NBA SIMS LEAGUE ROOKIE OF THE WEEK WATCH - Week 2
| PLAYER | TEAM | WHY | STATS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | PER 15.31 |  Eastern 1-3 | Shead wanted his guy, and made sure of it, moving on from Trae Young. And Ace Bailey has been Detroit’s injection of energy, length, and scoring punch on the wing - stunning the NSL world. Playing heavy minutes 33.1 per game, Bailey is already producing like a long-term franchise pillar, posting 13.9 PPG and 5.4 RPG while using possessions efficiently for a rookie (nearly 50% TS). He has adapted to NSL speed and physicality, and his combination of slashing, vertical finishing, and transition pressure instantly changes Detroit’s pace, with their defensive presence in full effect. Bailey isn't just a future star, he’s impacting winning now. | 19.5 PTS 5.8 REB 1.0 AST 0.8 STL 1.3 BLK |
 | PER 10.70 | Eastern 1-3 | Super Jenkins! He has stepped into Detroit’s backcourt with poise, physicality, and an unselfish approach that complements the team’s young scoring wings. Helping this organisation take the NSL world by storm - 8.8 PPG is one thing for a 2-way like Daniss, but 8.3 APG in Week 2 were elite. Especially when you factor in, Jenkins being in the Free Agency Pool all of last season. Detroit obviously trust him with meaningful minutes; making the smart read and defending his position every possession. He’s the glue-guy who makes the Pistons’ lineup functional. Can a two-way like Jenkins win ROTW? | 8.8 PTS 2.8 REB 8.3 AST 0.5 STL 1.0 BLK |
| PER 5.17 |  Eastern 3-2 | Tauted as one of the best defensive assets in the draft, Sion James brings a mature, physical guard play to any team. James lifts this Milwaukee roster with his toughness and versatility. His numbers aren't flashy, but value lies in defensive assignments, ball pressure, and stabilising lineups. Week 2, he managed 2.4 PPG, 1.6 APG, and 1.4 RPG, which isn't going to win you an award. As a bigger guard who can switch across positions, James gives the Bucks the kind of playoff-style backcourt presence that most teams don’t get from rookies. Not his week. | 2.4 PTS 1.4 REB 1.6 AST 0.2 STL 0.0 BLK |
| PER 14.75 | Eastern 3-2 | The Bucks struck gold with Yanic Konan Niederhauser, a high-motor big who’s giving them efficient production in limited minutes. Posting 6.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, and nearly 2 assists in just 17.4 minutes, YNK's impact jumps off the page, for a Bucks organisation seeking championship glory. His 65.8% TS and 14.96 PER highlight how mistake-free and effective he’s been offensively, while his activity on the glass and interior defense gives Milwaukee stability whenever he checks in. Ethan must be very pleased with the ability of the youngster to plug-in and play! | 6.8 PTS 5.0 REB 1.2 AST 0.6 STL 0.4 BLK |
| PER 15.81 |  Eastern 4-0 | Tre Johnson has wasted no time proving he belongs at NSL level, giving the Knicks a steady two-way presence with real upside. Averaging 12.3 PPG in just 25 minutes, Johnson’s scoring comes efficiently, backed by a strong 52.9% TS and a smooth mid-range game that already bends defenses. His 4.0 assists per game show maturity beyond a typical rookie scorer. With a 15.69 PER and growing usage, Johnson has become one of the East’s most reliable rookie guards early days, giving New York a backcourt playmaker who’s only scratching the surface. Smokey must be stoked to have a rookie that can push this team's championship ambitions. | 13.8 PTS 4.0 REB 6.0 AST 0.3 STL 0.3 BLK |
| PER 23.42 |  Western 1-3 | Khaman Maluach has been nothing short of a revelation in Phoenix - a sense of enjoyment and something to cheer for. The 7'2” prodigy is already impacting winning with 16.5 PPG, a dominant 10.75 RPG, and elite 74.5% TS. His stunning level of efficiency has been award worthy. If not for another name on this list, Malauch would be winning this week. Logging 33.8 minutes per game, Maluach has become a defensive anchor and lob threat. His 18.69 PER shows he’s producing at an advanced level, and his nearly 29 EFF points underline his all-around presence. Laddas would be ecstastic about the numbers produced by their big-man! | 21.8 PTS 11.8 REB 2.8 AST 1.8 STL 1.8 BLK |
| PER 22.07 |  Western 1-3 | The Clippers are stacked with talent, and VJ Edgecombe has been the electrifying need add! Giving them a dynamic two-way guard presence, he has filled every column on the stat sheet. With 19.0 PPG, 6.9 APG, and 4.0 RPG in 34.4 minutes, Edgecombe plays with an NSL-ready blend of pace, strength, and creativity. His 19.28 PER and elite 40.6 EFF show how consistently he drives L.A.’s offense. Few rookies combine production, usage, and winning impact like Edgecombe. Andrew has found a long-term asset and future star in VJ! | 23.5 PTS 5.3 REB 6.8 AST 1.3 STL 0.3 BLK |
| PER 24.27 |  Western 2-2 | Oh boy! Here we go! Cooper Flagg has stormed into the league as the clear frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. Leading all rookies in scoring at 33.6 PPG, he’s already functioning as a primary option while maintaining a strong 54.1% TS. Add in 8.3 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and astronomical minutes (46 per game) and Flagg’s workload is unprecedented for a rookie wing. His 23.73 PER, 31 EFF, and sky-high 31.4 VA reflect superstar-level production. Flagg isn’t just the best rookie—he’s playing like one of the most impactful wings in basketball, full stop. JMac knew what he was doing when he set the organisation to rebuild mode, and secured the generational talent that is Flagg. What a start! | 37.8 PTS 5.8 REB 5.8 AST 1.0 STL 0.5 BLK |
| PER 22.41 |  Western 2-2 | Daz has methodically been changing the trajectory of the Warriors, and Newell is a part of that transition! Newell has quickly become one of the Warriors’ most intriguing young pieces, putting the Warriors in the positive with 3.5 +/- in Week 2. Even in a limited 12.7 minutes, he’s delivering 9.3 PPG with an incredible 74.8% TS, making him one of the most efficient rookies in the league. His 21.75 PER is superstar-territory per-minute, reflecting a player who scores, rebounds, and defends with exceptional energy and feel. Newell gives Golden State instant offense, spacing, and versatility at the 4, and every indicator points to a breakout once his minutes inevitably rise. Very consistent from a young player, with more to come, one would expect! | 9.3 PTS 2.8 REB 1.8 AST 0.3 STL 0.5 BLK |
| PER 12.41 |  Western 4-1 | LJ has unlocked a glitch in Egor Demin. He has emerged as one of the best pure playmakers in the rookie class, orchestrating Dallas’ offense with 9.6 assists per game. Demin has the size and presence that has caused unruly headaches to all teams that have faced the Mavs. A ridiculous assist per game for a first-year point guard. He also adds 12.2 PPG and 3.8 RPG while playing 33.4 minutes. Demin’s 26.0% usage and 15.18 PER reflect strong efficiency given his primary-creator role, and his ability to manipulate defenses has been a nighmare for many. He looks every bit like a long-term starting point guard with elite vision that Dallas needs. LJ has played the cards perfectly, and Demin is a key example! | 9.6 PTS 4.2 REB 11.4 AST 1.2 STL 1.0 BLK |
| Comments (1) | |||
| Rootsey 12/04 03:20 am | King Kon is on the horizon for next week. 63% from 3. | ||