There are a variety of sites on the interweb which offer their take on 'NBA Rookie Player rankings'. Consistent with the majority of these sites is that Bucks rookie PG Brandon Jennings is in the top two. You need not be a fan of the Bucks...or basketball for that matter....to realize that what Jennings has been able to do to start his career is nothing short of remarkable.
"The Zone" is that special place an athlete gets to where everything slows down. With Jennings on the floor, other players seem to stop. The opposition can't stay with him on defense, and the other Bucks on the floor can't help but stop and take notice of how this kid sheds defenses with lightning quickness and surprisingly soft touch.
We know he's off to a great start for the Bucks; and among his rookie class he's the top dog, but how has Jennings stacked up against some of other notable point guards in the NBA? The numbers don't lie:
|
PLAYER
|
PPG | APG | RPG | SPG | FG% | 3PT% |
| Brandon Jennings: | 25.6 | 5.1 | 4.4 | 1.1 | 50% | 57% |
| Chris Paul (NOH): | 23.8 | 9.2 | 3.4 | 1.7 | 59% | 65% |
| Mo Williams (CLE): | 18.4 | 4.3 | 2.4 | 0.9 | 49% | 51% |
| Rajon Rondo (BOS): | 10.3 | 8.7 | 3.5 | 2.7 | 58% | 0% |
| Devin Harris (NJ): | 15.5 | 7.5 | 5.5 | 1.5 | 32% | 0% |
| Deron Williams (UT): | 20.4 | 9.9 | 5.1 | 0.9 | 46% | 29% |
| Tony Parker (SA): | 15.2 | 4.2 | 2.2 | 0.5 | 47% | 0% |
| Steve Nash (PHX): | 17.6 | 11.5 | 2.5 | 0.1 | 53% | 46% |
| Brandon Roy (POR): | 20.6 | 5.2 | 4.5 | 0.4 | 44% | 35% |
| Derrick Rose (CHI): | 13.8 | 5.3 | 2.9 | 0.9 | 47% | 0% |
Most remarkable to me about Jennings is not his ability to score, but it's the efficiency at which he does it. His shooting percentages are far above what was anticipated. What doesn't show up in the stats above is how Jennings has been able to carry his team to victory; and how he is able to reach any spot on the floor when he has the ball due to jackrabbit-like quickness.
Jennings is ushering a new era of play in Milwaukee...one that already has his name mentioned in the same breath as Wilt Chamberlain, Earl Monroe, Rick Barry and Elgin Baylor - the only other players to score 55 points or more as an NBA rookie.
Take notice.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.