Raptors’ Terence Davis: ‘I’m in love with Toronto, honestly’

Toronto Raptors rookie guard Terence Davis is yet another underrated player the organization has helped turn into a rotation cornerstone.

Toronto Raptors rookie guard Terence Davis is yet another underrated player the organization has helped turn into a rotation cornerstone.

Last time we spoke to Davis was right after the G League Elite Camp, which helped earn him an invite to the NBA combine. Despite performing so well in Chicago, he was not selected in the 2019 NBA draft. He then played one game for the Denver Nuggets during summer league in Las Vegas before he was eventually signed by the Toronto Raptors on a fully guaranteed deal.

“I told him it was going to be a rollercoaster but to stay confident,” Toronto Raptors forward Chris Boucher told HoopsHype. “With a team like ours, there is always going to be someone playing before you so you have to wait your turn. But obviously, he has the talent and it showed.

“He can really shoot the ball. It’s not just catch-and-shoot. It’s off the dribble or off screens, which can really catch people off guard. He has such a good arc, the ball goes really high when he shoots it. He is athletic for the position he plays, he can get to the rim as well which is impressive.”

HoopsHype caught up with Davis before the All-Star break to hear about his impressions of the league thus far.

One thing we spoke about before the draft is that you have always been an underdog. Especially after Kawhi Leonard left, this team embraces that mentality. I see you smiling thinking about it. How has that attitude helped you fit in on this team?

Terence Davis: If you think about it, we have a lot of players that were not picked high in the draft. We don’t have anyone who was a lottery pick. But these guys won a title last year and we want to prove it again. I just want to add on to that. I have the physicality just to grind and that is so much of what it really comes down to.

What would you describe as the most important thing that fans should know about you?

TD: I’m just happy to be in this situation. Like I said, I can’t complain about anything. My family is healthy. My son, he was born six days before the draft. He’s just been like a spark into my life from a motivation standpoint. He made draft night better for me. It helped me grow up, honestly. Being 20, 21, coming out of college, just turning 22 and then having a son. It helped me grow up, man, and become a young adult, think things through, really putting someone before me. because that’s what it’s all about. I have someone else to think about and it’s not just about me anymore. That helped me grow up into a young man. That helped me get in front of my family and tell them I wasn’t going to take a two-way deal. I’m not getting drafted. The grind, it’s not done here. It just helped me grow up, man. He helped me grow up. He’s really been a light into my life. I need that, man.

I’m curious what you have maybe picked up from teammates like Chris Boucher who also went undrafted but have since made a role for themselves in this league?

TD: Just playing hard, man. Whatever circumstance there is, play through it. Stay ready whenever your time comes. When it does come, then you can just prove to people that they were wrong.

What have been your most noteworthy observations about playing in the NBA so far during your rookie season?

TD: Man, things happen fast. Offensively, defensively, the little things matter. There are a lot of things that I have picked up in such a short time. There is still a lot to learn, too, but mostly small things. Details on the defensive side of the ball. You have to be in your spots because guys come in quick.

Similarly, then, what have been some of the biggest surprises about the league?

TD: There are just biggers guys. It’s a whole different thing when you are going against guys in their 30s and they are facing me in my first year. They have been in the game for so much longer and know where they are always supposed to be on the court. The pace of the game is definitely way faster too with a 24-second shot clock. It is all about positioning and getting open and it is definitely different.

You have been such a stellar addition to Toronto, especially when you are shooting off the catch. How have you been able to fit into this offense for the Raptors so seamlessly?

TD: Well, we have a lot of amazing playmakers. Kyle Lowry and Fred Van Vleet and even Pascal Siakam can all get to the paint but if they don’t have their shot, they kick it out. When they make plays, it is easy for me to just sit out there and be ready. It is what I was working on all offseason, too. I really wanted to show teams that I can shoot the ball. This situation that I’m in right now in Toronto is just perfect for me as a catch-and-shoot guy.

Off the court, what are some of the things that you have liked about living in Toronto? 

