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Each week, the Draft Digest team selects an NBA rookie from each conference as the player of the week.
In most rookie classes, there will always be a significant number of players who are picked outside the lottery and who end up being steeled at that position. Additionally, they are usually drafted by teams that are looking to compete now, or teams that had great records in the previous year.
This class is already looking deep, with lots of freshman talent making an impact.
Who brought home the hardware this week?
Eastern Conference
AJ Griffin (Atlanta Hawks)
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Stats from last week: 4 GP | 10.8PPG | 2.5 RPG | 58.3% 3PT | 68.0% FG
Atlanta went 4-0 this week with a big contribution from the Griffins. Despite being a rookie, he found a way to make time and space for the Hawks’ offense.
Most impressive is the number he’s had in under 20 minutes per game this week. He didn’t need a major minute to make an impact, and in the last four games Griffin has come out of the deep with his 12-for-7 and stepped back his game looked vulnerable. His 77 3PE is one of his best in this class, according to Cerebro Sports.
He was still a contributing role player as a scorer, but the ceiling looks high. The Hawks drafted Griffin in last summer’s draft.
western conference
Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz)
Bruce Clackhorn – USA TODAY Sports
Stats from last week: 4 GP | 15.3 PPG| 13.3 RPG | 5.8 ORPG | 77.1% FG
Kessler helped lead Utah to a 3-1 record this week, playing nearly 30 minutes per game and playing a major role in the rotation. He has recorded double-doubles in three of his four contests.
In perhaps Kessler’s best NBA game, he compiled a 20-point, 20-rebound game against Rudy Gobert and the Minnesota Timberwolves this week.
One of the fastest rising rookies in the class, the 7-footer has found a way to dominate on both ends. He’s a rim protector and glass cleaner and a great value to Jazz.
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