Experts have previously suggested Parker’s game is more “NBA-ready”…
During their official league rookie photo shoot, the latest NBA prospects were asked to predict which player would be crowned Rookie of the Year.
Philadelphia 76ers starlet Nerlens Noel was also included in the survey after he was forced to miss the entire season last year with injury.
However, he didn’t make the top three selections, and No.1 overall Draft pick Andrew Wiggins had to settle for tied-second as speculation over his future continues to rumble on.
It is widely expected that Wiggins will be traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, with the Cleveland Cavaliers being forced to wait until August 23 to complete the deal after signing the rookie to his first contract which makes his ineligible for trade for 30 days.
Nevertheless, perhaps that was part of the thinking in the poll process with such uncertainty surrounding Wiggins’ future, although it is no secret that various NBA experts believe that Jabari Parker possesses a more “NBA-ready” game.
The Milwaukee Bucks star was taken with the second overall pick and is expected to make an immediate impact in his professional season, and this survey suggests that his peers agree.
Who will be the 2014-15 Rookie of the Year? (Results courtesy of NBA.com.)
1. Jabari Parker, Milwaukee — 52.8 percent
T-2: Doug McDermott, Chicago — 8.3 percent
Andrew Wiggins, Cleveland — 8.3 percent
T-4: Shabazz Napier, Miami — 5.6 percent
Nerlens Noel, Philadelphia — 5.6 percent
Elfrid Payton, Orlando — 5.6 percent
Parker also won in results when the rookies were asked who would end up having the best career, with the Bucks star securing 45.9 percent of the votes.
Meanwhile, there is also significant talk surrounding Bulls rookie McDermott, with many suggesting that his shooting ability will ensure he plays a significant role in their upcoming season, particularly after impressing at the NBA Summer League.
In the other notable question from the survey, the rookies were asked who their favourite player in the league was. Kevin Durant ended with 25 percent of the votes, Kobe Bryant was second with 19.4, and LeBron James completed the top three with 12.5 percent of the votes.
COMMENTS