Each week, the Draft Digest team picks an NBA rookie from each conference as the best player of the week.
Especially at this point in the season, some first year players are really getting their first experience playing big roles in key games. For others, the minutes have always been there so it’s about finding ways to improve on past performances.
This class is proving to be deep, as nearly every night a rookie or two around the league is making huge plays.
Who brought home the hardware this week?
Eastern Conference
Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons)
Stats Since Last Week: 4 GP | 8.8 PPG| 10.5 RPG | 1.3 BPG | 68.2% FG
As the season goes on, Duren continues to dominate the paint. Not only does he make nearly ever shot he puts up, but he also cleans the glass better than any rookie in this class.
Sure, it’s on a Pistons team that isn’t all that competitive, but it’s impressive nonetheless. As the youngest rookie in the recent draft, he plays like a veteran as it relates to paint presence.
As a defender in the paint he’s been extraordinary, blocking and altering a ton of shots. In fact, he’s earned a 79 DSI according to Cerebro Sports through his rookie season to this point.
It appears Duren will be a key piece of the Detroit rotation for a long time. As he expands his game, the ability to score from further away from the rim will be key.
Western Conference
Jaden Hardy (Dallas Mavericks)
Stats Since Last Week: 3 GP | 16.0 PPG| 2.7 RPG | 93.8% FT | 41.7% 3PT
It’s taken some time for Hardy to break into the Dallas rotation, but he’s made the most of every opportunity. With Luka Doncic sidelined with an injury and the roster being shorthanded due to trade transitions, he’s really emerged.
In what was the best game of his NBA career, Hardy produced 29 points on just 12 shots this week. He was a key differentiator in the win and showcased his ability to impact the game at a high level.
It will be interesting to see how much playing time he gets down the stretch and into the playoffs, but this week specifically he was one of the best rookies in the class.
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