The Minnesota Timberwolves (29th) and the Orlando Magic (27th) are both near the bottom of the Basketball Power Index.
Neither has a shot at the playoffs, and both have leading candidates for Rookie of the Year. No. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins has put together a nice rookie season for the Timberwolves and from many accounts, is the likely winner of the ROY award. Magic point guard Elfrid Payton, the No. 10 pick in the draft, is however the most deserving, and it isn't really close.
Wiggins and Payton play different positions, so direct comparisons are not fair, but we can take a look at each player's performance, put it in context and then assess which player had the more outstanding rookie season. Wiggins came into the league as a player who would be able to score and play solid defense. In terms of statistics, we can look at scoring in terms of volume (points scored per 36 minutes) and efficiency (true shooting percentage), and we can look at defensive activity in terms of defensive rebounds (defensive rebound percentage) and steals (steals per 36 minutes).
I don't think he'll win it, but I definitely do think he's in the conversation.
My guess is that Wiggins will win it (hype + PPG,) but there are probably a few in the mix. I would think Elfrid, Mirotic and Noel are the others that warrant consideration.
