NBA Insider believes Paolo Banchero’s run to ROTY award can be challenged by Bennedict Mathurin
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Bennedict Mathurin, Scoop B and Paolo Banchero
NBA insider Scoop B aka Brandon Robinson, recently commented that Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero, favorite to win the Rookie of the year award, faces a tough challenge from Canadian player Bennedict Mathurin for the same. Orlando star Paolo is having a dream run in his NBA debut year so is the Indiana Pacers star, Bennedict. Both these players have lit up the NBA league with fiery game plays and stellar performances.
Scoop B was talking recently on a show, “Live on the Line” and discussing about Paolo and his ROTY run he quoted, “Bennedict Mathurin is also the another guy playing really well off the bench for Indiana Pacers… When I look at Paolo, the names like Dominique Wilkins stand out to me as it relays to players who score at least 20 points in their debut. Paolo fills up a stat sheet like it’s no other. He’s clearly the Rookie of the Year favorite already, but he’s definitely in the conversation.”
Brandon added, “Again, basketball is a marathon, not a sprint. Guys like Bennedict Mathurin definitely may have a thing or two to say about the significance of that Rookie of the Year award this year.” The NBA league has seen some high-class rookie players this year, and they are equally contesting for the ROTY award but Paolo and Bennedict have an edge over them.
Paolo Banchero and Bennedict Mathurin having a great run in their rookie year
Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero and Indiana Pacers’ Bennedict Mathurin have dazzled in the regular season. Banchero looked like one of the best players every time he took the court. He posted 20 points, 12 rebounds, four blocks, and two assists against Atlanta. He struggled with efficiency and turnovers but looked like a star nonetheless.
No one on the Magic is getting close to as many shots as Banchero, and he’s quickly getting the highest usage in the clutch, where he is boasting a 68 actual shooting percentage, second only among rookies to Smith Jr.’s 72.5 percent mark. On the other hand, Mathurin finished with 26 points on 8-for-15 shooting while on the court.
Among all rookies playing at least 10 minutes per game, Mathurin is second only to Banchero in usage rate. A good chunk of that heavy usage is coming in transition, with 23.5% of his possessions and top-class finishes. He’s scoring 1.565 PPP, which ranks in the 86th percentile for transition scoring. Both of them are considered for the ROTY award but will have to put in more effort than they are giving in currently.
Also read Millionaire Paolo Banchero had ZERO PRIVACY after blowing up at DUKE
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Rutuja Suryawanshi
(247 Articles Published)