Dario Saric, Joel Embiid nominated for Rookie of the Year

The Philadelphia 76ers’ Dario Saric and Joel Embiid are amongst the three finalists for Rookie of the Year, the NBA revealed on TNT prior to the start of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Milwaukee’s Malcolm Brogdon is the other nominee.

In 81 games, Saric averaged 12.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists while shooting 41.1 percent from the field. Compared to the other rookies, he was second in points, third in rebounds and eighth in assists per game. His 10 double doubles were good for second best behind New York’s Willy Hernangomez. Saric was also Rookie of the Month in February and March.

Embiid played just 31 games, but made a humongous impact during that time. The 23-year-old averaged 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 2.1 assists while shooting 46.6 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from three. Embiid led all rookies in points, rebounds and blocks per game. He was named Rookie of the Month from November-January.

Brogdon finished the year with 10.2 points and 4.2 assists, and shot 45.7 percent from the field and 40.4 percent from three. He led all rookies in three-point shooting percentage, assists and steals per game.

Both Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal named Saric as their choice for Rookie of the Year during the reveal, while Kenny Smith went with Brogdon.

The winner will be announced on TNT’s NBA Awards show on June 26th.