Rookie Wire took a look back at which first-year players were among the leaders in scoring, rebounding, assists and more.
With the 2021-22 regular season wrapped up, observers of the NBA can now take a look back at the year that was and evaluate how each player performed, including the rookie class.
The group played at a high level throughout the season with several individuals emerging as potential future All-Stars. As a result, the Rookie of the Year voting is expected to be highly competitive with as many as five players in the running to win.
Rookie Wire took a look back at how the class performed and which players were among the leaders in key statistical categories, including scoring, rebounding and assists.
The Wizards head coach recently explained how Kispert has progressed through the first half of the season.
Corey Kispert was shocked to learn the Washington Wizards have already played the first half of the 2021-22 season but the rookie out of Gonzaga has learned quite a bit in such a short time frame.
Kispert played sparingly to start the season but has seen his role increase dramatically over the last month. He even recently entered the starting lineup with several Wizards players out due to injury and the health and safety protocol.
The 15th pick earned his first start of the season on Dec. 23, producing a career-high 20 points in a win over the New York Knicks. Since that point, Kispert is averaging 9.9 points and 2.6 rebounds in 28.3 minutes on 45.2% shooting from the field in 11 games, including six starts.
He was stunned to learn the Wizards reached the halfway point of the season on Tuesday.
Are we halfway done? Wow! That went by fast! 41 games? Wow. I’m getting more comfortable every single day. I’m loving it. Wow! Halfway, that’s crazy. The season has gone by so fast. I’ve learned so much. I’m looking forward to what the second half brings.
The recent uptick in playing time has really expedited his development.
Kispert is playing with the Wizards’ first unit for longer stretches now, compared to the start of the season when he wasn’t seeing much playing time. In fact, prior to entering the starting lineup versus the Knicks, Kispert was averaging just 3.9 points in 13.1 minutes per game.
He called it the most important stretch of the season.
It has been one of the biggest things to happen for me this year. By the luck of the draw or just kinda going home and not really seeing anybody, I was able to not catch COVID and stay healthy for that stretch. It led me to more minutes and more playing time. Every minute I’m out there, I feel more comfortable and I feel better and better.
In total, Kispert has appeared in 37 games for the Wizards in some capacity. Like most rookie players around this time of the year, those 37 games are more than he played last season at Gonzaga and it ties the most he played in one season during his four-year run with the Bulldogs.
The mid-way point of the season is typically when first-year players hit that so-called “rookie wall.” They are dealing with the travel and day-to-day grind that comes with an 82-game schedule in the NBA, something that is a big adjustment for most players.
Through the first half of the season, Wizards head coach Wes Unseld Jr. pointed to Kispert’s internal growth that has impressed him the most to this point.
He is learning how to cut; he is not relying solely on his jump shot. Teams honor him as a shooter so they’re going to run him off. He is able to put it down, get to the rim. At times, he has shown an ability to play through contact and then the cutting. It’s underrated but spacially, it does wonders for you.
Kispert often pointed to the veterans on the roster that have helped him with the transition to the NBA this season. He previously singled out Bradley Beal, Kyle Kuzma and Spencer Dinwiddie for giving him tips and advice both on and off the court.
The knowledge they can provide, Unseld said, is invaluable for a rookie.
Those guys have been through it and have had different paths so I think it’s great they give him a semblance of what it’s supposed to be and how you prepare — take care of your body, find moments to decompress and how you handle adversity. … You carry those lessons on and, hopefully, you can impart that onto someone else at some point. It’s smart for him and it’s great our guys are willing to do it.
The selection of Kispert last year in the NBA draft seemed to be a good fit. He gave the team a strong floor-spacing option and that has been on display throughout the season. He is also adding other elements to his game that have helped him stay on the court longer.
With the team asking more of Kispert, he has played well and produced in that role as of late. The Wizards have trusted Kispert in a larger role and the 22-year-old should only continue to improve with those minutes.
Unseld detailed how Kispert can impact games on a nightly basis with the Wizards.
Corey Kispert on Thursday produced a career-high in a loss to the Miami Heat, one of a few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing contest for the Washington Wizards.
The 15th overall pick recorded 13 points and four rebounds during the 112-97 loss for his first career game scoring in double figures. He went 5-of-10 from the field, including 3-of-7 from 3-point range, in 24 minutes of work off of the bench.
