Rookies Make Their Mark Across NBA’s November 2 Slate
First-year players delivered standout performances across the NBA on November 2, including Braden Smith’s 19 points and 10 assists for Indiana and Caleb Wilson’s team-high 24 points for Chicago.
All 30 NBA teams played on November 2, and several rookies put up strong numbers before the league’s November 3 off night. Their performances included contributions from both high draft picks and second-round selections.
Chicago rookie Caleb Wilson led the Bulls with 24 points against Philadelphia, adding seven rebounds, four assists and four steals. He made nine of 17 shots, including four of nine from three-point range. Washington’s AJ Dybantsa, the draft’s top pick, scored 21 points against Orlando, with five rebounds and three steals.
Indiana’s Braden Smith had 19 points and 10 assists against Atlanta, along with four rebounds, three steals and a block. The No. 38 pick made eight of 13 shots. Cleveland rookie Meleek Thomas, selected 34th, started against Oklahoma City and scored a team-high 17 points, with five rebounds, an assist and a steal.
Dallas rookie Morez Johnson Jr. scored 13 points against Sacramento, making all five of his field-goal attempts. Oklahoma City’s Aday Mara added 10 points and nine rebounds against Cleveland. Both players were first-round picks: Johnson was selected ninth and Mara 12th.