As the NBA playoffs are underway, the league is now announcing awards. At this point, only a couple of award winners have been announced. Marcus Smart has been named the Defensive Player of the Year. Smart has shown his defensive skills versus the Nets as well, doing a great job guarding the perimeter.

Whereas the award of Rookie of the Year was recently given to Toronto Raptors’ Scottie Barnes. There wasn’t any surprising performance by the rookies this year. Players like Luka, Morant, and Zion had great dominance right from the start. Though this year was pretty decent on the rookie level.

Fans question the Toronto Raptors Rookie of the Year

Scottie Barnes had a great rookie season averaging 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists a game. Currently, the Raptors are down 3-0 versus the Sixers. But when it comes to individual game, Barnes has done extremely well. Fans on Twitter questioned Barnes winning the ROTY award, as they compared him to other top rookies.

Evan Mobley has done pretty well also. Mobley averaged 15 points and 8 rebounds on a 50% shooting from the field. Whereas Cade Cunningham put up 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists a game. But what plays an important factor, is the win shares. Barnes had 6.6 win shares for the Raptors being a power forward.

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Cade’s win shares weren’t great considering his first-round selection, as his win shares for the Pistons were -0.5 this season. On the other hand, Mobley contributed 5.2 win shares for the Cavs. Cade, being a guard, contributed a decent stat to the team, but wasn’t enough for winning the ROTY award.

Rookies this year weren’t all at an elite level

Players like Luka and Morant surprised every NBA fan in their rookie season. Luka won the Rookie of the Year in 2019. His averages compared to Barnes’ were much better. Barnes had his best game this season versus the Lakers, putting up 31 points and 17 rebounds.

WATCH: Raptors Rookie Scottie Barnes Gives Hell to James Harden and Kevin Durant and Locks Them Up

It’s not so common to see unique rookie talent every year. Barnes did pretty well in Toronto, but it could’ve been much better. What are your thoughts on Scottie Barnes winning ROTY? Do let us know in the comments.

WATCH THIS STORY: ‘Sheesh’: Kevin Durant Impressed With Raptors’ Rookie Scottie Barnes