According to the men responsible for drafting rookies, Lonzo Ball is the clear
frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.
In the annual NBA GM survey, 62 percent of responding general managers predicted
that Ball will take home the prize for the league’s top first-year player.
It was an overwhelming margin for the First Team All-American and Summer League
MVP, who had a considerable gap ahead of second-place Ben Simmons (24 percent)
and third-place Dennis Smith Jr. (7).
However, responses were much more spread out for the question of which rookie
will be the best player in five years.
Ball tied with Simmons for fourth at 14 percent. Josh Jackson (24) led the
category, while Markelle Fultz and Jayson Tatum (21) tied for second.
JC Zo
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Ball’s fellow rookie Laker, Kyle Kuzma, has also caught the attention of the
league’s GMs.
After averaging 21.9 points at Summer League, Kuzma — the 27th draft pick —
drew 22 percent of the vote in the category for biggest steal in the draft. Only
ninth-pick Dennis Smith Jr. (37) placed higher.
The Lakers received some more responses across the survey. They were among the
“also receiving votes” for the following categories.
Most improved team: Lakers Most likely to have a breakout season: Kentavious
Caldwell-Pope and Brandon Ingram Most underrated player acquisition: Kentavious
Caldwell-Pope Biggest steal of the draft: Josh Hart Best assistant coach: Brian
Shaw
HIGHLIGHTS: Kyle Kuzma finishes with 23 points and four triples, leading the
Lakers in scoring for the second straight preseason game.
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Player: Lonzo Ball
Player: Kyle Kuzma
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