The 24 minutes played by Kispert were his most of the season as the Wizards continue to play without Davis Bertans. He gave the team some floor spacing and was very effective in getting into the paint. Those two areas are how he should impact games, Wizards head coach Wes Unseld Jr. said.
Corey has played the same way. Obviously, (he) played a little longer tonight but his cutting and moving, he was very aggressive. He didn’t hesitate. He took the shots that were available. He didn’t turn them down. When he felt pressure, he was great — catch, get into the paint, kick out and respace. That’s going to be the way he has to impact the game.
Kispert entered the draft regarded as perhaps the best shooter in the class. While he is shooting just 25% from beyond the arc, he is still a threat and can help space the floor as it is likely only a matter of time before he starts converting at a high clip from deep.
The Wizards continue to trust Kispert and that resulted in a season-high 24 minutes in the loss to Miami. The team has high hopes for Kispert and the former Gonzaga standout showed some of what he can offer on Thursday night.
A late layup by Wizards rookie Corey Kispert on Wednesday night did not sit well with some bettors.
Corey Kispert scored a career-high nine points and four rebounds on Wednesday to help the Washington Wizards to a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, but that is hardly the story to some basketball fans.
The Wizards, who were favored by three points by some sportsbooks, managed to pull out the win despite trailing by four points with 30.4 seconds left. Ricky Rubio missed a key free throw, and Kyle Kuzma hit two crucial 3-pointers in the closing seconds to win.
Cleveland looked to be on pace to cover but was in danger after Washington closed the gap late. After Kuzma hit his second 3-pointer, the Cavaliers were down just one point but a missed triple by Darius Garland with 4.3 seconds left sealed the win for Washington.
The Cavaliers looked to be on their way to cover plus-three.
The ball went out of bounds following the missed shot, which set up an inbound play for Washington. The Wizards eventually got the ball to Raul Neto, who quickly passed it off to Kispert for a last-second layup.
Following the layup by Kispert, the Wizards were up by three and eventually won, 97-94. Of course, the game then became a push and those that were set to cash in were no longer able to after Kispert scored with 0.7 seconds remaining.
Some bettors were angry with Kispert, and others were quite happy.
Some folks not happy with Corey Kispert right now.
With the rise in sports betting in the United States, situations like this one with Kispert and the Wizards are seemingly happening on a nightly basis. The Wizards may have walked away with the win, but the late layup certainly didn’t bring home the W for some…
Kispert went a bit viral on social media as the Wizards were putting the finishing touches on a recent win over the Pacers.
Corey Kispert recently went a bit viral on social media, and the moment came just as the Washington Wizards were putting the finishing touches on a win over the Indiana Pacers.
The moment occurred as forward Davis Bertans hit a 3-pointer in overtime on Friday to give the Wizards the lead. Washington eventually took the 135-134 victory behind the shot to improve to 2-0 on the season as Kispert found himself trending afterward.
After Bertans hit the shot, he was immediately greeted by his teammates on the court. Kispert was among those that congratulated him but the rookie, instead, gave him a look that quickly went viral.
Kispert recently offered his reaction to the viral moment.
I remember giving him the look and then I was going through Instagram and saw it. He was a bad man, that was a crazy shot. I had to make sure he knew about it.
The contest also marked the debut of Kispert, who logged 10 minutes in the win. He registered two points, one rebound, one assist and one steal during his first action with the Wizards. He notched his first basket on a drive to the rim, set up by a nice fake.
Kispert believes his first minutes can help him continue to develop.
It was great to get in there and just kind of get my feet wet. I made good plays, made bad plays. Did good things, made mistakes. Now it’s all about growing and building and getting better each time I get out there.
Kispert impressed during training camp with his ability to space the floor and score on offense. While he has yet to really crack the rotation, he could be called upon in certain situations as the season progresses.
In the meantime, we may just continue to see his viral facial expressions.
Kispert hopes the Wizards can get off on the right foot Wednesday versus the Raptors.
Washington Wizards rookie Corey Kispert has never been to Toronto before but that all is about to change with the regular season tipping off on Wednesday.
The Wizards will face the Raptors on Wednesday as Kispert and the rest of the rookie class begin their careers. The two teams met on Oct. 12 during the preseason but that game was in Washington, D.C. as the Wizards lost, 113-108.
