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2015/16 NBA Rookie of the Year Race

By Anthony Morgan

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 21, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Stanley Johnson (3) brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during the second quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Stanley Johnson (3) brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during the second quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

4 – Stanley Johnson 

Odds: 9/1

Drafted: 8th by the Detroit Pistons

FGM FGA FG% 3FGM 3FGA 3P% FTM FTA FT% Reb Ast Stl Blk TO Pts
Summer 30 52 0.58 5 12 0.42 16 27 0.593 34 10 9 5 9 81
Preseason 26 64 0.41 7 15 0.47 17 20 0.85 24 13 5 3 11 76
Total 56 116 12 27 33 47 1.443 58 23 14 8 20 157
Average 5.6 11.6 48.3% 1.2 2.7 44.4% 3.3 4.7 70.2% 5.8 2.3 1 0.8 2 16

Stanley Johnson has been one of the best rookies through the Summer League and Pre Season. He has averaged 16 Points, 5.8 Rebounds in ten games for the Pistons but the best aspect of his game has been his shooting touch. He has managed to shoot 48% from the field and 44% from the three point line over that time.

It seems Stan Van Gundy is leaning towards starting Marcus Morris at small forward to open the season but there should be more than enough minutes for Johnson to contribute. Towards the back end of the pre-season, Stan Van Gundy has experimented with playing Morris and Johnson together and that has proved to be successful over the short time it has been implemented.

Another player that will be able to help at both ends of the court immediately, this will ensure his role will only increase as the season gets underway. If Johnson continues to impress with his three point shot while continuing to get to the basket and then the free throw line, there is no reason to think he can’t put together a rookie campaign that includes 15 Points to go alongside 5 or 6 Rebounds and be in consideration for Rookie of the Year, especially if he helps the Pistons to their first playoff berth since 2009.

Next: Karl-Anthony Towns

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