Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard was voted the biggest steal of the draft by a panel of 30 beat writers or columnists representing each market in the league, according to Mark Medina of NBA.com.
Nembhard is averaging 8.4 points, 3.7 assists, 3.1 rebounds and one steal on 40% shooting from 3-point range in 36 games. He has emerged as a key player with the Pacers this season and has started 27 games, averaging 9.3 points, 3.9 assists and 3.3 rebounds in that role.
The 31st pick is ninth in scoring among all first-year players and is second in 3-point percentage and third in assists. He is also one of four rookies with at least one 30-point game this season after recording a career-high 31 points on Dec. 5.
Which rookie has been the biggest steal related to where he was selected in the 2022 Draft?
- Andrew Nembhard, Indiana (No. 31) – 30%
- Walker Kessler, Utah (No. 22) – 23%
- Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana (No. 6) – 17%
Nembhard has earned high praise throughout the season.
After his career night last month, head coach Rick Carlisle said Nembhard would be a top-10 pick in a redraft based on his production this season. He believes Nembhard plays with poise well beyond his years and can affect games on both ends of the court.
Certainly, Nembhard is quickly emerging as one of the top rookies this season and is doing so as a second-round pick. It may be far too early to say he should have been a top-10 pick, but the 22-year-old is making a strong case for himself.
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