TD: The fans are amazing. When I first moved to Toronto, no one really knew who I was so I could go out and eat peacefully. But now it’s like, fans notice me and it is amazing. I try to interact with as many fans as I can. At the end of the day, I’m just a regular person. I’m a normal human being. I’m not higher than anyone else. These fans are human, too, so I want them to see what type of person I am. I’m a genuine guy. But there are a lot of things that I love about Toronto. There are so many places to eat. It’s unbelievable. The city is amazing. I’m in love with the city, honestly. I feel like I’m in such a great situation.

Had you left the United States before moving out to Canada during the offseason? 

TD: Well, I went to Canada in 2018 during my senior season for an international tournament. We played in Ottawa and Monreal. That was my first time leaving the United States outside of going to the Virgin Islands but that is technically a part of the country.

How do you like living outside of the United States for the first time?

TD: It’s very cool. It’s cheaper in some ways. You can get you some nice drip over there for a fair amount. It’s cool, man. Especially where I’m from, being from the country part of the south and then just to move to a whole different country is amazing. I live in a building like 40 or 50 floors up with a lake view and a city view. I can’t complain about anything.

Speaking of which, what are some of the clothing brands that you like?

TD: I don’t discriminate. I’ll put on whatever. If it looks good, I’ll wear it. For basketball shoes, I don’t have a sneaker deal. But AND1 is sending me some stuff. Puma is in the mix. Obviously, Nike. I’m not really rushing anything. I like wearing whatever I want to so I’m cool with it. I’ll say that these AND1’s have been feeling pretty comfortable since I’ve started playing in them. So if they feel good, I’ll work them.

I have to ask: Living in Toronto, have you gotten that push from Drake yet?

TD: Nah, man. Not yet. I’ve met him, though. It was pretty cool. He was at the game and sitting courtside next to the bench. I dapped him up. Another game, it was the same type of deal. He definitely knows who I am. It’s tough, man. Growing up, listening to Drake, all his music, I don’t know what to say. It’s so cool.

What are some of your thoughts on your old teammate Breein Tyree at Ole Miss? How do you think he or anyone else at Ole Miss might fit in at the professional level?

TD: Man, Breein Tyree just went for 40 points the other night on our rival. So he is definitely ready. Devontae Shuler is another guy that I think can make the jump, too. I’m not sure if he will forego his senior season but he has a chance. They have some young guys out there that are going to be really great basketball players. I definitely keep my eyes on them. I always look forward to seeing them, too.

What is some advice that you have given them or will give them when it comes to making the jump to the pros? 

TD: Stay true to yourself. Keep putting the work in. Don’t give up on the grind. The time will come. Remain confident in yourself. Keep the faith. Everything will work out and the work will prove itself.

Do you still play MyPark in NBA 2K or do you not really have time for that anymore?

TD: Nah, I don’t. I can’t until I get my face scanned which I don’t yet. It won’t feel right until that happens. I really haven’t played at all yet. I know that I told you I would but something still doesn’t feel right. It’s not me.

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Rookie Wire Power Rankings: Ja Morant leads before the All-Star break

Rookie Wire takes a look at the top rookies through the latest week of the 2019-20 NBA season.

Fresh off of a career performance, No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson finds himself rising up the ranks in the rookie class as he has proven to be every bit as good as advertised.

Williamson scored a career-high 31 points in a blowout win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night, becoming just the fifth player in the past 10 seasons to have a 30-point performance in his first 10 career games.

As Williamson continues his stellar play, several other first-year players have stepped up recently and are making an appearance in the latest Rookie Wire Power Rankings heading into the All-Star break.

All stats are through games played on Feb. 11

5. Kevin Porter Jr., Cleveland Cavaliers

Stats: 9.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2 assists

Last Rank: N/A

After missing 10 consecutive games due to a knee injury, Porter has played some of his best basketball of the season. The 30th overall pick has scored in double figures in six straight games for the first time this season and is averaging 14.9 points during that span.

He also threw down a windmill dunk that had everyone talking.

No. 4 | No. 3 | No. 2 | No. 1 | Shout Outs

Raptors’ Terence Davis leads all rookies in scoring during February

Davis’ hot month of February includes a career performance on Feb. 2 when he dropped 31 points off of the bench over the Chicago Bulls.

Toronto Raptors guard Terence Davis has been on a recent tear and has turned in his best stretch of the season as he leads all rookie players in scoring during February.

As a result of his recent surge, Davis is averaging 19.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and one steal in four games. The undrafted guard is shooting 60% from the field, including 60.7% from 3-point range.

His 79 total points in February top the likes of Ja Morant and Zion Williamson while his 17 made 3-pointers also lead all first-year players over that span.

Davis’ hot month of February includes a career performance on Feb. 2 when he dropped 31 points off of the bench over the Chicago Bulls. He went 6-of-7 from beyond the arc in that game, which helped kick off his recent streak.

While Davis went undrafted in June, the former Ole Miss product has emerged as one of the top rookies this season and has become a key rotational player for the Raptors, who are winners of 14 straight games.

The Raptors have become known as a team with a strong scouting department after uncovering several recent hidden gems in Fred VanVleet, Matt Thomas and Chris Boucher among others.

Davis is the latest in line to contribute at a high level for the Raptors and his recent resurgence may have even been fueled by a snub from the Rising Stars Game during All-Star Weekend.

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Terence Davis helps Raptors to 14 straight wins in second career start

The undrafted forward from Ole Miss recorded 20 points on Saturday as the Raptors defeated the Nets.

Toronto Raptors rookie Terence Davis recorded 20 points and eight rebounds in just his second career start on Saturday night during a 119-118 win over the Brooklyn Nets.

The undrafted guard shot 7-of-15 from the field, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range, in 30 minutes of work in the victory. Davis recorded 11 of his 20 total points in the third period alone to help the Raptors maintain the lead over the Nets.

Davis continued a string of impressive performances on Saturday as he is averaging 19.8 points in four games during the month of February, which is second among all rookie players during that time frame.

Davis has emerged as a key player for the Raptors this season and is one of the top rookies as a result. In 53 games, Davis is averaging 8.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists this season as the Raptors have raced out to the second-best record in the Eastern Conference.

Next up for Toronto: A home matchup vs. the Timberwolves on Monday.

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Terence Davis tried to return Pascal Siakam’s jersey at the NBA Store

The Raptors rookie hilariously tried to exchange his teammate’s jersey as Siakam served as a guest cashier in New York City.

With the Toronto Raptors in New York City to face the Knicks on Friday night, forward Pascal Siakam served as a guest cashier at the NBA Store Thursday night on Fifth Avenue.

Fans packed the store to see Siakam and the 2019 Most Improved Player even got a visit from rookie teammate Terence Davis while he was on duty behind the register.

As the Raptors captured on Twitter, Davis hilariously tried to exchange his No. 43 Siakam jersey for another one. Davis requested Kyle Lowry’s jersey and even his own, which the store did not have available.

“They don’t have your jersey in here, bro?” Siakam asked. “You’re a rookie; that’s why. You need a couple more [years].”

As the two teammates had a good laugh about the failed jersey exchange, the moment of the night came when Siakam found out he was named an All-Star starter. Siakam watched as TNT revealed the starters and he was eventually joined by his brother and head coach Nick Nurse.

Siakam is averaging 23.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, one steal and one block in 33 games played this season for the Raptors. He is 17th among all players in scoring.

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Terence Davis tied a career-high with the Raptors in win over Wizards

The undrafted guard finished with a career-high five made 3-pointers on Friday night with the Raptors.

Toronto Raptors rookie Terence Davis tied a career-high with 23 points on Friday night after draining five 3-pointers in a 140-111 win over the Washington Wizards.

The undrafted guard scored 17 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter as the Raptors were putting the finishing touches on the blowout win over the Wizards. His five 3-pointers are a new career-high with the Raptors.

Davis previously set a new career-high of 23 points on Jan. 8 against the Charlotte Hornets in his first start for head coach Nick Nurse. The performance continued a strong first year with the Raptors as Davis has often provided a spark off of the bench.

Davis has emerged as a key piece in the rotation for the Raptors this season. The Raptors have dealt with several injuries to the likes of Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and others as Davis has stepped up for the team when needed.

The Raptors return to action on Saturday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

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Terence Davis had a career night in his first start with the Raptors

The undrafted guard followed up a scoreless performance with his best outing of the season in his first career start.

