The 2016-2017 NBA Rookie Class Has Been Historically Bad

The 2016-2017 NBA season can be summed up in perhaps three overarching storylines. The likely NBA Finals triple rematch between the Cavaliers and Spurs. The three-horse MVP race involving Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. And finally, the absolutely lackluster performances of this year’s very underwhelming rookie class.

While the race for the Larry O’Brien Trophy and the best player award have grabbed many of the headlines, the poor rookie showing has pushed the ROY discussion to the proverbial backburner. Frankly, when not one first round selection is even in the running for the honor, fans and media can hardly be blamed for not paying such close attention.

With Ben Simmons missing the entire season and upperclassman lottery picks like Kris Dunn and Buddy Hield posting up and down campaigns, its remarkable to consider that no one from the 2016 first round likely comes close to ROY consideration.

Sports Betting Dime rightly notes that the likely three ROY finalists are the 76ers big man pair of Dario Saric and Joel Embidd, with the Bucks Malcolm Brogdon also having a shot.

Amazingly, Saric and Embidd were both members of the 2014 NBA Draft class, with Brogdon (2016 ACC Player of the Year at Virginia) not being chosen until pick 36 of last June’s draft.

The whole thing is totally bizarre.

For those keeping score, Saric averaged 12.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists, in 81 games, with Embidd posting 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks, in just 31 games played (torn meniscus).

Brogdon tallied 10.2 points, 4.2 assists and 2.8 rebounds, for the recently eliminated from the playoffs Bucks.

One of the three above players will be named NBA Rookie of the Year, during the first-ever NBA Awards Show, June 26 in New York City. The gala will be hosted by Drake and broadcast on TNT.