The Greek Freak makes up this week’s rookie team.
Victor Oladipo- PG/SG Orlando Magic
The 6”4 shooting guard is proving that his words hold weight, as he recently stated he no longer felt like a rookie anymore. His averages of 15.8 points (50% from the field), 5.3 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals, 2.5 turnovers for the week were definitely nice, but the stats hardly begin to tell the story. After dropping their first game of the week in Indiana coming off a back-to-back, the Magic enjoyed wins against the Pistons, Thunder, and Pacers at home, and none of this would have been possible without Oladipo. His defense and ability to be an effective contributor for Orlando regardless of role were keys to this rare Magic winning streak that’s been riddled by injuries for most of the year. In Orlando’s victory over Oklahoma City Oladipo played just 21 minutes, but he forced coach Jacque Vaughn to keep him in the game down the stretch with his great defense on Durant and his efficiency on the offensive end (5-7, 14 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 1 turnover). Lost in all the deserved hype over the buzzer-beating walk-off dunk was Oladipo’s in-rhythm rebound and pushing of the ball in the game’s final seconds that led to the dunk. The Cavaliers have to be kicking themselves harder and harder every week for passing on him in the draft. While most first-year guys appear to hit that rookie wall at some point, it certainly seems like Oladipo (who has played in every game by the way) is running right through it and in the process gaining ground on Michael-Carter Williams in the Rookie of the Year race.
Giannis Antetokounmpo- SG/SF Milwaukee Bucks
The 19 year-old 6”9 “Greek Freak,” is the youngest starter in the NBA, and is supposed to grow to be nearly 7”0 tall and because of this post-draft growth spurt potential and his elite athletic ability, there are those who speak his name in the same breath they mention Paul George. Antetokounmpo turned in an encouraging performance for Milwaukee and helped them secure a rare win, albeit vs. the New York Knicks (insert joke about Knicks being bad). Antetokounmpo posted 15 points on 5-9 from the field to go along with 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal in 28 minutes.
Ryan Kelly- SF/PF Los Angeles Lakers
The former Duke Blue Devil did turn in two duds this week against the Wolves and Bulls, but he also helped lead the lost and completely injury-depleted Lakers to wins against Cleveland and Philadelphia. After dropping a career-high 26 points on 16 field goal attempts to go along with 6 rebounds in Cleveland, Kelly contributed 15 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals in Philly. The big man has a knack for knocking down the deep ball, as evidenced by his six made three-pointers this week.
Mason Plumlee PF/C Brooklyn Nets
Another Former Duke Blue Devil, Plumlee had his best game of the season Sunday in their win against New Orleans. In 28 minutes, Plumlee dominated, scoring 22 points on 8-10 from the field to go along with 13 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 3 steals. He’s shown flashes during his rookie season in Brooklyn, and given the injury to Brook Lopez and the elderly status of Kevin Garnett, the Nets need a consistent inside presence.
Kelly Olynyk- C Boston Celtics
The Gonzaga product that people won’t stop comparing to a young Dirk Nowitzki had one of his better nights this season against Sacramento Friday night, posting 11 points on 3-5 from the field and added 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and a steal in 26 minutes. The Celtics also enjoyed a 2-1 week thanks in large part to Olynyk’s efforts.
by: Gabriel Allen
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