Kispert hopes the Wizards can reverse that luck when it counts on Wednesday.
I’m really excited. I’m really fortunate to have had a couple of test runs under our belt and kinda see how the rhythm of the game goes and my role from game to game. I’ve also never been to Toronto before so I’m really excited to get up there and get the season started off on the right foot.
The 15th overall pick impressed with the Wizards during a limit run in the preseason, posting 6.3 points, 1.3 rebounds and one assist in four games. He thought the game slowed down a bit over the course of the preseason and believes he is playing with more confidence.
Kispert showed that he can knock down shots, and drew praise from teammate Spencer Dinwiddie for that ability in practice. The team feels comfortable with him as a starter or coming off the bench given his floor spacing and scoring ability so his role could fluctuate this year.
He figures to play a large role with the Wizards this season given that skill set, and could find himself in the starting lineup in spurts throughout the year.
While still carried by Bradley Beal, the Washington Wizards enter the upcoming season as a much deeper team than they were in 2020-21.
While still carried by Bradley Beal, the Washington Wizards enter the upcoming season as a much deeper team than they were in 2020-21.
Beal is the sole lifeblood of the organization for the Wizards. Instead of sharing the floor with the likes of John Wall or Russell Westbrook, he will be surrounded by more role players in Washington than he had in previous campaigns. As such, Beal is a clear favorite to win the NBA’s scoring title. But will that be enough to help them make any noise in the playoffs?
Below, check out our preview for the 2021-22 Wizards campaign.
Dinwiddie called the Wizards rookie a ‘flamethrower’ and commended him for his ability to space the floor.
Corey Kispert earned the start on Tuesday as the Washington Wizards opened up the preseason, and it may have been a recent practice that helped give him the nod versus the Houston Rockets.
Wizards guard Spencer Dinwiddie revealed that Kispert was a “flamethrower” during a recent scrimmage leading up to the preseason opener. Kispert essentially couldn’t miss from beyond the arc and even flashed some of his athleticism.
Kispert responded by recording 12 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal in 25 minutes of work in the loss to the Rockets. He went 5-of-9 from the field, including 2-of-6 from 3-point range, during his first action with the Wizards.
Dinwiddie sees Kispert as a strong fit within the starting lineup.
He can really shoot, smart-headed. He is going to get to space. I think that is really big for our team because, obviously, Brad (Beal) is a prolific driver so we have to find ways to continue to create space. Kispert already having some of that ingrained in him, makes him an easy fit to play with the main unit.
Kispert, the 15th overall pick, recently started practicing with the starters, which were Dinwiddie, Beal, Kyle Kuzma and Daniel Gafford. He also believes he is a good fit within that group given his ability to space the floor and make plays.
The 22-year-old has leaned on those players throughout training camp for advice. They have given him plenty of tips and pointers in practices, and where they expect him to be on the floor during a given play. It has allowed Kispert to have a smooth transition to this point.
Overall, Kispert was pleased with his first preseason performance.
I’ve played in big arenas and big environments a lot but this was different. It was different having the NBA experience, getting my first NBA basket. (I was) really, really happy with how today went just on a personal level.
Kispert figures to play a large role with the Wizards this season given his ability to space the floor. He showed some of that ability and more on Tuesday and could find himself as a full-time starter when it is all said and done.
Kispert this week singled out several of his veteran teammates in training camp for assisting with the transition to the next level.
Washington Wizards rookie Corey Kispert this week singled out several veteran teammates in training camp for assisting with the transition to the next level.
Kispert expressed his excitement after joining the Wizards for the opportunity to learn from Bradley Beal, Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell and Spencer Dinwiddie. It is that quartet of players that Kispert said has been among the most vocal with him.
The 15th pick has spent a good portion of training camp asking those veterans questions on certain plays and sets the team likes to run. He believes it is better to ask those questions now, rather than run the wrong play in a game.
You don’t want to be the guy to mess things up. You want to make sure things are clear before you go in there. Thankfully, guys like Brad, Spencer, Montrezl and Kuzma have been really vocal with me about where they want to see me on the floor, what’s open and what I can do. I feel really confident. I feel really clear-headed on the floor and I’m in a really good spot thanks to the guys out there that are making it really easy.
