NBA Weekly Report – Week 8

February 9, 2021 • Basketball Cards

Week 8 Notable notes (2/1/21- 2/7/21)

Fred VanVleet scored a career high 54 points which also the most in NBA history by an undrafted player.
LeBron James passes Wilt Chamberlain for third place on the NBA’s all-time field goal list.
Derrick Rose has been traded to the New York Knicks

2020-21 NBA Rookies

LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets) – Since making his first career start last week, Ball has not looked back and has flourished in the new role. Ball also scored a career high 34 points.
- Week 8 games:
  - 2/1/21- 14 points / 5 rebounds / 7 assists
  - 2/3/21- 22 points / 7 rebounds / 3 assists / 2 steals
  - 2/5/21- 34 points/ 4 rebounds / 8 assists / 2 steals / 1 block
  - 2/7/21- 19 points / 7 rebounds / 5 assists / 1 steal

Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves) – In the last 7 games, Edwards has started for the Timberwolves averaging 16.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. With increased minutes as the season continues, look for Edwards to continue his progress.
- Week 8 games:
  - 2/1/21- 13 points / 3 rebounds / 2 assists / 1 steal
  - 2/3/21- 14 points / 6 rebounds / 2 assists / 1 block
  - 2/5/21- 9 points / 2 rebounds / 5 assists / 1 block
  - 2/6/21- 20 points / 8 rebounds / 4 assists / 1 steal / 1 block

Tyrese Haliburton (Sacramento Kings) – Haliburton had back to back 20-point games last week with a career high 23 points in win over the Denver Nuggets. The rookie guard has shown he can shoot the 3 as well shooting 44% from the 3-point line, second among rookies.
- Week 8 games
  - 2/1/21- 5 points / 11 rebounds / 6 assists / 1 steal
  - 2/3/21- 21 points / 3 rebounds / 4 assists / 2 steals
  - 2/6/21 – 23 points / 4 rebounds / 6 assists / 2 steals / 1 block
  - 2/7/21- 13 points / 2 rebounds / 6 assists / 1 steal

Cole Anthony (Orlando Magic) – A career high 9 assists for the rookie guard helped get his team the victory over the Chicago Bulls.
- Week 8 games:
  - 2/2/21- 16 points / 7 rebounds / 2 assists / 1 steal
  - 2/5/21- 17 points / 4 rebounds / 9 assists / 2 steals
  - 2/6/21 – 11 points / 3 rebounds / 5 assists / 2 steals / 2 blocks

Immanuel Quickley (New York Knicks) – With the Knicks trading for Derrick Rose, it will be interesting to see how Quickley’s playing time with be affected. The pro however would be that the rookie guard can learn from the former MVP.
- 2/1/21- 16 points / 6 rebounds / 7 assists
- 2/3/21 – 9 points / 1 rebound / 1 assist
- 2/6/21- 12 points / 2 rebounds / 3 assists / 1 steal
- 2/7/21 – 5 points / 3 rebounds / 3 assists

James Wiseman (Golden State Warriors) – The rookie center is still out with a wrist injury but is expected to be reevaluated once the Warriors return home.

Under the radar

Jae’Sean Tate (Houston Rockets) – Playing in Belgium and Australia after going undrafted in 2018, Tate has finally found his role in the NBA and has been a fan favorite.
Desmond Bane/ Xavier Tillman (Memphis Grizzlies) – After the Grizzlies were able to draft Ja Morant last season, the Grizzlies again find themselves with a good rookie class as Bane and Tillman have both played significant roles.
Payton Pritchard (Boston Celtics) – After being inactive due to injury, Pritchard has return to the bench and continues to play a role on a deep Celtics team looking to make another playoff push.

Young rising stars

Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans) – It is very well-known about the hype surrounded by Williamson since entering the NBA last season. With no longer having a minute’s restriction, Williamson has averaged 23.7 points and 7.2 rebounds a game.
Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies) – Last years Rookie of the Year has had a decent season so far even after dealing with ankle injury that kept him out for 8 games. Currently 4^th among guards in the Western Conference, Morant could make his first All-Star game appearance.
Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers) – The 2^nd year guard has quietly had a good season for the Cavaliers averaging 16.1 points and 5.5 assist a game. Along with Collin Sexton, the Cavaliers have a strong back court they can build around for the next couple of years.

NBA Players of the Week

NBA Players of the Month (December/ January)

NBA Rookie Players of the Month