Miami Heat rookie Kendrick Nunn is off to a tremendous start this season and the undrafted guard from Oakland has earned quite a bit of respect along the way.
Nunn is averaging 15.3 points, 3.4 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 21 games played this season for the Heat. He currently ranks third in rookie scoring average, second in field goals and is tied for first in 3-pointers.
Boston Celtics head coach Brad Steven was the latest to voice his praise for the rookie as his squad hosted Nunn and the Heat on Wednesday night at the TD Garden.
He’s really good, he’s really shifty. He’s a lefty that puts you in tough spots. He can go right in the pullups. He can go left to the rim. He can finish with floaters, he can shoot the three. He’s just a really good player. He’s off to a great start in his career.
Nunn finished with eight points, four assists and two rebounds in the 112-93 loss to the Celtics. After a strong start to the season, Nunn has struggled as of late. Over his last five games, he is averaging just 10 points on 29% shooting from the field, including 20% from 3-point range.
Struggles for rookie players are common as teams begin to scout them better and they adjust to life in the NBA. Nunn has been touted as a hard-working player to get to this point in his career so the Heat are likely confident he will be able to snap out of his recent slump.
Next up for the Heat: A home tilt on Friday against the Wizards.
Quote provided by Nick Friar of the USA TODAY Sports Media Group
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