Kispert joins the Wizards as a consensus All-American first-team player last season at Gonzaga. He averaged 18.6 points, five rebounds and 1.8 assists on a career-high 44% shooting from 3-point range. He ranked fifth in the country in points (595) and seventh in 3s (91).
With head coach Wes Unseld Jr. in charge, Kispert had the chance to get a head start on the new system with the Wizards in the Las Vegas Summer League. He averaged 9.5 points per game and liked the experience as it allowed him to get a feel for the NBA game.
Kispert figures to play a large role with the team this season given his ability to space the floor. With the veterans in his ear with advice, he should be ready when his number is called.
The NBA and NBPA introduced a social justice panel and expanded its mental health discussion this year at the Rookie Transition Program.
Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert studied up on several topics to prepare himself for the Rookie Transition Program (RTP). He had a working idea of what would be discussed by experts, current and former players and other professionals, but still walked away with a wealth of knowledge following a week of panels and presentations.
The league, in conjunction with the National Basketball Players Association, works to ensure every incoming first-year player receives the resources and information needed to succeed at the next level. The program has been held every year since 1986 and is the longest-running and most extensive athlete support system in professional sports.
“They do a good job of stacking things day by day on us just to make us as prepared as we can be to enter into the league,” Kispert told Rookie Wire. “Whether it’s the Rookie Transition Program, practicing, playing or just making sure you’re on top of your stuff, it’s a lot busier than I expected it to be.”
The RTP is one of the most comprehensive introductions to life management tools in professional sports, teaching players skillsets to help maximize their potential. The program features peer-to-peer panels with current and former players, as well as other speakers to help them grow as athletes and individuals.
The prospects often hear from experts and players on several different topics, including mental health and wellness, financial assistance, career development and media training among other areas. The NBA and NBPA view it as essential that they offer a diverse group of speakers so prospects can gain as much information as possible.
Kispert was among 60-plus prospects to attend the RTP this year. (Photo by Stephen R. Sylvanie/USA TODAY Sports)
The RTP typically takes place in New Jersey each August but it was held virtually last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The event took place in person this year in Las Vegas concurrently with summer league because of the condensed offseason calendar.
Players were split up into different groups throughout the week in order to balance games, practices and other engagements. With so many scheduling hurdles, the first day of the program was the only date every player could attend at the same time.
Of course, health and safety protocols were also another challenge of planning the RTP this year.
The event followed strict social distancing and other health-related protocols during the week of activities. Players, other guest speakers and personnel were mandated to wear a mask at all times in order to ensure everyone stayed healthy and safe amidst the recent rise in coronavirus cases.
The health challenges were extensive but allowed everyone the opportunity to interact with each other and create a welcoming environment for the panels and other sessions.
“It was really refreshing,” said Jeff Aubry, the senior director of the NBA player development program. “I don’t think I’ve ever remembered quite so much affection. These guys every day came in and greeted everyone without exception. It is, I think, a result of us spending the past year social distancing. So just being in people’s presence is a special opportunity and none of us really appreciated how important that was until we couldn’t do it.”
Orlando Magic guard R.J. Hampton spoke to players at the RTP about his experience in the NBA last season as a rookie. (Photo by Raj Mehta/USA TODAY Sports)
The NBA and NBPA each year enlist several current and former players to speak to the incoming class of rookies to share their personal experiences on and off of the court.
The rookies often find that the information the players relay can be very beneficial and it often resonates more. Hall of Famer Ray Allen was among those that spoke to the group two years ago while Dwyane Wade and Karl-Anthony Towns were among the players that attended sessions last year via Zoom.
The panel this year featured several current players, including Portland Trail Blazers guard Robert Covington, Orlando Magic guard R.J. Hampton and Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams among others. The objective was to have both experienced and younger players talk to the group to offer different perspectives on life in the NBA.
“(They talked) about their financial experience in the NBA,” Kispert said. “With each coming from different backgrounds and having different experiences, it was super important to me. Those guys really spent a lot of time off the floor educating themselves and trying to get a leg up on their financial freedom.
“What they talked about is that you’re never more desirable than when you’re currently playing. So, this is a perfect time to start developing your brand, whatever that means to you in connecting yourself with the right people.”
