Let the record show I was not on board with the rumored pre-draft Rondo for Tyreke Evans deal.
And yet, I wanted to revisit the topic after witnessing Evans's Saturday second-half against Denver and his last second, game-winning fade-away over Kenyon Martin. Also after reading this
short comparison piece by Matt Moore of Hardwood Paroxysm.
Admittedly, Evans is not yet halfway through his rookie season, but he's currently averaging over 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assist, and 1 steal per game. Something only
two other rookies have done.
Michael Jordan and Lebron James.
Now Jordan is clearly 1A on this list, holding a significant edge in every statistical category save 3P%. (Really, Mike? 17%?) 7 more points per, 51% shooting vs Tyreke's 46% and Lebron's 42%, 2.4 spg, etc. James meanwhile, at nineteen, remains the youngest rookie and was making the more daunting transition from high-school to the pros. Still, that's rarefied air.
Shades of Paul Pierce for Chris Paul? Another "What if?" footnote for Ainge's storied draft day record (see Durant vs. Oden)? I can at least say for certain that I misjudged Evans.
Also, Moore didn't include each rookie's team record but possibly should have.
the 84-85 Bulls finished 38-44
the 03-04 Cavaliers 33-49
the 09-10 Kings are currently 15-21.