Who's the One?
It's early yet, but here's a look at the race for Rookie of the Year as it has been shaping up so far this season:
Player, teamHt., pos.Drafted
Andrew Wiggins, Wolves6-8, SF1st in 2014 from Kansas
• Drafted first overall because of his potential to be a game-changing, two-way player, his offensive growth already has been accelerated by injuries to teammates Kevin Martin, Nikola Pekovic and Ricky Rubio.
Jabari Parker, Milwaukee6-8, PF2nd in 2014 from Duke
• A versatile, gifted scorer who's a better athlete than you first think, but he needs to learn how to play — and commit to — NBA defense. He will have an edge if the Bucks can contend for the playoffs.
Nerlens Noel, Philadelphia6-11, PF-C6th in 2013 from Kentucky
• Eligible because he didn't play at all last season and a sleeper pick before the season started, but November proved neither he nor the 76ers are nearly ready for such consideration.
Aaron Gordon, Orlando6-9, PF4th in 2014 from Arizona
• Looked like a legitimate candidate with a 17-point, six-rebound game against the Wolves last month, but a foot fractured last week takes him out of contention
JERRY ZGODA