The NBA is finally announcing their end of season awards today, starting off with the All-Rookie teams. Kings guard Buddy Hield was chosen to be on the All-Rookie First team, joining Joel Embiid, Dario Saric, Malcolm Brogdon and Willy Hernangomez. Jamal Murray, Jaylen Brown, Marquese Chriss, Brandon Ingram and Yogi Ferrell made up the Second team.

Hield became the first Kings rookie to be honored with a first team selection since DeMarcus Cousins in 2011. Isaiah Thomas made the second team in 2012 but no Kings rookie since that has made either team till now. Skal Labissiere probably would have warranted consideration himself for an All-Rookie team had he been playing all season (and he did receive some votes) but only saw meaningful playing time towards the end of the season.

Hield spent most of his season in New Orleans where he struggled but really excelled once he came over to Sacramento in the Cousins-trade. Hield put up 15.1 points on 48% from the field and 42.8% from three to go with 4.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 0.8 steals in 25 games with the Kings as he solidified himself as the team’s starting Shooting Guard.

Congrats to Buddy!