Brogdon is steal of 2016 draft

USA TODAY Sports’ top three candidates for the 2016- 17 NBA Rookie of the Year award ( Jan. 2 through Saturday).

3. Buddy Hield, New Orleans Pelicans:

Hield put together the second 20- point performance of his career in a loss Jan. 2 to the Cleveland Cavaliers as his role in the offense continues to grow. The No. 6 overall pick is averaging 9.1 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists, leads all rookies in three- pointers made ( 1.6 a game) and ranks fifth in three- point percentage ( 37.6%).

2. Malcolm Brogdon, Milwaukee Bucks:

Taken with the 36th pick, Brogdon has proved to be the steal of the draft, and it hasn’t even been close. The 24- yearold has strung together six consecutive double- digit scoring games ( including his first career triple- double). For the season, he’s averaging 8.9 points on 45.4% shooting, 3.9 assists and 2.6 rebounds, carving a niche for himself.

1. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers:

As Embiid gradually sees more minutes, he gradually scores more points. The 7- footer has dropped 20plus in five consecutive games as he continues his campaign — on the court and on social media — to become the first rookie since Blake Griffin ( 2011) and the third since Yao Ming ( 2003) to be selected to the All- Star Game. With his widespread popularity and 19.4point, 7.3- rebound, 2.4- block averages, he just might do it.

USA TODAY SPORTS Brogdon