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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Clemente Almanza

JJ Redick makes strong argument for Jalen Williams’ Rookie of the Year case

Former player and current analyst JJ Redick made a strong case for Jalen Williams’ Rookie of the Year odds in his latest podcast episode of “The Old Man & the Three.”

In recent weeks, due to strong individual performance and the Oklahoma City Thunder becoming a surprise playoff contender, Williams has gained momentum for the elusive award.

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“I would argue Williams is making a late push, and a worthy push, for Rookie of the Year… If you just look at the advanced stats for Jalen Williams vs. Paolo Banchero, Jalen outshines him in nearly every advanced stats — whether it’s true shooting percentage, offensive win shares, where Paolo is a negative win-share on Basketball Reference, defensive win shares… You could make a strong argument that Jalen Williams has had a better rookie year than Paolo Banchero — counting stats aside. But that’s where we get into role. And Paolo Banchero has been asked to be a primary shot creater on the Orlando Magic. And like all young players, he has struggled at times with efficiency; his 3-point-shooting was god-awful in February, 1-of-33, I think, for the month.  I don’t think I would vote for Jalen Williams if I had a vote, but I think this race where it felt like Banchero for months and months and months was the runaway favorite on this — Jalen Williams is definitely in the conversation for Rookie of the Year.”

In 65 games, Williams is averaging 13.5 points on 51.8% shooting, 4.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists. The 21-year-old likely won’t win it due to Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero having an equally impressive season and a strong start, but Williams will likely finish 2nd in voting.

The full conversation centering around the Thunder and how high Redick is on their future can be watched below:

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