-
Tim BontempsESPN
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Panchero was named the overwhelming winner of the NBA’s Rookie of the Year Award on Tuesday.
Banchero dominated the vote, receiving 98 out of 100 first-place votes and 494 out of a possible 500 points. He was followed in the voting by Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams and Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, with Kessler receiving the remaining two center votes.
Indiana Pacers guard Benedict Mathurin, Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray and Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey each received at least one vote.
Banchero, ranked No. 1 overall in last year’s NBA Draft, has averaged 20 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists this season. He became the third Magic player to win Rookie of the Year, joining Shaquille O’Neal and Mike Miller. Panchero led all rookies in points per game, scoring at least 20 points 40 times and scoring at least 30 points six times.
Williams, ranked No. 12 in last year’s draft, averaged 14.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists for the Thunder, helping Oklahoma City reach the championship, where they lost to Minnesota in an 8-9 game.
Kessler was originally taken by the Timberwolves with the 22nd pick before being sent to Utah in the Rudy Gobert trade last summer. He averaged 9.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game for Utah, as the 7-foot-1 center quickly established himself as a defensive powerhouse for the Jazz.
Panchero follows Luri Markkanen, who won the NBA Most Valuable Player award on Monday, and several other honorees last week: Defensive Player of the Year (Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr.); Clutch Player of the Year (Kings guard De’Aaron Fox); Coach of the Year (Kings coach Mike Brown); and Sixth Man of the Year (Boston Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdon).
The All-NBA, All-Defense, and All-Rookie teams — along with the league’s MVP award — will be revealed later this season.