No Ceilings - Sophmore rewards
https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/the-2024-25-youth-movement-nba-awards-8db?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=536361&post_id=160576895&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=1f5gb9&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=emailNBA Sophomore of the Year Nominees
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets
Toumani Camara, Portland Trail Blazers
Winner: Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
In Camara’s case, he doesn’t have the same reputation as one of the Portland Trail Blazers’ best playmakers, but he’s been a star in his role as a play finisher offensively while taking on one of opposing teams’ two best scorers on a nightly basis...Both of Thompson and Camara support their clubs in ways that make everyone’s life easier, and they’re major reasons for the turnarounds each franchise has seen from last year to present. Each of them, with Ausar Thompson as a potential fourth option, are all worthy vote-getters in the Sophomore of the Year category.
I do think both Amen and Toumani have had more memorable one-on-one matchups this year holding star players to poor shooting outings, but that’s to take nothing away from how good Ausar has been as a team defender and playmaker. As his offense keeps coming along in the halfcourt, Ausar has a tremendously high ceiling of his own as a two-way hybrid forward.
NBA All-Sophomore Second Team
Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
Bilal Coulibaly, Washington Wizards
Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City Thunder
Keyonte George, Utah Jazz
Scoot Henderson, Portland Trail Blazers
Last, but certainly not least, it was so nice to see Scoot Henderson find more of his NBA footing after a rookie campaign that a lot of observers wanted to forget on his behalf.
Henderson didn’t live up to expectations last year as the third-overall pick. He was inefficient, turned the ball over in the pick-and-roll, and had his fair share of uphill battles defensively at the point of attack. Not to mention that his struggles shooting the ball from the outside were already noted before the draft.
This year, Henderson improved in essentially every area across the board. A portion of his Synergy rankings still aren’t the kindest to the young point guard, but watching the tape, Henderson’s flashes have been much more outspoken this season.
Scoot put together the best stretch of his career in January and February. He shot the cover off the ball and distributed it all over the floor as a lead guard while limiting mistakes. All season long, Henderson’s been more engaged on defense, improving his steals marks year-to-year.
Most importantly, it’s been fun to watch Scoot be Scoot again. His dynamic flair, downhill aggressiveness, and midrange craft all make him one of the best young guard prospects in the NBA. The talent is there for him to become an All-Star, and it’s been a joy to see more of it progress during his sophomore season.
NBA Most Improved Sophomore Nominees
Scoot Henderson, Portland Trail Blazers
Toumani Camara, Portland Trail Blazers
Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets
Winner: Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets
