Former player and current analyst JJ Redick made a strong case for Jalen Williams’ Rookie of the Year odds in his latest podcast episode of “The Old Man & the Three.”
In recent weeks, due to his strong individual performance and the Oklahoma City Thunder becoming a surprise playoff contender, Williams has gained momentum for the elusive award.
“I would argue Williams is making a late push, and a worthy push, for Rookie of the Year. … If you just look at the advanced stats for Jalen Williams vs. Paolo Banchero, Jalen outshines him in nearly every advanced stats — whether it’s true shooting percentage, offensive win shares, where Paolo is a negative win-share on Basketball Reference, defensive win shares. … You could make a strong argument that Jalen Williams has had a better rookie year than Paolo Banchero — counting stats aside. But that’s where we get into role. And Paolo Banchero has been asked to be a primary shot creater on the Orlando Magic. And like all young players, he has struggled at times with efficiency; his 3-point-shooting was god-awful in February, 1-of-33, I think, for the month. I don’t think I would vote for Jalen Williams if I had a vote, but I think this race where it felt like Banchero for months and months and months was the runaway favorite on this — Jalen Williams is definitely in the conversation for Rookie of the Year.”
In 65 games, Williams is averaging 13.5 points on 51.8% shooting, 4.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists. The 21-year-old likely will not win it due to Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero having an equally impressive season and a strong start, but Williams will likely finish second in voting.
The full conversation centering around the Thunder and how high Redick is on their future can be watched below:
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