Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes has been named a finalist for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award.
Barnes averaged 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists while starting in 74 games this season which was good for third in scoring and rebounds for all rookies. He is the only Raptors player to be nominated for an award this season and could be the third to win rookie of the year after Damon Stoudamire won it in 1996 and Vince Carter in 1999.
Going up against Barnes for the award are Cade Cunningham from the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley.
Cunningham was selected first overall and averaged 17.4 points, 5.6 assists and 5.5 rebounds in 64 games. Mobley averaged 15.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 69 games for Cleveland.
In the other award nominations, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, and Nikola Jokic were named finalists for league MVP, Tyler Herro, Cameron Johnson, and Kevin Love were the finalists for Sixth Man of the Year. Taylor Jenkins, Erik Spoelstra, and Monty Williams will go head-to-head for NBA Coach of the Year.
Mikal Bridges, Rudy Gobert, and Marcus Smart were named the finalist for Defensive Player of the Year. Darius Garland, Ja Morant, and Dejounte Murray are the finalists for Most Improved Player.
