Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George isn’t among the front-runners to be named NBA Rookie of the Year, but that doesn’t mean the 16th pick isn’t aiming to win the annual award.
George emerged as one of the top first-year players in summer league after a tremendous run with the Jazz. He was named to the all-summer league first team in Las Vegas after averaging 21.2 points, 6.3 assists and 2.7 rebounds on 44.4% shooting from 3-point range.
He has carried that momentum into training camp and is impressing those around him thus far. George, speaking on Monday, is confident in his abilities and is entering the season with tremendous expectations for himself.
I set really high goals so, of course, I want to be Rookie of the Year to put out an individual goal. But as far as the season: (I want to) get better each and every day, get 1% better. (Baylor) Coach (Scott) Drew did a great job teaching me that throughout the season last year. It is a way longer season this year so just continue to take small steps, learn and ask questions.
George enters the preseason with the 10th-best odds (plus-5000) of winning Rookie of the Year, according to the BetMGM Sportsbook. Victor Wembanyama (plus-110), Scoot Henderson (plus-300) and Chet Holmgren (plus-300) are the front-runners to win.
The Jazz have yet to determine his role, but head coach Will Hardy said he will have the opportunity to compete for minutes in training camp. He will need to impress the coaching staff and earn the trust of his teammates first, but the 19-year-old is up for the challenge.
“I’m young and you can say I haven’t done anything in this league yet, but I think, day in and day out, I’m putting in the work,” George said. “I’m overly locked in. … (I’ll) just continue to have an unselfish mind and at some point, I’ll be able to gain that trust and lead this team in a way.”
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