Tyreke Evans has entered rare company: NBA rookies who have averaged 20 points, five assists and five rebounds. You might have heard of the others on the list: Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan and LeBron James. But does that make Evans the rookie of the year? Here’s our list:
1. Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee » Evans is perhaps better. But Jennings has played for a surprising playoff contender, averaging 15.6 points, 5.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds, and playing for demanding coach, and ex-point guard, Scott Skiles. In the last four games minus injured Andrew Bogut, Jennings has averaged 18 ppg.
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2. Tyreke Evans, Sacramento » We liked him coming out of college and like him even more now. Evans will be a dynamic player for a long time. It’s too bad he plays for a poor team out west.
3. Stephon Curry, Golden State » We had our doubts about him coming out of college, but he’s been terrific in the NBA. He’s averaging 17.2 points and 5.9 assists per game — and making 43.5 percent of his 3-pointers.
4. Darren Collison, New Orleans » Collison filled in well for the injured Chris Paul with 13 games of at least 10 assists this season. He’s scored in double figures in 31 of the last 34 games and is averaging 12.3 points and 5.6 assists.
5. Marcus Thornton, New Orleans » That’s quite a nice young backcourt in New Orleans. Thornton can score; he’s averaged 19.9 points since Feb. 1 and is at 14.4 for the season.