Toronto Raptors rookie Terence Davis recorded a career-high 23 points in his first NBA start Wednesday night in a 112-110 overtime win over the Charlotte Hornets.

The undrafted guard also added a career-high 11 rebounds for his first double-double while he matched a season-high with five assists in the victory. Davis finished by shooting 8-of-16 from the field, including 4-of-8 from 3-point range.

Prior to earning the start on Wednesday, Davis struggled in his previous game after going scoreless in eight minutes of work. Raptors head coach Nick Nurse said after that game that Davis had played “probably five minutes too many” given his struggles but believed in him enough to start him.

Davis responded by turning in his best game of the season. He recorded 13 points alone in the first quarter and had six points in overtime to help the Raptors seal the victory.

Davis has emerged as a key piece in the rotation for the Raptors this season. With the team battling several injuries, including Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and Norman Powell, Davis earned his first start on Wednesday and took advantage of his opportunity.

The Raptors return to action on Sunday against the San Antonio Spurs.

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NBA on Christmas: A rookie primer on those set to make holiday debut

Although Zion Williamson will be sidelined due to injury, plenty of other rookie players should see some action on Christmas Day.

The 72nd edition of the NBA on Christmas Day will feature five games throughout the day with the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors getting things started at 12 p.m. ET.

The NBA will have five Christmas Day games for the 12th year in a row as ESPN and ABC will combine to broadcast each game. Four of the five games will be first-time matchups on the holiday.

The full five-game Christmas Day schedule:

  • Boston Celtics at Toronto Raptors: 12 p.m. ET (ESPN)
  • Milwaukee Bucks at Philadelphia 76ers: 2:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
  • Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors: 5 p.m. (ABC)
  • L.A. Clippers at L.A. Lakers: 8 p.m. (ABC & ESPN)
  • New Orleans Pelicans at Denver Nuggets: 10:30 p.m. (ESPN)

While the full slate of games will be headlined by the likes of LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, James Harden, Russell Westbrook and others, several first-year players will also make their holiday debuts.

Of course, the last game of the day will be without Zion Williamson as he recovers from knee surgery on Oct. 21. Although the No. 1 pick will be sidelined, plenty of other rookie players should see some action on Christmas Day.

Note: Injured players were not included

Grant Williams, Celtics

(Photo by Rick Scuteri/USA TODAY Sports)

Williams is coming off of his best two-game swing of the season after totaling 30 points. The first-round pick often contributes his energy and playmaking off the bench and is beginning to see more playing time as a result.

Romeo Langford, Celtics

(Photo by Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports)

Langford is finally healthy and contributing for the Celtics. After dealing with a number of injuries, Langford recorded a season-high eight points and four rebounds Sunday night in a 119-93 win over the Charlotte Hornets. He appears to be ready to contribute and could see more action on Wednesday.

Carsen Edwards, Celtics

(Photo by Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports)

Edwards recently re-joined the Celtics after a four-game stint with the Maine Red Claws in the G League. Edwards averaged 21.8 points, five rebounds, 3.5 assists and three steals for the Red Claws. He appears to be back with the Celtics for now though it is unclear if he will play on Wednesday.

Tremont Waters, Celtics

(Photo by Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports)

Waters has spent the majority of the season in the G League. In 13 games played, he is averaging 20.1 points, 7.5 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 2.3 steals. He is 12th in the G League in assists and 12th in steals. With the Red Claws off until Friday, Waters will likely be with the Celtics.

Tacko Fall, Celtics

(Photo by David Butler II/USA TODAY Sports)

With the Celtics dealing with injuries to centers Robert Williams and Vincent Poirier, Fall has been on the active roster recently. Fall has three appearances with the Celtics this season, totaling 13 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.

Terence Davis, Raptors

(Photo by Tim Fuller/USA TODAY Sports)

The undrafted guard has earned significant playing time for head coach Nick Nurse and he has taken advantage of it. Davis is averaging 6.5 points and 2.8 rebounds in 30 games this season, including a career-high 19 points against the Orlando Magic on Nov. 20.

Chris Clemons, Rockets

(Photo by Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports)

The two-way rookie has contributed sporadically for the Rockets this season. Clemons has scored at least 15 points four different times and has given the Rockets a boost of offense off of the bench. His play has him on the verge of earning a standard NBA deal.

