Carter-Williams Rookie of the year

PHILADELPHIA – May ipagmamalaki pa rin si Michael Carter-Williams dahil nagawa niyang magningning sa likod ng nakakadismayang season ng Philadelphia 76ers.

Itinanghal si Carter-Williams bilang Rookie of the Year nitong Lunes para maging ikatlong player pa lamang sapul noong 1950-51 na pangunahan ang lahat ng rookies sa scoring (16.7), rebounding (6.3) at assists (6.2). Sina Oscar Robertson (1960-61) at Alvan Adams (1975-76) ang mga nauna.

Sa likod ng impresibong performance ng kanilang mahusay na guard, masama ang naging pagtatapos ng Sixers na may 19-73 win-loss record lamang at nagawa nilang parisan ang NBA record na 26 sunod na talo.

“I’d definitely trade this award to be in the playoffs in a second,” sabi ni Carter-Williams. “Coaches tell me to watch the playoffs to look at how different the game is and I do see it. It’s a whole different season. This game is about winning. I hope I set a positive example about leading your team in a good way no matter what. I hope guys that come in know the core of this team takes things seriously and we want to build something special.”

Tumanggap si Carter-Williams ng 104 mula sa posibleng 124 first-place votes. Pumangalawa si Victor Oladipo ng Orlando Magic at ikatlo si Trey Burke ng Utah Jazz.

“Michael made an immediate impact on the court this season, but his dedication, professionalism and contributions to both the organization and the Philadelphia community make him all the more deserving of this award,” sabi ni Sixers owner Josh Harris sa statement. “This is an incredibly proud moment for the 76ers and one we are thrilled to share with him, the city and our fans.”

Tangin si Allen Iverson lamang sa kasaysayan ng Sixers ang nanalo rin ng naturang award.