Suns’ Chriss moves into top three in rookie race
USA TODAY Sports’ top three candidates for the NBA Rookie of the Year award (through Week 21, from March 19 to Sunday).
Also receiving votes: Knicks’ Willy Hernangomez, 76ers’ Joel Embiid, Kings’ Buddy Hield
3. MARQUESE CHRISS, SUNS
Season statistics: 8.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.8 blocks, 44.5% shooting
The silver lining to all of the losing means more minutes for players such as Chriss, who has emerged as a key contributor for Phoenix over the last month. In 14 games in March, he was averaging 13.1 points (on 49.3% shooting), 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots. He’s also showing his ability to spread the floor, knocking down 1.5 three-pointers per game at a 39.6% clip. According to forward Alan Williams, Chriss, 19, has benefited from being “ultraaggressive.”
2. MALCOLM BROGDON, BUCKS
Season statistics: 10.2 points, 4.1 assists, 2.8 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 45.1% shooting
Brogdon, who put together three consecutive double-digit scoring performances in Week 21, has been a key cog for Milwaukee, which has been one of the NBA’s hottest teams since March 1 (11-4) and was tied for fifth in the Eastern Conference. His maturity and two-way capabilities make him a part of the Bucks’ plan for the future alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Jabari Parker.
1. DARIO SARIC, 76ERS
Season statistics: 12.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.7 steals, 41.4% shooting
Continuing to benefit from heavy minutes and a high usage rate, Saric poured in a careerhigh 32 points (on 12-for-19 shooting) to go along with 10 rebounds in a win against the Bulls. Since teammate and former Rookie of the Year front-runner Joel Embiid played his last game before being shut down for the season with a knee injury, Saric is averaging a team-high 19.0 points (on 45% shooting) and 7.1 rebounds. During that span, he also ranks fourth among all rookies with 3.4 assists per game, fourth with 1.7 three-pointers and second with 31.3 minutes.