While the NBA's Rookie of the Year award is somewhat of a booby prize, often going to a youngster who found plenty of playing time on a NBA cellar-dweller, it is also a decent predictor of future success. If Marcus Smart can prove himself worthy of the award in his first professional season, it will likely indicate that the Boston Celtics have a real winner on their hands.
Of the 14 players who have won the award since the turn of the century, only Emeka Okafor, Tyreke Evans and Michael Carter-Williams (who won the award last season) have not been named to All-Star teams. There have also been 24 Hall-of-Famers who have claimed the award.
As the No. 6 pick in what was predicted to be a very loaded NBA draft, Smart already has a steep hill to climb.
When we look a little deeper at some of history's lessons, though, the slope evens out and a conversation can certainly be had for Boston's rookie to have a chance.
What does history have to say?
For starters, his position definitely helps his chances. By definition, guards and especially point guards have the ball in their ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Michael Walsh
What Marcus Smart Has to Do to Contend For 2014-15 NBA Rookie of the Year
August 26th, 2014 by Michael Walsh Leave a reply »
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