So talking about Simmons (not you specifically, just my impression) as a finished product with permanent flaws, but Fox as having vast potential still to tap is odd to me. We’re talking about what Simmons is vs what Fox might someday become.
To quote Pop when asked about Simmons’ shooting:
The reason Simmons would interest me is that he’s a very good player right now. IF (that’s as big an ‘if’ as I can figure out how to write) he ever gets past his mental block and finds a serviceable shot, he’s an MVP candidate. There aren’t many players under 25 in the NBA with that kind of floor/ceiling combination.
Either way, it would take one hell of a set of balls for Monte to consider trading FOR Simmons or trading AWAY Fox. Much less both.
Yeah, I think a lot of people have a tendency to talk about what Simmons doesn’t do, rather than what he does.
Fox has very real flaws in his game as well. And Simmons probably still has the higher ceiling.
Fo’ sho’.
I haven’t heard anything about Simons being on the trading block, but I don’t think the Kings would offer Fox to get him.
I’m gonna assume that you mean Ben Simmons and not Anfernee Simons.
Simmons might not be soft enough to fit into the Kings current system.
Apparently Zion’s family wants him out of New Orleans.
Luka disgruntled with Mav’s FO.
Many teams needing to placate their young stars by adding talent and cultivating a winning culture (Blazers with Dame, Wiz with Beal, Celts with Tatum, to name a few) before they start demanding a trade.
There will be many opportunities this off season for Monte to make some trades (Buddy, Barnes, S&T Holmes, etc.) with desperate teams. It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out. If we come back with basically the same team to go a long with the same failure of a coach, it’ll test many fan’s fandom. Big off season for the Kangz.
Stay bitching about Marvin Bagley’s dad tho
Welp, good thing we announced the return of our HC when we didn’t really need to:
WOW. So many good coaches out there now. Too bad McNair already publicly hitched his wagon to Walton.
In other news, Dallas looks like a hot mess.
Yeah, but they’re still a Luka Donc-mess.
Nah, it’s all media nonsense, right Mark?
https://twitter.com/mcuban/status/1404499463117410308
The Athletic writes one piece on the Mavs and the entire organization implodes. Why the hell can’t we get a piece like that written about us?
It’s a conundrum – you have to be good enough to get that kind of national media attention, but we can’t get good enough without that kind of national media attention.
They should change the address of the G1C to Catch-22 David Stern Walk.
Are the Mavs imploding?
Well, it’s no secret that Matt is moron.
And too bad all these coaches would rather retire than work for Vivek.
Right, at this point, no coach in his right mind would come here. Hence….Luke.
Which of them has said that?
I think Pollyanna is on Disney+ right now.
This has been one of the most bizarre weeks in the NBA probably in years.
At least we have Walton, though.
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the Kings doing absolutely nothing might be a positive this week
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Oh, what am I thinking? Firing Walton would still be a positive.
The only way firing Walton wouldn’t be a positive is if Vivek decided to save money and coach the team himself.
No doubt…Captain Walton keeping the Kings afloat 🙂
Poor Luka, being drafted by the Mavs instead of more stable, cohesive franchises like the Kings, Hawks and Suns.
I think we’d be a playoff team with Carlisle as coach.
We won’t know until Vivek leaves.
Except Cuban is so far from Vivek. Watch, Ainge to Mavs.
I think Edwards ends up being a Superstar. What I saw in the second half of the season was pretty damn good. I think he ends up being miles better than both Lamelo and Hali in the next 2-3 years. If not sooner.
To me he can go either way, he can be an elite scorer like Donovan Mitchell or he can be the proverbial empty stats chucker.
Best anagram for Tyrese Haliburton:
Lottery snub, I hear.
Holy crap.
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