Eric Paschall, Warriors

(Photo by Jasen Vinlove/USA TODAY Sports)

After a strong start to his rookie campaign, Paschall has dealt with a few injuries recently. He has been dealing with a sore hip and suffered a knee injury, causing him to leave early on Friday against the Pelicans. Paschall played on Monday, a good indication he should be able to go on Wednesday.

Jordan Poole, Warriors

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

With the Warriors battling through injuries for much of the season, Poole has been used quite frequently. His playing time has dropped recently, though, after struggling with his shot. In 29 games, Poole is averaging 7.1 points and shooting just 25.4% from the field.

Ky Bowman, Warriors

(Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Warriors have leaned quite a bit on two-way guard Ky Bowman so it is unclear if he will play but he has produced when called upon. Bowman is posting 8.3 points and 2.7 assists in 27 games this season and recently recorded two points in 22 minutes on Monday.

Mfiondu Kabengele, Clippers

(Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

The first-round has shuttled between the NBA and G League this season, playing only mostly in mop-up duty with the Varsity squad. In the G League, though, Kabengele has been a monster after dropping 36 points and 12 rebounds on Dec. 12.

Terance Mann, Clippers

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Like Kabengele, Mann has been used periodically for the Clippers though has started five games for head coach Doc Rivers. Mann hasn’t played in five games so, like Kabengele, may not see much time on Christmas Day.

Jaxson Hayes, Pelicans

(Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)

Without Zion Williamson, Hayes has been top rookie on the Pelicans. In 28 games, Hayes is averaging 8.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. Hayes recently scored in double figures in five of seven games but has cooled off since then, totaling just 12 points over his last three games.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Pelicans

(Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)

Alexander-Walker has had a few spurts this season in which he has flashed his potential but has struggled to stay consistent with inconsistent playing time. He recently fell out of the rotation and may not see a ton of time on Wednesday.

Michael Porter Jr., Nuggets

(Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Nuggets have been trying to find more playing time for their redshirt freshman but have been unsuccessful in doing so. The team has been rumored to be shopping Malik Beasley, which would open the door for Porter, but the team has not yet moved him.

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Jaxson Hayes, Ja Morant receive ratings bump in latest ‘NBA 2K’ update

Jaxson Hayes and Ja Morant were among the rookies to see a change in their latest NBA 2K20 rating.

New Orleans Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes and Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant were among the first-year players to receive a ratings bump in the latest ‘NBA 2K20′ update released on Friday.

After a few strong performances, Hayes’ overall rating increased by two from 74 to 76 in the latest update. He is averaging 10.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks over his last five games.

Meanwhile, Morant saw his rating increase by one from 82 to 83 despite missing the last three games for the Grizzlies with back spasms after crashing into a baseline camera operator on Nov. 25.

As Hayes and Morant each saw their rating increase, several other rookies received changes in their overall mark:

  • R.J. Barrett: 78 (-1)
  • Brandon Clarke: 80 (+2)
  • Terence Davis: 76 (+2)
  • Rui Hachimura: 78 (+1)
  • Eric Paschall: 80 (+1)

After the latest ratings update, the top five rookies in the NBA are:

  1. Ja Morant: 83
  2. Zion Williamson: 81
  3. Brandon Clarke: 80
  4. Eric Paschall: 80
  5. Rui Hachimura: 78

The updated top five ratings among rookies likely isn’t a surprise to many as those players, with the exception of Williamson, have been among the top first-year players this season.

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Rookie Wire Power Rankings: Herro, Hunter rise up the ranks in Week 5

Rookie Wire took a look at the top rookies through the fifth week of the 2019-20 NBA season.

The 2019 NBA Draft class has continued to impress this season.

The group has produced some fascinating storylines thus far with the emergence of several under-the-radar players while the top players selected are playing as expected.

Rookie Wire will compile the rankings of the five best players each week based on how they performed on the court. The rankings are not for Rookie of the Year purposes but, rather, to illustrate the top-performing players week to week.

