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Charlotte Hornets: 3 players threatening LaMelo Ball for Rookie of the Year

By Tyler Reed

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 22: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets celebrates a play during a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 22, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 22: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets celebrates a play during a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 22, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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The Charlotte Hornets seem to have hit the jackpot with the rise of rookie guard LaMelo Ball. Ball currently averages 14.6 points and 6.1 assists per game. He also leads all rookies in player efficiency with a rating of 18.3. Many believe that Ball is the front runner for the NBA Rookie of the Year award this season. However, he isn’t the only rookie making a splash in their debut season. Let’s take a look at three players that look to be Rookie of the Year contenders.

Tyrese Haliburton 

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball in the first half against the Orlando Magic at Golden 1 Center on February 12, 2021, in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, the user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 12: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball in the first half against the Orlando Magic at Golden 1 Center on February 12, 2021, in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, the user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Tyrese Haliburton was the 12th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and has surprised many with the season he is having. Haliburton is averaging 12 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds per game. The most staggering statistic is that Haliburton is shooting 49% from the field and 44% from the 3PT line. Haliburton continues to impress and is showing the competition that he is a Rookie of the Year contender.

Anthony Edwards

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – FEBRUARY 17: Anthony Edwards #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts to a call during the first quarter of the game against the Indiana Pacers at Target Center on February 17, 2021, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, the user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – FEBRUARY 17: Anthony Edwards #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts to a call during the first quarter of the game against the Indiana Pacers at Target Center on February 17, 2021, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, the user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

The number one overall pick had a sluggish start to his career. However, since becoming a starter, Anthony Edwards has been on a tear averaging 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. While Edwards’s rough start to his season may hinder his chances at winning the award, the second half of the season seems a lot brighter for the Rookie of the Year contender.

Immanuel Quickley

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 21: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Madison Square Garden on February 21, 2021, in New York City. The Knicks won 103-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, the user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 21: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Madison Square Garden on February 21, 2021, in New York City. The Knicks won 103-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, the user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

The most surprising Rookie of the Year contender has to be Immanuel Quickley. The 25th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft has found a home in New York. The city starving for great basketball is falling in love with the University of Kentucky guard. Quickly is averaging 11 points, 2 assists, and 2 rebounds per game. Quickly has been a nice change of pace for the Knicks and can score buckets in a hurry. Quickly ‘s stock continues to be on the rise. Don’t count him out as a Rookie of the Year contender just yet.

The NBA award season will be heating up as we enter the second half of the season. While Ball looks to be in the lead for the award, don’t count out other contenders. Who do you believe is a contender for the Rookie of the Year award? Feel free to let us know in the comments.

Next. Charlotte Hornets: Steph Curry gives high praise for LaMelo Ball. dark

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