5 Dark Horse NBA Rookie of the Year Candidates

Malik Monk (Kentucky) shows off the inside of his suit jacket as he is introduced as the number eleven overall pick to the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.

De'Aaron Fox told us before the draft that he was the best player available. So there's that. But when it comes to his actual game, let the blur with the basketball, and maybe the best athlete amongst the rookies, didn't take long to show he's got legit skills. Now—full disclaimer—I'm not putting too much into the preseason, but the fifth pick in June's draft already said he felt comfortable in his first NBA game as he finished with 16 points, 2 assists, 1 board, 1 steal, and 1 block in 17 minutes of action the other night. And a rookie feeling like he belongs on the court during his first true taste of the NBA isn't always the norm. Just ask Jaylen Brown. So if Fox plays an excellent point, puts up some respectable numbers, and can lead the Kings to around 35 wins—three more than last season's total and 7.5 more than Vegas has Sacramento projected right now—then why not give the kid from Kentucky the crown? — A.C.

Tatum is the most complete player in the draft; think a more athletic Carmelo Anthony in terms all the ways he can score. Now take his skills and match ‘em up with a talented roster like the Celtics have, and you have an environment where he can flourish. Playing alongside established stars as Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving will give Tatum plenty of opportunity to wreak havoc in one-on-one situations. Punch him in for 16 points a game in 25-30 minutes of action a night. Sounds like Rookie of the Year to me. — A.D. 

Malik Monk averaged nearly 20 points per game in his one year at Kentucky, including an absurd 47 points in just his 11th college game. Yet he still dropped to 11th in a loaded draft in which his freshman backcourt mate, Fox, went fifth. In Charlotte, Monk will pair with Kemba Walker in an explosive score-first backcourt as Dwight Howard embarks on his latest redemption tour. Monk should have plenty of opportunities to both score and set up (not to mention learn from His Airness). Provided he gets the minutes—and he should—Monk could be this year’s Paul Pierce, a talented rookie with a draft-motivated chip on his shoulder. — R.B.