At the start of this new NBA season, the editorial team has played the usual little game of predictions. The individual trophies, the teams that will disappoint, amaze, etc., we get wet so that we can hit the bars in eight months, looking back on – very often – these disastrous takes. Today ? Our predictions for the ROY trophy, the best beginner this season. And never forget, you can prune, but we want your opinion first.
Nicolas M.
Zach Edey: in “Shaq Edey” mode at university, the former Purdue giant will show that the many doubts expressed regarding his adaptation to the NBA were largely exaggerated. In a Memphis team that clearly needed a pivot, the 2m24, 138kg monster will quickly have responsibilities. Responsibilities that he will assume through great productivity on the floor, both in defense and attack. Edey should notably enjoy Ja Morant‘s caviars, and will thus participate in the Grizzlies’ return to the forefront. I can see a season of 12 points – 10 rebounds – 3 blocks at 60% shooting. And in a crop of not-so-great rookies, that will be enough to win the ROY title.
Giovanni
Zaccharie Risacher : At the risk of getting speared (that must hurt), I find this Draft promo quite “average”. Interesting guys (Castle, Dillingham), a trio of French people without complexes, but from the perspective of a ROY trophy I don’t see anyone as well equipped as Zaccharie. Comfort, basketball IQ, skill, fundamentals and – I dare – environment: the Z has everything it takes to top its 15 pawns average in year 1 and thus win the ROY, helped as it will be by the balance sheet “average/good” from the Hawks. If you want to debate it you know the address, but already know that I am right.
Alexandre T.
Alexandre Sarr: by arriving at the Wizards, Alex Sarr has not set foot in the most attractive environment in the NBA at the moment. Positive point for him, he arrives in full reconstruction and should therefore be quickly given responsibility within the effective, probably even more if Kyle Kuzma sets sail. When we look at the main headliners of the Draft, few really have the assurance of having enormous playing time and an important role from year 1. Sarr enters this box, he will be at the heart of the project . 16 points, 10 rebounds and 2.5 blocks later, Olivier’s brother will lift a ROY trophy.
Nico V
Tidjane Salaün : What does it take for a rookie to have an excellent first season? Solid basketball skills. Check. A playing intelligence which allows him to show himself even without the ball. Check. So far, it’s classic for anyone entering the NBA. The most? Hard working temperament. Check. Audacity, confidence sometimes surprising but paying off. Check. Tidjane Salaün ticks a lot of boxes on paper. On a team that has every interest in giving him playing time to starve him even more, I can see him surprising well beyond North Carolina.
Robin
Ryan Dunn : a soldier’s name to be saved, and yet he is quite the opposite. An Irish Pub name, but when you talk to him about Guinness, the winger only thinks about his future world record for interceptions. The Arizona desert welcomes a new grain of sand for opponents, we could call it Ryan Dune. The kid has the perfect size and doesn’t hesitate to dive on every ball, Ryan Dunnaruma. He’s going to make them all agree, Ryan Dunleavy, and collect the awards on his Office, Ryan Dundies. (By the way, the real Rookie of the Year will be Alexandre Sarr, but the race will be more boring than the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix, so I preferred to talk about my favorite).
Maxime
Tidjane Salaün : honestly, and at the risk of getting skewered with a certain Giovanni M, this 2024 vintage doesn’t inspire me much either. So, because of our three French lottery picks, the other two have already been mentioned, I’m going with Tidjane Salaün. And then we must admit that Titi has everything it takes to shine from year 1 in the NBA. Physically, he’s strong, the guy seems hardworking and should also have good minutes with the Hornets. Now we will have to seize the opportunities to show ourselves. But hey, when we see how the T managed its pre-season, no reason to worry.
Thibault
Reed Sheppard : Here we have a serious weakness for guys who are capable of sending bombs from all places on the floor. Reed Sheppard really has the look of the ultimate arsonist. If it seems quite unlikely to see him shoot 52% from behind the arc again, Reed will light up and string together catch-and-shoot buckets. Often hidden in a corner like those who hid in the bushes on Fornite, Sheppard will be able to come out of his den at the appropriate time to flirt with the 12 points average. Let’s not forget that he is a more than decent defender. Reed Sheppard can bring a lot to these young Rockets who are hungry for the Playoffs. Enough to become Rookie of the Year? I believe in it.
Clément
Zach Edey: I decided to listen to Mohamed Henni, who advised me to take risks, otherwise I would have a lousy life, so I put Zach Edey. A much criticized profile even before his arrival in the league, he was chosen by Memphis to fill his pivot position, deserted despite the presence of Jaren Jackson Jr., and it is clear that the Canadian yeti does the job. The pivot will inevitably have his playing time in Memphis and his opportunities with Ja Morant at the helm. So even if it means hitting the bars, you might as well go all out.