Here are the Rookie Wire Power Rankings for Week 5:

Week 1 Power Rankings | Week 2 Power Rankings | Week 3 Power Rankings | Week 4 Power Rankings

All stats are through games played on Nov. 26

5. Tyler Herro, Heat

Stats: 14.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists

Rank Last Week: Honorable Mention

Herro returns to the rankings for the first time since Week 1 after showing out recently for the Heat. The 13th overall pick is back up to fifth in scoring among all rookies after recording 18 points in three of his last four games. Herro has proven to be able to get hot this season and is seemingly always a candidate to go off, thus making him one of the top rookies to watch on any given night. His swag, as Jimmy Butler said, is one reason to tune in.

4. Brandon Clarke, Grizzlies

Stats: 12.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.1 blocks

Rank Last Week: 4

While Ja Morant has captured the bulk of the headlines in Memphis, and rightfully so, Brandon Clarke has also emerged onto the scene. While he is seventh in scoring, Clarke gets it done all over the court and his shot selection has truly been a revelation. He is one of the most efficient players in the league after shooting 63.6% from the field and has developed one of the nicest floaters in the NBA today. An expanded role in the Grizzlies’ system could increase his numbers but he has flourished to this point of the season.

3. Eric Paschall, Warriors

Stats: 16.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists

Rank Last Week: 3

The second-round pick has certainly not played like one this season. Paschall is third in scoring average among rookies but is second in total points scored, trailing Ja Morant by just five. Given the number of injuries to the Warriors, Paschall has emerged as one of the top options on offense and has been a bright spot for the team thus far. He is coming off of his second double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds in a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2. Kendrick Nunn, Heat

Stats: 16.9 points, 3.3 assists, 2.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals

Rank Last Week: 2

Nunn is fresh off of one of his most efficient outings of the season on Monday night. The undrafted guard recorded 19 points against the Charlotte Hornets on 7-of-10 shooting from the field, including 5-of-6 from 3-point range. Nunn recently told Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype that he believes he can be a future All-Star and his first season with the Heat certainly has the makings of a successful career.

1. Ja Morant, Grizzlies

Stats: 19.1 points, 6.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 1.2 steals

Rank Last Week: 1

Morant turned in one of his most impressive games of the season on Saturday in a shootout with the Los Angeles Lakers. He recorded 26 points, six assists, five steals and three rebounds in the one-point loss. Morant became the first rookie since John Wall in 2010 to reach those numbers in a game. He followed that performance up with 19 points for his second career double-double on Monday in a game in which he left briefly after taking a scary fall into a courtside camera operator. He would return to the game and appeared to be fine but the Grizzlies certainly caught a break after he wasn’t seriously hurt.

Honorable Mention:

R.J. Barrett, Knicks: 15.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.4 steals

Barrett averaged 10.5 points over his last two games after sitting out Sunday due to an illness. He is still fourth in scoring among rookies and will look to get back on track Wednesday on the road against his hometown Toronto Raptors.

Coby White, Bulls: 13.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists

The boom-or-bust potential with White has been fascinating this season. He recorded a career-high 28 points on Saturday but followed that up with eight points on Monday. If he can gain some consistency this season, White would certainly have a place among the best in the rookie class. He is shooting 43.5% from 3-point range over his last four games.

Rui Hachimura, Wizards: 12.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists

Hachimura has struggled some over his last four games after shooting 43.6% from the field for the Wizards. Like White, he has also had issues with consistency at times as his playing time has been sporadic. Hachimura has shown flashes this season but, like most rookies, is still learning the ins and outs of the NBA.

On the Rise:

De’Andre Hunter, Hawks:

Suddenly, after a slow start to the season, Hunter has been on a tear recently. He scored the most points among rookies over the past week and is averaging 19.5 points over his last four games. He is shooting 50% from the field and 50% (11-of-22) from beyond the arc in that span.

Ky Bowman, Warriors:

The Warriors’ two-way rookie is averaging 19 points over his last three games, including a career-high 24 points against the Thunder on Monday. He has been on fire from all over the floor and is producing in a pinch for the injury-rattled Warriors.

Shout Out:

Tremont Waters, Celtics

With Kemba Walker out on Monday, the Celtics called up Waters from the G League. The two-way guard may have only scored seven points in his NBA debut but he made quite an impression on the team and it likely won’t be the last time we see Waters with the Celtics.

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