The NBA and NBPA try to bring a sense of community to the players during the RTP that helps promote a family atmosphere.
While the prospects learn a ton of information during the panels and sessions, the league and NBPA want to also let players know that they can seek help throughout the season on different topics should they need it.
The league not only prepares the players themselves but it also helps smooth the transition for their families. In the past, the parents of Chris Paul, and the mother of Jaylen Brown, were among the family members to help walk prospects and their families through what lies ahead.
“I didn’t realize that the interconnectivity of all the NBA players,” Kispert said. “They mentor each other. You can ask for help from anybody, whether that’s managing your finances, real estate or social justice. You want to get involved, there are people in the league that are doing the same thing that you want to do and everyone’s willing to help each other. I didn’t expect that kind of connectedness top to bottom.”
The NBA and NBPA strongly encouraged fans to register to vote last year in an attempt to help influence change. (Photo by Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports)
New on the agenda this year was a social justice panel that included guest speakers Greg Taylor, the NBA Foundation executive director; James Cadogan, the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition executive director; and NBPA Foundation executive director Sherrie Deans.
Former player Caron Butler was also on hand to speak to the players.
The players were afforded the opportunity to learn how they can help positively influence change and speak out against social injustice and racism. They also inquired more information about the efforts the NBA and NBPA made last year during the season restart at the Wide World of Sports Complex.
The stated goal of the season restart was to take collective action to combat systematic racial inequalities and promote social justice. The courts at Disney each displayed “Black Lives Matter” and individuals also wore special messages for social causes or movements, something players wanted to see enacted last year.
The conversations seemed to really strike the players at the RTP.
“They were leaning forward and were completely engaged,” Aubry said. “I mean this is clearly a topic that’s on their mind. They’ve experienced the past year the same way all of us have and are sincerely interested in the direction that these organizations are taking and the opportunities they have to be involved.
“I think Caron especially because of the work he’s done in leveraging his platform in this space was inspiring for them to know that they can have this kind of impact and that they have so much support from the NBA and the NBPA, and obviously the three organizations that were represented on the panel.”
Fans flocked to the Las Vegas Summer League after the event was canceled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The NBA has often led the charge on providing mental health awareness to its players and encouraging them to seek help if they need it. The objective each year is to continue to normalize the conversation surrounding mental health.
New panels and sessions were introduced this year to further speak to the importance of mental health and wellness and dealing with the pressure that comes with being a player. The decision to expand the discussion in the panels stems directly from the feedback received from the players in the past.
Of course, given the challenges of the past 12-16 months, the need for additional resources on mental health has grown and the NBA and NBPA recognized the opportunity to expand its message.
“I think a big push for us is to normalize the conversation,” Aubry said. “We’re encouraging players to prioritize their mental health and wellness, and not just when there’s a large issue but to proactively strengthen that. So, that has to do with performance as well.
“We all want to get the most out of ourselves, maximize our potential. I think, for the last few years, we’ve had the benefit of some players leading the way on being open about their challenges and their efforts to stay present and focused and deal with life and not just basketball.”
Three years ago today, @kevinlove opened up about his mental health in ”Everyone Is Going Through Something.” #TPTArchive
— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) March 6, 2021
The conversation surrounding mental health and wellness has changed drastically over the past several years. Athletes across all sports have spoken out on the stigma that comes with mental health issues and the anxiety of performing on a large stage.
The NBA has seen players like Kevin Love, DeMar DeRozan, Tobias Harris, Trae Young and countless others use their platform to speak out and encourage those in need to seek help. The decision to open up and admit their struggles has enabled thousands of others to do the same.
“I think that encourages them to embrace this elevated view of what it is to be a wholly balanced person and have a balanced life, and that balance is really important to them,” Aubry said. “They’re able to really enjoy, not just the benefits of being in the league but to understand the challenges and attack them with their whole being.
“How successful is a person that is constantly struggling with the pressure they’re under if they can’t acknowledge or deal with it? I think that gives them a completely different approach than in the past. And then I think the way teams, the league, even the media and fans can appreciate the very human journey that these players are on.”
With players facing several challenges in transitioning to the next level, the NBA has gone above and beyond to ensure they are set up for success. The efforts of everyone involved in the process often go a long way for a given player and they are seemingly each grateful for the program.
